Dogs depend on us to recognize when something is wrong. Pet emergencies can escalate rapidly, even if the initial symptoms seem mild. Acting quickly in critical situations can save your dog’s life or prevent serious complications. This article, prepared by Sploot Vets, discusses when to take dogs to emergency vets and why they require emergency care.
1. Open Wounds, Broken Bones, & Physical Trauma
Accidents like falls, car collisions, or fights with other animals can cause significant injuries, whether external or internal. Here are the main types of injuries and why they need prompt attention from an emergency dog vet:
- Open wounds—can become infected if not cleaned and treated promptly.
- Deep punctures—may damage muscles, tendons, or organs beneath the surface, leading to long-term complications.
- Broken bones—might not always lead to visible deformities, but delayed treatment can cause further damage or improper healing.
- Internal injuries or trauma—these can occur without any external signs and can lead to internal bleeding, organ failure, infection, or shock if not treated promptly.
2. Bleeding from the Mouth, Nose, or Eyes
Bleeding from the mouth, nose, or eyes is not normal for dogs and can be caused by trauma, foreign objects, or toxins. In some cases, these may indicate internal injuries, a ruptured tumor, or clotting disorders.
Left untreated, the bleeding can worsen or lead to blood loss. Similar to other symptoms on this list, it’s best to contact an emergency dog vet if you observe this symptom in your pet.
3. Extreme Pain
Dogs can’t verbalize their pain, but they often show it through behaviors like whining, shaking, or excessive restlessness. Other signs of dog pain include rapid breathing, panting, hypersalivation, and sensitivity to touch.
Extreme pain in dogs is often a symptom of serious underlying conditions like fractures, internal injuries, severe infections, and so on. Prompt treatment from an emergency dog vet not only alleviates your dog’s suffering but also addresses the root cause before it worsens.
4. Too Little Urine or Inability to Pass Urine
Difficulty or inability to urinate is often due to urinary obstructions, often caused by stones or blockages in the kidney or bladder. In some cases, the small amount of urine may be tinged with blood, indicating internal bleeding due to the stones.
When a dog passes too little or no urine, this can lead to life-threatening kidney damage or bladder rupture. This condition also causes extreme pain, further necessitating the need for emergency veterinary care.
5. Difficulty Breathing
Labored or obstructed breathing is one of the most life-threatening emergencies a dog can face. This symptom can signal a respiratory or cardiac emergency. This can rapidly deprive the dog’s body of oxygen, leading to organ failure or death. If you observe this symptom, contact an emergency dog vet immediately.
6. Repeated Vomiting & Blood in Vomit
While occasional vomiting in dogs can occur due to minor digestive issues, frequent or severe vomiting is an emergency situation, especially if the vomit contains blood or is the color of blood.
Persistent vomiting in dogs can lead to dehydration and may indicate poisoning, gastrointestinal obstruction, or severe infections. Meanwhile, vomiting blood signals internal bleeding, potentially caused by ulcers, trauma, or ingestion of sharp objects. Notify an emergency dog vet immediately if you observe these symptoms.
7. Ingestion of Toxins or Poisoning
Dogs are naturally curious and may accidentally consume harmful substances like candy, chocolate, xylitol, grapes/raisins, marijuana, or household chemicals. Even small amounts of certain toxins can cause organ failure, seizures, or death.
In case of toxin ingestion or poisoning, an emergency dog vet may be able to induce vomiting or administer activated charcoal to prevent the absorption of the toxin. However, in cases wherein ingestion occurred long before discovery, hospitalization may be necessary.
8. Bloating & GDV (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus)
Bloating in dogs can occur when the stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid, causing temporary discomfort, distension, and a hard abdomen. This can be due to overeating, eating too quickly, or exercising immediately after eating.
While mild bloating can sometimes resolve on its own, it’s important to monitor your dog closely, as it can escalate into a life-threatening condition called Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), especially in deep-chested breeds.
GDV occurs when the stomach twists on itself, cutting off blood flow to vital organs and trapping its contents. Sploot veterinarian Dr. Haleigh Skinner explains: “This condition can cause a dog to appear anxious, restless, or in pain, with non-productive retching often occurring. It can ultimately lead to shock and collapse.” If you suspect GDV in your dog, contact an emergency vet immediately as there is only a small timeframe to address this issue with a good prognosis.
9. Sudden Disorientation
Disorientation in dogs, which can lead to walking in circles, confusion, or unresponsiveness, is a serious sign of underlying issues. These can be due to brain-related conditions, including head trauma, toxins, and other factors affecting the nervous system. It may also signal a systemic problem like heatstroke or hypoglycemia.
Without intervention, these conditions can quickly deteriorate and lead to complications or death. We recommend getting in touch with an emergency dog vet immediately.
10. Sudden Collapse
Collapses often point to acute underlying conditions that require immediate evaluation. This symptom can indicate shock, low blood sugar, dehydration, or cardiac issues.
Collapses may also result from heatstroke or severe allergic reactions. Without treatment, these can quickly worsen. If you observe this symptom, contact an emergency dog vet immediately.
11. Inability to Stand, Wobbliness, or Dragging Limbs
Sudden difficulty walking or standing is a sign of severe neurological or musculoskeletal issues. These symptoms may indicate spinal cord injuries, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), or vestibular disease. Without timely intervention, these conditions can lead to permanent paralysis, necessitating prompt treatment from an emergency dog vet.
12. Seizures
Seizures in dogs are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. These may result from epilepsy, toxins, or neurological conditions. Dr. Skinner recommends: “Any dog that experiences seizures, regardless of duration or intensity, should be seen by an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible.”
Final Thoughts: Preparing for Pet Emergencies
We trust you found this article about when to take dogs to emergency vets helpful. Though pet emergencies can be overwhelming, knowing when to seek emergency vet care can save your dog’s life. In addition, we recommend preparing a dog first aid kit—complete with the contact information of an emergency dog vet like Sploot Vets.
→ Learn more - Emergency Vet: 9 Vital Things to Look For
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Sploot Vets: Emergency Dog Vet, 365 Days a Year
Sploot Veterinary Care is your go-to emergency dog vet, available 365 days a year, and open until 8pm. You can count on our experienced veterinarians and state-of-the-art facilities to give your pet the best quality of care.
We have numerous vet clinics in Denver and Chicago providing all-in-one, top-notch care, encompassing emergency vet services—as well as primary and urgent care for pets.
