So, your pet is sick—how do you know if it’s something they can handle on their own versus when it is critical that you see a veterinarian? Let’s look at some common scenarios.
Vomiting is one of the most common signs of illness in both dogs and cats. Some animals vomit sporadically, but it becomes more concerning when the vomiting is frequent, especially multiple times in a single day. If your pet is vomiting and also acting lethargic, has diarrhea, and/or isn’t eating, these are signs that you should call your veterinarian. If your pet vomits but is otherwise acting bright and alert and still has an appetite, sometimes withholding food for a couple of hours can be enough to settle their stomach.
If you have a large-breed dog that is repeatedly retching but not bringing anything up, this could be a condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat. This is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary care.
Trouble breathing is another critical symptom. How can you tell if your pet is having difficulty breathing? They may not be following their normal routine and may stand in one spot with their neck extended. You may also notice increased effort when breathing, including seeing their abdomen contract with each breath. Any of these signs mean you should contact a veterinarian immediately.
Limping can also be concerning, and there are several potential causes. Dogs and cats can experience sprains and strains just like we do. However, limping can also be caused by injuries, joint problems, broken bones, or other painful conditions. Reasons to seek veterinary care include limping that lasts more than 24 hours, an inability to put weight on the affected leg, a history of trauma, or signs that your pet is in severe pain.
Eye issues are another reason to contact your veterinarian promptly. A red eye can be something as simple as conjunctivitis or something as serious as glaucoma. Glaucoma occurs when pressure inside the eye increases and can cause severe pain and permanent vision loss. A corneal ulcer can also cause redness and significant discomfort. If your dog or cat has a red or painful eye, it is important to contact your veterinarian promptly. Eye problems can worsen quickly, so examination, testing, and treatment should not be delayed.
Seizures are frightening to witness. If your dog or cat begins having a seizure, one of the most important things you can do is start timing it as soon as you notice it. Most seizures last one to two minutes, but if a seizure is approaching five minutes in duration, you should seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Multiple seizures occurring close together are also a reason to seek immediate veterinary attention.
Ingestion of a Toxin
There are many toxins that can cause serious harm to pets. Ingestion of sugar-free gum or candy containing xylitol, chocolate, certain medications, or lilies can cause serious illness. Lilies are particularly dangerous to cats and can cause life-threatening kidney failure. If you know or suspect that your pet has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service as soon as possible. Many toxin exposures have a much better prognosis when treatment begins promptly.
Difficulty urinating, especially in a male cat, can also be life-threatening. If your cat is repeatedly going in and out of the litter box, crying or straining while attempting to urinate, producing little or no urine, or becoming lethargic or vomiting, they should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Urinary obstruction can also occur in dogs, particularly males. While complete obstruction is less common in female dogs and cats, difficulty urinating in any pet warrants a call to your veterinarian.
Hopefully, these guidelines can help the next time you are questioning whether or not to call your veterinarian. Remember, repeated unproductive retching, trouble breathing, significant trauma, prolonged or repeated seizures, difficulty urinating, and painful or suddenly abnormal eyes should be treated as urgent concerns. And when you’re unsure, it is always better to call your veterinarian and ask.
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