Contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately if

• Your pet has obvious injuries, wounds or bites
• You suspect your pet has been poisoned See symptoms of poisoning
• Your pet shows obvious distress or pain
• Your pet is wheezing, struggling to breathe, or has a bluish tinge to their lips, tongue, or skin
• Your pet is trying to pee, but can’t
• You see or suspect an eye injury
• Your pet is unable to walk, having seizures, or otherwise acting abnormally
• You see signs of dehydration like sunken eyes, lethargy, dry or tacky gums

Many signs and symptoms need veterinary attention. If you spot any of the below, please make an appointment to help your pet.

Digestion and weight changes

• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Changed appetite or water intake
• Changed urine output or appearance

Injuries or swelling

• Suspected or obvious eye injuries
• Cuts or wounds
• Facial swelling
• Insect bites or stings

Mouth and gum issues

• Much stinkier-than-usual breath
• Broken teeth
• Trouble chewing
• Changes to the normal pink color of your pet’s gums

Signs of discomfort or pain

• Withdrawing from normal activities
• Limping or not using a leg
• Having trouble with normal movement
• Shaking or pawing at the affected body part
• Unusual whining or crying
• Protecting a part of the body
• Responding with aggression or fear to being touched

Skin and coat issues

• Skin or coat changes
• Unusually bad body odors
• Open wounds or raw patches

Upper respiratory symptoms

• Persistent coughing or sneezing
• Unusual panting, like in moderate temperatures or after mild exertion