Allergic reactions (anaphylaxis):

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Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)

Allergic reactions in pets can happen suddenly and range from mild to life-threatening. They occur when the immune system overreacts to something it sees as a threat—like a bee sting, certain foods, medications, or vaccines.

 

Signs of an allergic reaction may include:

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• Swelling of the face, ears, or muzzle

• Hives or red, itchy skin

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Difficulty breathing or collapse (a sign of anaphylaxis, a severe reaction)

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Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. It can happen within minutes and requires immediate veterinary attention. If you notice any of these symptoms, bring your pet to us right away.

 

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Bite wounds 

 

Bite wounds are a common reason pets come in for urgent care. Even if the injury looks small on the outside, bite wounds can cause serious damage beneath the skin, including infection, tissue trauma, or internal injuries. Because pets’ mouths carry bacteria, even a minor bite can quickly become infected. Signs to watch for include:

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• Swelling, redness, or pain at the site

• Bleeding or discharge

• Lethargy or loss of appetite

• Hiding or sensitivity when touched

 

It’s important to have bite wounds examined as soon as possible—even if they seem minor—to reduce the risk of complications and help your pet heal quickly and comfortably.

 

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Bleeding

 

Bleeding in pets can range from minor cuts to serious injuries that require immediate care. While some bleeding may stop on its own, other times it can be a sign of a deeper wound, internal injury, or a blood clotting issue.

 

Common causes include:

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Cuts or lacerations

Broken nails

Bite wounds

Trauma or accidents

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If your pet is bleeding heavily, the bleeding doesn’t stop within a few minutes, or you notice signs like weakness, pale gums, or collapse, seek urgent care right away. Quick treatment helps prevent infection, blood loss, and further complications.

 

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Broken Nail

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A broken nail might seem minor, but it can be very painful for your pet and may lead to bleeding or infection if not treated properly. Pets can break a nail by catching it on carpet, during play, or from trauma.

 

Common signs include:

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• Limping or holding up a paw

• Bleeding from the toe

• Licking or chewing at the foot

• Sensitivity when the paw is touched

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If your pet has a broken nail, it’s important to have it evaluated.

Sometimes the nail needs to be trimmed back, bandaged, or treated

with antibiotics to prevent infection and promote healing.

 

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Cardiac disease

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Cardiac (heart) disease in pets affects how the heart functions and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. It may develop gradually over time or appear suddenly, especially in older pets or certain breeds.

 

Signs of heart disease can include:

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• Coughing (especially after exercise)

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing

• Fatigue or weakness

• Fainting or collapse

• Swollen abdomen

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Heart conditions can range from mild to life-threatening, and early detection is key. If your pet is showing signs of heart trouble or has been diagnosed with cardiac disease, we’re here to help with urgent care and advanced diagnostics to support their heart health.

 

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Constipation

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Constipation happens when a pet has difficulty passing stool or goes longer than usual without a bowel movement. It can be uncomfortable and, if left untreated, may lead to more serious issues.

 

Common signs include:

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• Straining to poop with little or no result

• Small, hard, or dry stools

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy or restlessness

• Crying or discomfort when trying to defecate

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Constipation can be caused by dehydration, diet, lack of exercise, pain, or underlying medical conditions. If your pet hasn’t had a bowel movement in a day or two, or seems uncomfortable when trying to go, it’s a good idea to have them evaluated promptly.

 

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Coughing/sneezing

 

Coughing and sneezing in pets can be caused by something simple, like mild irritation, or something more serious, such as infection, allergies, or underlying disease.

 

Common causes include:

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• Upper respiratory infections

• Allergies or irritants (like smoke or dust)

• Foreign material (foxtails)

• Kennel cough (in dogs)

• Feline upper respiratory viruses (in cats)

• Heart or lung disease

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Occasional sneezing or coughing may not be urgent, but if it becomes frequent, severe, or is paired with other symptoms—like discharge from the nose or eyes, bleeding, trouble breathing, or loss of appetite—it’s time for an urgent care visit.

 

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Ear infections

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Ear infections are a common and painful problem in pets, especially

dogs. They can be caused by bacteria, yeast, allergies, moisture, or

even foreign objects like grass seeds.

Signs of an ear infection include:

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Head shaking or tilting

Scratching at the ears

Redness or swelling

Odor or discharge from the ear

Sensitivity when the ear is touched

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Ear infections can worsen quickly and may lead to chronic issues if not treated. Prompt care helps relieve discomfort and prevent long-term damage to the ear.

