It is easy to second-guess a change in a pet’s behaviour, appetite or toilet habits. This guide cannot tell you what is wrong, but it can help you recognise when waiting is not the safe option. If you are worried, call your usual veterinary clinic or an emergency clinic and describe exactly what you are seeing.
Signs that need urgent veterinary help
- Trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, severe pain or extreme weakness.
- Straining but failing to urinate or defecate, especially in a cat.
- Repeated vomiting, bloody or uncontrollable diarrhoea, black stools, or a swollen painful abdomen.
- Pale, blue or white gums, heavy bleeding, a suspected poisoning, choking or a serious injury.
- A sudden major change in behaviour with other signs of illness.
The Merck Veterinary Manual’s pet-owner emergency guide lists these as examples of situations that need immediate or prompt veterinary attention. The safest choice is to call when you are uncertain, because clinics can triage based on your pet’s age, history and current signs.
What to record before you call
Note when the change started, what your pet has eaten or accessed, whether they are drinking, urinating and passing stools normally, and any medication or recent diet change. A short video can be useful for an unusual cough, limp, breathing pattern or episode, but do not delay an emergency trip to capture one.
For a sitter: do not diagnose or medicate
Before a sit, owners should leave the usual vet, emergency clinic, insurance details if relevant, medication instructions and an emergency contact. A sitter should notify the owner, follow the written plan, and seek urgent care when signs are serious. Do not give human medication or start a supplement without veterinary direction.
This is general education, not veterinary advice. If a pet may be seriously unwell, contact a veterinary professional immediately.
