Pet emergency guide —
dogs & cats
Practical, straight-to-the-point guidance for the most common pet emergencies. Find your pet's situation below, get the essential information, and know exactly when to come in.
Jump to the situation you are dealing with right now:
Toxin ingestion & poisoning
Dogs and cats are frequently exposed to household toxins. Early treatment is critical — many toxins are far more dangerous the longer they remain in the body.
Dog ate chocolate: what to do immediately
Severity depends on the type of chocolate, amount eaten, and your dog's size. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate contain the highest levels of theobromine and are the most dangerous. Even small amounts of dark chocolate can cause vomiting, tremors, and seizures in small dogs. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — call now.
Read guideDog ate grapes or raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. There is no established "safe" amount — some dogs have developed kidney failure after eating just a few. The mechanism is not fully understood, which makes any exposure potentially serious. Call an emergency vet immediately, regardless of amount.
Read guideXylitol poisoning in dogs
Xylitol is found in sugar-free gum, some peanut butters, vitamins, mouthwash, and baked goods. Even small amounts can cause a rapid, life-threatening drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. Cats appear less sensitive, but any xylitol ingestion warrants a call to the vet.
Read guideCommon household toxins for pets
A reference guide to the most common toxins found in and around the home — including plants, medications, cleaning products, and foods. Use this to quickly assess whether something your pet was exposed to requires emergency care.
Read guideGastrointestinal emergencies
GI problems are the most common reason pets are seen in an emergency setting. Most are manageable — but some, like GDV (bloat) and foreign body obstruction, are immediately life-threatening.
Signs of bloat (GDV) in dogs
GDV — gastric dilatation-volvulus — occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood supply. It is fatal without emergency surgery, and deterioration can happen within hours. Large, deep-chested breeds are most at risk (Great Danes, German Shepherds, Standard Poodles), but any dog can develop it. If you suspect bloat, do not drive to call — drive to the ER.
Read guideDog ate a sock or foreign object
Dogs swallow socks, toys, corn cobs, rocks, and countless other objects. Some pass without issue; others cause obstructions that require surgery. Key warning signs are repeated vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. The sooner an obstruction is identified, the simpler the treatment.
Read guideWhen is vomiting an emergency in dogs?
A dog vomiting once or twice is often not an emergency. But vomiting that is frequent, contains blood, is accompanied by lethargy or pain, or occurs alongside a distended abdomen is a different matter entirely. This guide helps you tell the difference.
Read guideNeurologic emergencies
Seizures, sudden collapse, and changes in coordination can have many causes — some treatable with prompt intervention. Neurologic symptoms always warrant evaluation.
My dog just had a seizure: what to do
Most seizures last 1–3 minutes. Do not restrain your dog or put your hands near their mouth. Move furniture away to prevent injury and time the seizure. A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes is a medical emergency. After it ends, your dog will likely be disoriented — keep them calm and get them evaluated. First-time seizures always need a vet visit.
Read guideSudden collapse in dogs and cats
A pet that suddenly collapses and cannot stand requires immediate emergency evaluation. Causes range from cardiac events and internal bleeding to severe anemia and toxin exposure. Do not wait to see if they recover on their own — get to an emergency vet immediately.
Read guideUrinary emergencies
A blocked cat — one that cannot urinate — is one of the most time-critical emergencies in veterinary medicine. Male cats are especially vulnerable. Hours matter.
Cat not urinating: is this an emergency?
Yes — particularly in male cats, a urinary obstruction is life-threatening and can be fatal within 24–48 hours without treatment. Signs include frequent trips to the litter box with no output, straining and crying, licking at the genitals, and lethargy. A cat that has not urinated in more than 12 hours needs to be seen immediately. Female cats can also develop blockages but less commonly.
Read guideTrauma & injuries
Trauma cases require rapid assessment even when external injuries appear minor. Internal injuries are not always visible, and shock can develop quickly.
Dog hit by car: what to do immediately
Even a dog that appears to be walking normally after being hit by a car may have serious internal injuries, internal bleeding, or injuries that worsen over the following hours. Always seek emergency evaluation after any vehicle strike. Do not assume that because your dog got up and walked away that they are fine.
Read guideBite wounds in dogs and cats
Bite wounds are deceptive — the skin opening is often small, but the damage underneath can be extensive. Dog bites in particular can cause deep tissue injury, crush damage, and rapid infection. Cat bites are narrow but deep, and become infected extremely quickly. All significant bite wounds should be evaluated and cleaned by a vet within hours.
Read guideRespiratory emergencies
Difficulty breathing is almost always an emergency. Unlike dogs, cats never pant normally — any sign of respiratory effort in a cat warrants immediate evaluation.
Cat breathing fast: when to seek emergency care
A cat breathing with visible effort, breathing with their mouth open, or breathing with their neck extended is in respiratory distress. Common causes include asthma, congestive heart failure, fluid around the lungs, and pneumonia. Cats can deteriorate rapidly — this is not a situation to monitor at home. Come in immediately.
Read guideDifficulty breathing in dogs
Heavy labored breathing, open-mouth breathing at rest, blue or gray gums, and choking or gagging are all signs of a breathing emergency. Causes include laryngeal paralysis, tracheal collapse, pulmonary edema, and pneumonia. Any dog struggling to breathe needs immediate evaluation.
Read guideGeneral emergency guidance
A few principles that apply to almost every pet emergency situation.
What to do in any emergency
- Stay calm — your pet responds to your emotional state
- Assess the situation quickly: is your pet breathing and conscious?
- Call (469) 287-6767 on the way if possible — not instead of coming in
- Transport your pet as safely and smoothly as possible
- Tell the front desk immediately when you arrive — do not wait in line
What to bring
- Any medications your pet takes (or a photo of the bottles)
- Packaging of anything they may have ingested
- A leash, carrier, or towel/blanket for transport
- A form of payment (credit card, CareCredit, or cash)
- Medical records if you have them handy — helpful, not required
What NOT to do
- Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a vet
- Do not give human medications — many are toxic to pets
- Do not muzzle a pet that is vomiting or having trouble breathing
- Do not wait to see if severe symptoms improve on their own
- Do not delay because you are not sure — when in doubt, come in
Prepare before it happens
- Save our number now: (469) 287-6767
- Know your route: 11201 Preston Road, Frisco, TX
- Keep a medication list in your phone
- Identify toxin risks in your home and yard
- Keep a carrier or leash somewhere accessible
Don't see your situation here?
Call us — our team can help you decide whether your pet needs to come in, and how urgently.