 

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Eye problems (redness, squinting, discharge)

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Eye problems in pets can come on suddenly and may be painful or even vision-threatening if not treated quickly. Causes can range from minor irritation to serious issues like infections, injuries, or glaucoma.

 

Common signs of eye problems include:

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• Redness or swelling

• Squinting or keeping the eye closed

• Discharge (clear, yellow, or green)

• Cloudiness or change in eye color

• Rubbing at the eyes or face

• Sudden vision changes or bumping into things

 

Because eye conditions can worsen quickly, especially with injuries or pressure-related diseases, it’s important to have your pet seen right away if you notice any of these symptoms.

 

 

Fever

 

A fever is the body’s natural response to infection, inflammation, or illness. In pets, a fever isn't always easy to detect without a thermometer, but it often signals that something more serious is going

on.

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• Signs of a fever in pets may include:

• Lethargy or low energy

• Loss of appetite

• Warm ears, nose, or paws

• Shivering or panting

• Hiding or unusual behavior

 

A normal temperature for dogs and cats is between 99.5°F and 102.5°F. Anything higher may indicate a fever. Fevers can result from infections, immune-related diseases, toxins, or other underlying issues. If your pet seems off or has a suspected fever, a veterinary exam is important to find the cause and start treatment quickly.

 

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Foxtail Exposure and removal

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Foxtails are sharp, barbed grass seeds that can easily stick to your pet’s fur, skin, ears, nose, eyes, or paws. They can work their way under the skin or into body openings, causing pain, infection, and serious health problems if not treated promptly.

 

Signs your pet might have foxtails include:

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• Persistent scratching, licking, or chewing at a spot

• Redness, swelling, or discharge

• Difficulty breathing, coughing, or sneezing (if foxtails enter the

• nose or throat)

• Limping or sensitivity in a paw

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Because foxtails can migrate deeper into tissues, it’s important to have your pet checked as soon as you notice symptoms. Our urgent care team can safely locate and remove foxtails to prevent complications.

 

 

Heat exhaustion/Heat stroke

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Heat exhaustion and heat stroke occur when a pet’s body temperature rises too high and they can’t cool down properly. These conditions are serious and can quickly become life-threatening, especially on hot days or after intense exercise.

 

Signs to watch for include:

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• Heavy panting or difficulty breathing

• Excessive drooling

• Weakness, confusion, or collapse

• Bright red or pale gums

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Rapid heart rate

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If your pet shows signs of overheating, it’s critical to act quickly. Move them to a cooler area, offer water, and seek urgent veterinary care immediately. Early treatment can prevent serious damage and save

your pet’s life.

 

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Laceration and Wounds

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Lacerations are cuts or tears in your pet’s skin caused by accidents, fights, or sharp objects. Even small wounds can be painful and may lead to infection if not treated promptly.

 

Signs of a laceration include:

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• Bleeding or oozing from the skin

• Swelling or redness around the wound

• Your pet licking or biting the injured area

• Limping or reluctance to use a limb (if the wound is on a leg)

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Some wounds may look minor but can be deeper than they appear, involving muscles or other tissues. Prompt veterinary care is important to clean the wound, control bleeding, and prevent infection. In some cases, stitches or other treatments may be needed to help your pet heal properly.

 

 

Pain and Lameness

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Pain and lameness in pets can be caused by injury, arthritis, infections, or other health problems. It often shows as limping, difficulty walking, or reluctance to move or play.

 

Signs to watch for include:

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• Favoring or not using a leg

• Stiffness or difficulty getting up

• Whining, growling, or sensitivity when touched

• Changes in behavior, such as hiding or decreased activity

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Because pain affects your pet’s quality of life, it’s important to have them evaluated promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can relieve discomfort and prevent further injury.

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Poor appetite

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A loss of appetite in pets can be a sign that something is wrong. While sometimes it’s temporary, poor appetite may indicate illness, pain, stress, or other underlying health problems.

 

Signs of poor appetite include:

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• Refusing food or eating less than usual

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Lethargy or weakness

• Weight loss over time

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If your pet isn’t eating for more than 24 hours, or if poor appetite is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to seek veterinary care. Early evaluation helps identify the cause and get your pet back to feeling their best.

