Difficulty breathing, gasping, open-mouth breathing in cats, or repeated coughing can indicate a critical airway or heart issue. Collapse or seizures may signal severe neurological or cardiovascular distress.

Continuous bleeding that doesn’t stop within a few minutes, deep lacerations, or wounds from fights or accidents can lead to shock and infection if not treated urgently.

A swollen belly, unproductive retching, or signs of discomfort after eating may indicate gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening emergency common in large dogs.

Common household toxins like chocolate, grapes, onions, xylitol, painkillers, and cleaning products can seriously harm pets. Signs of poisoning include drooling, trembling, vomiting, or loss of responsiveness — bring any packaging to the vet for quick, accurate treatment.

Persistent vomiting quickly dehydrates pets and often signals serious internal problems such as intestinal blockage, pancreatitis, or poisoning. If the vomit contains blood, appearing red or like coffee grounds. It may indicate internal bleeding and needs immediate veterinary attention.

Overheating or heatstroke can quickly lead to organ failure in pets. Watch for heavy panting, bright red gums, drooling, vomiting, or confusion. Move your pet to a cool, shaded place, gently wet them with room-temperature water, and get to a veterinarian right away.

Difficulty urinating or straining in the litter box can indicate a urinary blockage, a critical and painful condition that prevents normal urine flow. This is a medical emergency—affected cats can die within 24 to 48 hours if not treated immediately. Prompt veterinary care is essential to relieve the blockage and prevent kidney failure or fatal complications.

Even if your pet appears unharmed after a fall, accident, or blunt impact, internal injuries or fractures may still be present. Pale, white, or blue gums are a serious warning sign of poor oxygen flow or internal bleeding. Contact your veterinarian immediately, as these symptoms often indicate life-threatening trauma requiring urgent medical care.