When to Call the Vet

A complete guide to recognizing dog emergencies and knowing exactly when to seek help

Go to ER Now See Vet Today Monitor at Home Decision Guide Vet Visit Checklist FAQ

Symptom Triage System

Use this color-coded guide to determine how quickly your dog needs care

LEVEL 1

Go to Emergency Vet NOW

Life-threatening symptoms that cannot wait

Difficulty breathing or choking Seizures or collapsing Pale or blue gums Bloated, hard abdomen Uncontrollable bleeding Hit by car or major trauma Unable to stand or walk Suspected poisoning (antifreeze, rat poison) Non-stop vomiting or diarrhea (with blood) Eye injury or sudden blindness
Go to the nearest 24-hour emergency vet immediately Call ahead to let them know you're coming
LEVEL 2

See Vet Within 24 Hours

Serious but not immediately life-threatening

Vomiting or diarrhea for more than 12 hours Refusing to eat or drink for 24+ hours Lethargy or weakness lasting more than a day Blood in urine or stool (small amount) Coughing or sneezing for several days Lameness that doesn't improve after 24 hours Excessive drinking or urination Sudden weight loss or gain Scratching or hair loss Ear shaking or head tilting
Schedule an appointment for today or tomorrow morning Monitor closely until your appointment
LEVEL 3

Monitor at Home

Minor symptoms that can be observed

Mild vomiting once or twice (no other symptoms) Soft stool without blood Occasional grass eating (normal behavior) Sneezing without nasal discharge Hiccuping Minor scratching Sleeping more than usual (if eating/drinking normally) Slight decrease in energy for less than 24 hours
Monitor at home for 24-48 hours Call your vet if symptoms worsen or don't improve

Interactive Decision Guide

Answer a few questions to get a recommendation

1 Is your dog having trouble breathing?

Before You Go to the Vet

Information to Prepare

  • Dog's age, weight, and breed
  • Medical history (existing conditions)
  • Current medications
  • Vaccination records
  • When symptoms started
  • What your dog ate recently
  • Any known toxin exposure

What to Bring

  • Vomitus or stool sample (if possible)
  • Product container (if poisoning suspected)
  • Plant sample (if plant ingestion suspected)
  • Leash and muzzle (even friendly dogs may bite when in pain)
  • Recent photos of your dog (if different from current appearance)

Before You Leave

  • Call the vet to confirm they're open
  • Ask about emergency protocols
  • Check if you need to bring payment
  • Arrange transportation if needed
  • Bring a phone charger

Specific Poisoning Scenarios

Antifreeze

Symptoms appear in 30-60 minutes: Drunken behavior, vomiting, seizures, coma.

EMERGENCY - Vet immediately

Chocolate

Symptoms within 6-12 hours: Vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures.

EMERGENCY - Call poison control

Human Medication

Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antidepressants: Kidney/liver failure possible.

EMERGENCY - Vet immediately

Xylitol

Found in sugar-free gum/candy: Causes rapid blood sugar crash and liver failure.

EMERGENCY - Vet immediately

Grapes/Raisins

Even small amounts: Can cause acute kidney failure.

EMERGENCY - Vet immediately

Sago Palm

All parts toxic: Causes liver failure within days.

EMERGENCY - Vet immediately

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an emergency vet visit cost?

Emergency exam fees typically range from $100-$250, not including diagnostics or treatment. Additional costs for bloodwork ($150-$300), X-rays ($200-$500), hospitalization ($500-$2000+/night), or surgery can add significantly. Pet insurance can help offset these costs.

Can I wait until morning to see my regular vet?

For Level 1 (red) symptoms: No, go to emergency vet immediately. For Level 2 (yellow) symptoms: If your regular vet has appointments within 12-24 hours, you can typically wait. For Level 3 (green) symptoms: Yes, monitoring at home is appropriate.

What if I can't afford emergency veterinary care?

Options include: CareCredit (medical credit card), Scratchpay (payment plans), local animal welfare organizations (some offer financial assistance), crowdfunding (GoFundMe), or surrendering to a rescue that provides medical care. Some vets offer payment plans.

Should I induce vomiting at home?

Only if instructed by a veterinarian or poison control. Do NOT induce vomiting if: your dog is unconscious, having seizures, swallowed something sharp, swallowed a caustic substance, or more than 2 hours have passed. Hydrogen peroxide can be used but only under professional guidance.

What should I do after hours when my regular vet is closed?

Find your nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital and save their number in your phone. Most areas have at least one. You can also call ASPCA Poison Control (open 24/7) for guidance. Many regular vets have an emergency line on their voicemail.

My dog ate grass and is now acting weird. Should I panic?

If your dog ate grass from a treated lawn or ate a toxic plant, yes, call the vet. If your dog ate untreated grass and is acting normally aside from maybe mild stomach upset, monitor closely. Check our Toxic Plant Guide to identify potential dangers.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're ever in doubt about your dog's health, contact your veterinarian immediately. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.