When to call the vet

Go to a vet now

• Trouble breathing, choking or blue, gray or very pale gums
• Collapse, can’t stand, or sudden weakness
• A swollen, hard belly with retching that brings nothing up. See bloat.
• A seizure lasting more than a few minutes, or several in a row. See seizures.
• Heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure
• Hit by a car, a bad fall or a fight, even if your dog seems fine
• Suspected poisoning: chocolate, grapes, xylitol, medicines, rat bait, antifreeze. Call a vet or animal poison control line straight away.
• Straining to pee with little or nothing coming out
• Signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, drooling, bright red gums, wobbling. See heatstroke.
• Eye injuries or a suddenly cloudy, painful eye

Call your vet today

• Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than a day, or with blood
• Not eating for a day, or not drinking
• Limping that doesn’t improve, or yelping when touched
• Drinking or peeing much more than usual
• A new lump that is growing, hot or painful
• Sudden changes in behavior: hiding, aggression, confusion

Usually fine to watch, briefly

A single vomit with your dog otherwise bright, a short bout of soft stool, a small graze. Keep an eye on them, and call if it doesn’t settle or anything else changes.

Have this ready when you call

• What happened and when
• What they ate, how much and when, with the packaging if there is one
• Their breathing rate and gum color. See vital signs.
• Any medicines they take

Prepare now, not in the moment

• Save your vet’s number and the nearest 24 hour emergency clinic in your phone.
• Know the route to the emergency clinic.
• Keep a first aid kit at home and in the car.
• Learn your dog’s normal breathing rate and gum color while they’re healthy.

For step by step first aid, see dog first aid.