The start of a new year often brings fresh routines, busy schedules, and plenty of distractions. When a pet seems “a little off,” it can be tempting to wait and see if symptoms improve on their own. While some mild issues do resolve with time, others can worsen quickly and delaying care can make treatment more complicated, costly, or even life-threatening.
Knowing when waiting is not the safest option can help protect your pet’s health and give you peace of mind.
Below are common urgent symptoms that should prompt a same-day veterinary visit.
Difficulty Breathing or Excessive Coughing
Any change in your pet’s breathing is cause for concern. Watch closely for:
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Rapid or labored breathing
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Open-mouth breathing in cats
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Blue or pale gums
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Persistent or worsening coughing
Breathing problems can escalate quickly and limit oxygen delivery throughout the body. At an urgent care visit, your pet may need immediate oxygen support, chest imaging, or medications to help stabilize breathing and identify the underlying cause.
Repeated Vomiting or Diarrhea
An occasional upset stomach may not be an emergency, but frequent or ongoing episodes are different especially if accompanied by:
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Lethargy
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Blood in vomit or stool
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Refusal to eat or drink
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Signs of abdominal pain
These symptoms can lead to dehydration or indicate a more serious condition such as pancreatitis, obstruction, or infection. In urgent cases like these, diagnostic imaging such as ultrasound can be a valuable tool to help us see what’s happening inside your pet’s body. Ultrasound allows veterinarians to evaluate abdominal organs, identify fluid buildup, masses, or blockages, and better understand the cause of ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms
Sudden Lethargy or Collapse
If your pet suddenly becomes extremely weak, unresponsive, or collapses, it’s not something to wait on. Sudden changes in energy or awareness may be linked to:
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Internal bleeding
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Toxin exposure
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Cardiac issues
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Severe pain
Prompt evaluation is critical. In these cases, urgent care focuses on rapid assessment, stabilization, and diagnostics to determine the cause and next steps as quickly as possible.
Trouble Urinating or Straining
Pets that are:
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Straining to urinate
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Producing little to no urine
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Crying out or repeatedly attempting to urinate
may be experiencing a urinary blockage or painful infection. These conditions can become life-threatening if not treated quickly. Call a veterinarian immediately if you notice your pet straining to urinate.
Limping, Severe Pain, or Injury
If your pet is:
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Crying, whining, or hiding
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Refusing to bear weight on a limb
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Showing swelling or obvious wounds
pain and injuries often worsen without treatment. Even injuries that look minor on the surface can involve deeper tissue damage that requires prompt care. At an urgent care visit, pets may receive pain control, wound care, or imaging to evaluate for fractures, soft tissue injuries, or internal trauma.
Ingestion of Something They Shouldn’t Have
Around the holidays and into the new year, pets are often exposed to:
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Human foods
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Medications
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Plants
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Foreign objects
If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic or abnormal, do not wait for symptoms to appear as early treatment can make a significant difference.
If you’re unsure whether a substance is toxic or how urgent the situation may be, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is a valuable resource. Their veterinary toxicology experts are available 24/7 to provide guidance in potential poisoning situations.
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ASPCA Pet Poison Control Hotline: (888) 426-4435
They can help assess risk, advise on immediate steps to take, and communicate directly with veterinary teams when needed.
Changes in Behavior or Mental State
Disorientation, pacing, confusion, sudden aggression, or unusual vocalization can all indicate a medical issue. Behavioral changes are often one of the earliest signs that something is wrong.
Evaluation may include neurological assessment, bloodwork, or imaging to determine whether the changes are related to pain, illness, or another urgent condition.
Trust Your Instincts
You know your pet better than anyone. If something feels wrong, it’s okay to seek care—even if you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency. Acting sooner can prevent complications and help your pet feel better faster.
When You’re Unsure, We’re Here
Tell Tail Veterinary Urgent Care provides same-day care for urgent pet health concerns when waiting isn’t the safest option. If your pet is showing concerning symptoms, our team is here to help evaluate the situation and guide next steps.
Starting the new year informed and prepared can make all the difference when your pet needs you most.
