When to call the vet

A non-diagnostic triage tool. We don't tell you what's wrong with your pet — we help you decide how soon to talk to a real veterinarian.

Important. This page is not medical advice and never a substitute for examining your pet. If you think this is an emergency, call your nearest 24-hour veterinary clinic now.

Go now — emergencyCall your nearest 24-hour vet or emergency hospital.

  • Laboured breathing, open-mouth breathing in a cat, or blue/grey gums

    Call an emergency veterinary clinic now. Open-mouth breathing in a cat is always urgent. Move the pet calmly to the carrier or car.

    Dog or cat

  • Collapse, fainting, or active seizure

    Emergency. Time the seizure if you safely can. Do not put hands near the mouth. Call your nearest 24-hour vet.

    Dog or cat

  • Distended, hard belly + unproductive retching (especially in large/deep-chested dogs)

    Possible bloat / GDV — life-threatening in large dogs. Go to an emergency vet immediately.

    Dog

  • Male cat straining in the litter box with little or no urine

    Possible urinary blockage. This is a true emergency in male cats. Go now.

    Cat

  • Possible ingestion of chocolate, grapes, xylitol, raisins, onion, garlic, lilies (cats), human medication

    Call your vet or an animal poison control line (e.g. ASPCA Poison Control) immediately, with the substance and weight ready. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed.

    Dog or cat

Same-day vet visitCall your vet for a same-day appointment, or use a telehealth triage line.

  • Vomiting more than 3 times in 12 hours, or any vomiting plus lethargy

    Same-day vet appointment or telehealth triage. Do not withhold water unless instructed.

    Dog or cat

  • Diarrhea with visible blood, or persistent diarrhea for >24 hours

    Call your vet today. Bring a small fresh sample if asked.

    Dog or cat

  • Squinting, holding eye closed, visible cloudiness or discharge after a possible injury

    Eye conditions worsen quickly. Same-day vet appointment recommended. Do not apply human eye drops.

    Dog or cat

  • Sudden severe limping or non-weight-bearing limb

    Same-day vet visit. Restrict activity, keep crated or in one room until seen.

    Dog or cat

  • Refuses food for 24 hours (dog) or 12–24 hours (cat)

    Cats are at risk of hepatic lipidosis after a short fast. Same-day vet contact recommended.

    Dog or cat

Book a visit this weekSchedule a routine appointment in the next few days.

  • Mild intermittent limping that improves with rest

    Reduce exercise and book a wellness check within a few days if it does not resolve.

    Dog or cat

  • Repeated head-shaking, scratching at one ear, or an odour from the ear

    Book a vet visit within the week — likely needs an in-clinic exam. Avoid OTC ear cleaners.

    Dog or cat

  • Persistent scratching or biting at the skin, hot spots, or hair loss

    Schedule a vet visit. In the meantime, keep on monthly parasite preventative if prescribed.

    Dog or cat

  • Sudden behaviour change — unusual hiding, aggression, vocalising, or lethargy

    Schedule an exam this week. Pets often hide pain — behaviour change is frequently a medical sign.

    Dog or cat

Monitor at homeWatch for changes — contact a vet if it worsens or does not resolve.

  • Small, clean cut or scrape that is not bleeding heavily

    Rinse with clean water. Keep clean and dry. If it does not improve in 24–48 hours, or if any swelling, redness, or discharge develops, contact your vet.

    Dog or cat

  • A single loose stool with normal energy and appetite

    Often resolves in 24 hours. Keep an eye on energy, appetite, and frequency, and contact your vet if it worsens.

    Dog or cat

Possible poisoning

If your pet may have ingested something dangerous (chocolate, grapes, xylitol, human medication, lilies for cats, etc.), call an animal poison control line immediately — they can advise on whether to induce vomiting and on next steps. Have the substance, time, and your pet's weight ready.

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control (US): +1-888-426-4435 (consultation fee may apply)
  • Pet Poison Helpline: +1-855-764-7661 (consultation fee may apply)