How to Use This Guide
This article is written for established WoofDoctor on Wheels clients as a practical triage guide. This is not a complete list of every possible emergency. When in doubt, it is always safer to seek care than to wait, especially after hours or if your pet seems “just not right.”
Think of three levels:
- “Watch and wait” with home care, then call WDOW/your primary vet during normal hours.
- “Contact your primary vet or WDOW soon” (same day or next available) or use a Tech Connect call.
- “Go to the emergency hospital now” (do not wait for a housecall or next-day clinic).
Please note, Tech Connect Calls can only be booked if Dr. Cifranick has seen your pet in person in the last 365 days.
To make decisions easier in real time, we recommend downloading our quick flowchart to walk you through the same triage questions step by step and help you decide when to monitor, contact WDOW, or go directly to emergency care.
Always An Emergency Red Flags
These situations should bypass home care and go straight to the nearest emergency hospital.
- Trouble breathing: Open mouth breathing in cats, blue or very pale gums, loud or labored breaths, or collapse.
- Severe or uncontrolled bleeding: Bleeding that soaks towels, pulses, or does not slow within about 5-10 minutes of firm pressure.
- Hit by car, big fall, or trauma: Even if your pet stands up afterward, internal injuries are common.
- Seizure emergencies:
- A seizure lasting 5 minutes or more.
- More than one seizure of any duration in 24 hours (cluster seizures).
- Seizure plus trouble breathing or your pet does not wake up and stay awake after a seizure.
- Sudden inability to walk or stand: Especially with neck/back pain or any level of paralysis.
- Bloated, painful abdomen especially with restlessness, retching without producing vomit, or collapse.
- Suspected toxin or foreign body: Known ingestion of medications not prescribed to your pet, household chemicals, poisonous plants, xylitol, rodent bait, possible string or foreign object (eg: toys), or overdose of any prescribed medication (especially human medications) or supplements.
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea in a high risk pet: Very young, very old, or pets with known chronic disease who are vomiting repeatedly, or very lethargic.
For any of the above, skip calling your primary vet or WDOW and go directly to an emergency or 24 hour hospital. Call them from the car so they know you’re on your way.
If your pet got into chemicals or medications the emergency vet may request that you call a pet poison control center before you come in or when you get to the hospital. Not every emergency hospital has a toxicologist available and some, more rare medications or chemicals are not easy to find information on how to treat for exposure. In cases like that a pet poison control consultation can be a vital part of getting the correct treatment. Below are the two US based pet poison control phone numbers and their fees as of January 2026:
ASPCA Poison Control: 888-426-4435 ($95 fee)
Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 ($89 fee)
Common Problems: What to Do and When
This section focuses on the questions we get all the time: vomiting, diarrhea, limping, bleeding/broken nails, skin issues, and seizures. Use it alongside the “always an emergency” list above.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Most mild stomach upsets can wait for a call or appointment, but some patterns need urgent care.
Usually OK to monitor and contact WDOW or your primary vet:
- One or two episodes of vomiting or soft stool, with your pet otherwise bright, eating, and drinking normally.
- No blood, no abdominal pain, and normal gum color and energy.
- Mild blood streaks in the stool but your pet is still bright, especially if this is new.
- Known dietary indiscretion (trash, new treats) in an otherwise stable pet.
In these cases:
- Withhold food for 6-12 hours (adult pets only), then offer small amounts of bland food if instructed by your vet.
- Monitor closely; call WDOW or your primary veterinarian the same day or next morning if symptoms continue.
- A Tech Connect call can be helpful for stable adults with mild, short term GI upset to decide if in person care is needed. Most pets recover within 2-3 days with a bland diet.
Contact WDOW or your primary vet urgently (same day) or consider after hours urgent care:
- Vomiting or diarrhea that continues or worsens over 12-24 hours.
- Vomiting or diarrhea after ingesting something they shouldn’t have, even if it was edible.
- Any sudden or worsening discomfort with or without obvious injury.
Go to emergency hospital now:
- Repeated vomiting or attempts to vomit with nothing coming up, especially with a tight or painful belly.
- Vomit or stool that looks like coffee grounds, pure blood, or black/tarry stool.
- Severe lethargy, collapse, pale gums, or refusal to drink for more than 6 hours along with GI signs.
- Very young, very old, or chronically ill pets with more than mild GI signs.
Limping and Injuries
Many limps can wait for a scheduled exam, but some injuries are emergencies.
Usually OK to monitor and contact WDOW or your primary vet:
- Mild limp after a known minor injury while playing, with your pet still bearing some weight, eating, and comfortable at rest.
- No obvious swelling, deformity, or open wound.
In these cases:
- Restrict activity and avoid stairs and jumping for 24-48 hours.
- Do not give human pain medications; many are toxic to pets.
- A Tech Connect call can help decide whether radiographs or an in person exam is needed and how urgently.
- Feel free to send a video of your pet limping. It can really help us with understanding their condition.
Contact WDOW or your primary vet urgently (same day):
- Limp that is moderate to severe or has not improved after 24 hours of rest.
- Swelling, warmth, or your pet cries when a limb or joint is gently touched.
Go to emergency hospital now:
- Your pet suddenly cannot stand or refuses to bear any weight on a limb.
- Suspected fracture (obvious deformity, dangling limb) or trauma (hit by car, fall, dog fight).
- Severe pain with vocalizing, rapid breathing, or collapse.
Bleeding and Broken Nails
Broken and bleeding nails are extremely common and painful; severity depends on how much is damaged and how much bleeding there is.