 

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Rattlesnake bite

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Rattlesnake bites are a serious emergency for pets and require immediate veterinary care. When a pet is bitten, venom can cause pain, swelling, tissue damage, and potentially life-threatening complications.

 

Signs of a rattlesnake bite include:

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• Swelling, redness, or bruising around the bite site

• Pain or sensitivity when touched

• Drooling, weakness, or collapse

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing

• Vomiting or shaking

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If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a rattlesnake, keep them calm and get to an emergency vet immediately. Quick treatment can make a big difference in recovery and outcome.

 

 

Respiratory disease

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Respiratory disease affects your pet’s ability to breathe normally and can range from mild infections to serious conditions affecting the lungs and airways. Prompt evaluation is important to ensure proper treatment and comfort.

 

Common signs of respiratory problems include:

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• Coughing or wheezing

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing

• Nasal discharge or sneezing

• Open-mouth breathing or noisy breathing

• Lethargy or weakness

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Respiratory issues can be caused by infections, allergies, heart disease, or other underlying problems. If your pet shows any signs of breathing difficulty, please seek urgent veterinary care right away.

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Seizures

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Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled bursts of electrical activity in the brain that can cause your pet to lose control of their movements, behavior, or awareness. They can be scary to witness but understanding what’s happening can help you stay calm and get the right care for your pet.

 

Signs of a seizure include:

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• Sudden collapse or loss of consciousness

• Jerking or twitching movements

• Stiffening or paddling of legs

• Drooling, chomping, or foaming at the mouth

• Confusion or disorientation before or after the event

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Seizures can be caused by epilepsy, toxins, infections, or other medical conditions. If your pet has a seizure, keep them safe by clearing the area, timing the event, and seeking urgent veterinary care—especially if the seizure lasts more than a few minutes or repeats.

 

 

Trauma

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Trauma refers to any serious injury your pet may experience from accidents such as falls, vehicle collisions, fights, or other sudden impacts. Trauma can affect the skin, bones, internal organs, or multiple parts of the body.

 

Signs of trauma include:

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• Bleeding or open wounds

• Limping or inability to move a limb

• Difficulty breathing or coughing

• Weakness, lethargy, or collapse

• Visible swelling or deformities

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Trauma is often an emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention to assess the full extent of injuries, manage pain, and stabilize your pet. Quick care can make a significant difference in recovery.

 

 

Toxicity

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Toxicity occurs when a pet ingests or is exposed to a harmful substance that can make them very sick or cause serious health problems. Common toxins include certain foods (like chocolate or grapes), medications, plants, chemicals, and household products. 

 

Signs of toxicity may include:

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• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Drooling or difficulty swallowing

• Lethargy or weakness

• Seizures or tremors

• Difficulty breathing

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If you suspect your pet has been exposed to a toxin, seek urgent veterinary care immediately. Quick treatment can be life-saving and reduce the risk of serious complications.

 

 

Urinary Problems (Straining, Blood in Urine, Pain)

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Urinary problems in pets can be uncomfortable and may signal an infection, bladder stones, or other serious health issues. Common signs include straining to urinate, blood in the urine, or signs of pain during urination.

 

Watch for:

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• Frequent attempts to urinate with little or no urine produced

• Straining or crying out while urinating

• Pink, red, or cloudy urine

• Licking the urinary opening (urethra) excessively

• Signs of discomfort or restlessness

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Important: Male cats are especially at risk for urinary obstruction, a life-threatening condition where the urinary tract becomes blocked. If your male cat is straining to urinate or cannot urinate at all, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Prompt veterinary evaluation is critical to diagnose the cause and start treatment. Untreated urinary problems can quickly become serious or even life-threatening.

 

 

Vomiting and Diarrhea

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Vomiting and diarrhea are common signs that your pet’s digestive system is upset. They can be caused by minor issues like eating something unusual or more serious problems such as infections, toxins, or internal diseases.

 

Signs to watch for include:

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• Frequent vomiting or diarrhea

• Blood or mucus in vomit or stool

• Lethargy or weakness

• Loss of appetite

• Signs of dehydration, such as dry gums or decreased urination

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While occasional vomiting or diarrhea may resolve on its own, persistent or severe symptoms require prompt veterinary evaluation. Early treatment helps prevent dehydration and identifies any underlying conditions needing care.