Hi there, I’m Willow, a sassy tabby cat with a weakness for sunbathing. And I’m Bentley, a cheerful golden retriever who will do just about anything for a good belly rub. Today, we’re teaming up to talk about something really important—veterinary emergencies.

We both regularly visit Southern Crossing Animal Hospital, where the team members are super friendly and know their stuff. Whether you’re a fellow feline or canine companion, knowing when your owner should ensure you receive emergency veterinary care can make all the difference.

Sudden pet illness

Willow: Imagine you’re lounging on the windowsill minding your own business when suddenly, you feel really awful. Get your people’s attention quickly if any of these signs occur:

  • Collapse or fainting
  • Excessive drooling
  • Difficulty standing or walking
  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
  • Uncontrollable shaking or tremors

Bentley: Yeah, like that time I drank way too much water after playing fetch on a hot day. I started bloating and feeling really uncomfortable. My person noticed something was wrong and rushed me to the vet. Turns out, I needed help right away. So, if your pet is suddenly very sick, don’t wait.

Pet breathing difficulties

Willow: Breathing should be as easy as purring, but if it’s not, it’s a big deal. If you see your pet struggling with any of the following, they need immediate attention.

  • Pale or blue gums
  • Gasping or choking
  • Coughing and wheezing
  • Rapid or labored breathing
  • Excessive panting in dogs and open-mouth breathing in cats

Bentley: One time, I was so excited about getting a treat that I accidentally inhaled part of it. I started coughing and wheezing, and my people could tell I was having trouble breathing. They rushed me out the door, and the vets helped me right away. Breathing issues are no joke, folks!

Pet trauma or injury 

Willow: Us cats are pretty agile, but sometimes we misjudge those jumps. An emergency visit is necessary if your pet has any of these issues:

  • Broken bones
  • Swelling or bruising
  • Visible bleeding or open wounds
  • Being unable to move or having difficulty walking
  • Whining or expressing pain signs when touched

Bentley: I remember the time I tried to jump off the couch and landed awkwardly. I ended up limping and couldn’t put any weight on my paw. Thank goodness my people noticed right away. If your pet is injured, head to the vet’s office pronto.

Pet ingestion of toxic substances

Willow: Pets love to explore, and sometimes we taste things we shouldn’t. Household items, such as chocolate, certain plants, or medications, can be really bad for us. If your pet snacks on something toxic, you need to act quickly. If you didn’t catch them red-handed but are uncertain about what they may have eaten, get them seen quickly if you see these signs:

  • Appetite loss
  • Tremors or seizures
  • Lethargy or weakness
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Dilated pupils or unusual eye movements

Bentley: Oh, chocolate. It smells so good, but it’s really bad for us. One time, I got into the holiday stash, and my people had to rush me to the emergency veterinary hospital. If your furry friend eats something dangerous, immediately call the Pet Poison Helpline.

Unusual pet behavior

Willow: If your normally playful kitty is hiding or if your usually calm dog is suddenly aggressive, they may have a health issue. These behavioral changes can mean that your pet is experiencing pain, feeling discomfort, or having an underlying health issue:

  • Excessive vocalization
  • Hiding or withdrawing
  • Increased thirst or urination
  • Sudden fearfulness or anxiety
  • Sudden aggression or irritability
  • Reluctance to move, jump, or climb stairs
  • Shaking or trembling without an obvious cause
  • Exhibiting unusual posture such as hunching or arching the back
  • Excessively licking, chewing, or grooming a specific body area

Bentley: Like that time, I just didn’t feel like myself and started growling at my own tail. My people knew something was off. Trust your instincts—if your pet’s acting weird, be safe rather than sorry.

Willow: If your pet exhibits any of these signs, stay calm and act quickly. The Southern Crossing Animal Hospital team can give you advice on what to do next and get your pet the help they need. Not that I would know—I’ve always been a purrrfect innocent angel.

Bentley: I’ve had my fair share of visits, and I’m always grateful that the team is Fear Free Certified. Otherwise, I’d be really nervous. If you ever face any of these situations or just want to be prepared, give them a call or request an appointment online. They’re the best at taking care of us!

Willow: Yeah, yeah, Bentley. We all know you have a VIP room there.

Bentley: Actually, they make everyone feel like a VIP. I’m just their biggest fan!