Usually OK to manage then contact WDOW or your primary vet:
- A small amount of oozing from a torn nail that stops within 5-10 minutes with gentle pressure or styptic powder.
- Your pet is walking reasonably well, and no large piece of nail is hanging or exposing deep tissue.
In these cases:
- Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze; you can apply cornstarch, flour, baking soda, or a pet safe styptic product to help stop any minor bleeding around the toenails. This can sting but should not be painful, so be prepared for your pet to pull away slightly.
- Keep the area clean and covered if possible, and arrange a visit with WDOW or your primary vet within 12-24 hours to prevent infection and address pain.
Contact WDOW or your primary vet urgently or consider after hours urgent care:
- The nail is broken down to or past the quick with visible bleeding and your pet is very uncomfortable, even if bleeding has slowed.
- Your pet obsessively licks the toe or will not let you examine the paw at all.
Go to emergency hospital now:
- Heavy bleeding from a nail that does not slow significantly within 10-15 minutes of steady pressure.
- You see exposed bone or large amounts of tissue loss, or the injury involves more than the nail (crushed or badly swollen toe/foot).
- The injury happened during major trauma (e.g., dragged, hit by car); treat this like a trauma case, it’s not “just a nail.”
Skin Issues: Itching, Rashes, Hot Spots
Many skin problems are uncomfortable but not truly emergent, though they should still be addressed promptly.
Usually OK to monitor briefly and contact WDOW or your primary vet:
- Mild to moderate itchiness, small localized rash, or a small hot spot with your pet otherwise acting normal.
- No facial swelling, no hives, and normal breathing.
A Tech Connect appointment is often very helpful for skin issues because good photos and video can guide whether in-person care is needed.
Contact WDOW or your primary vet urgently (same or next day):
- Rapidly worsening hot spot, raw skin, or obvious discomfort that interferes with sleep or normal activity.
- Recurrent ear infections, odor, or discharge with head shaking or scratching.
- If your pet holds their head tilted to one side but is otherwise walking and behaving fairly normal.
Go to emergency hospital now:
- Sudden facial swelling, puffy eyes or muzzle, widespread hives, or vomiting after a sting, bite, or new medication/food.
- Skin problem plus difficulty breathing, collapse, or severe lethargy, which can indicate anaphylaxis.
- A head tilt with circling or crying in pain.
Seizures or “Fits”
Seizures are frightening, some are urgent but not all require immediate ER care.
May be able to monitor and contact WDOW or your primary vet soon:
- A single, brief seizure (less than 4-5 minutes) in a pet who recovers fully and quickly, with no prior medical issues, and no other red flag signs.
- Your pet is walking, eating, and acting close to normal shortly after the episode (within 20 minutes).
In these cases:
- Note the duration and description of the episode, and get a video if safe to do so.
- Contact WDOW or your primary vet the same day or next business day for guidance and possible diagnostics.
Go to emergency hospital now:
- Seizure lasting 5 minutes or longer.
- More than one seizure in 24 hours, or seizures back to back without full recovery in between.
- Seizure plus difficulty breathing, severe overheating, collapse, or your pet not waking up and staying awake afterward.
After Hours Decisions and Virtual Help
Knowing what to do when your regular vet or WDOW is closed can reduce panic and protect your pet.
Good candidates to wait until clinic hours (monitor carefully):
- Mild, single episode GI upset in an otherwise healthy adult pet.
- Mild limp with some weight bearing and no obvious trauma.
- Mild skin or ear flare ups without systemic signs.
Situations where after hours urgent/emergency care is usually the right choice:
- Any of the “always an emergency” signs listed earlier.
- Ongoing vomiting/diarrhea, moderate or severe pain, or worsening symptoms that cannot safely wait 8-12 hours.
- Sudden swelling or redness of or around the eye(s).
When Tech Connect calls help:
- To review photos or videos of skin, limping, mild ear issues, or mild GI signs and decide if in person care is needed.
- To get triage advice when you are unsure whether to watch, schedule care, or head to an emergency hospital.
For a quick, at-a-glance decision tool, download our free flowchart to help you decide when to watch and wait, contact WDOW, or go straight to the emergency hospital.
Author: Cheryl Miller, RVT, CVBL, FFCP (Veterinary), VCC
If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss a water fountain for your cat or if you’re looking for brand suggestions tailored to your pet, please call or text us at (843) 966-3362. If you’re a current client, you can also schedule an appointment with Dr. Doug Cifranick online, or you can schedule a virtual appointment directly with Cheryl here.
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References:
Show All References
University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. “When to Seek Emergency Care for Your Pet.” 2024. https://www.vetmed.wisc.edu/when-to-seek-emergency-care-for-your-pet/
University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center. “Vomiting and Diarrhea.” 2023. https://vhc.missouri.edu/small-animal-hospital/emergency-and-critical-care/vomiting-and-diarrhea/
University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine. “Primary, urgent or emergency care—which does your pet need?” 2025. https://profiles-vetmed.umn.edu/article/primary-urgent-or-emergency-care-which-does-your-pet-need
BluePearl Pet Hospital. “What Symptoms are Considered Pet Emergencies? Top 10 Signs Your Pet Needs an ER Visit.” 2024. https://bluepearlvet.com/pet-blog/pet-emergency-symptoms/
Southern Louisiana Veterinary Specialists. “Emergency or Urgent Vet Care? What Every Pet Parent Should Know.” 2025. https://slvetspecialists.com/emergency-or-urgent-vet-care-what-every-pet-parent-should-know/