When your pet suddenly isn’t acting like themselves, it can be difficult to know whether you’re dealing with a minor issue or a true emergency. At Vista Veterinary Specialists, we see a wide range of urgent cases every day, and while no two pets are exactly alike, many emergencies follow familiar patterns. Understanding the most common reasons pets need emergency care can help you react quickly, confidently, and appropriately when minutes matter.

Below are some of the issues we treat most often, along with signs pet parents should never ignore.

1. Vomiting, Diarrhea & GI Upset

Gastrointestinal distress is one of the most frequent reasons pets visit the ER. Causes range from dietary indiscretion to infections, parasites, pancreatitis, kidney and liver problems, uncontrolled diabetes, food allergies, or ingestion of toxic or foreign objects.

Signs you should seek emergency care

• Repeated vomiting or diarrhea

• Blood in vomit or stool

• Inability to keep water down

• Lethargy or abdominal pain

• Vomiting paired with bloating or restlessness (a red flag for bloat in dogs)

2. Trauma & Injuries

Accidents happen, even to the most well‑supervised pets. Whether caused by vehicle accidents, falls, rough play, or wildlife encounters, traumatic injuries are best evaluated right away.

Seek immediate care if your pet has:

• Difficulty walking or standing

• Visible wounds or bleeding

• Broken bones

• Head trauma

• Sudden pain, crying, or collapse

Even if your pet seems fine after an accident, internal injuries can develop quickly and may not be immediately obvious.

3. Toxic Ingestion

Pets are naturally curious, which puts them at risk of ingesting harmful substances. Some toxins act rapidly, while others cause delayed but serious internal damage.

Common toxins include:

• Chocolate, xylitol, grapes/raisins

• Certain houseplants (e.g., lilies for cats)

• Human medications

• Rodenticide and insecticide

• Household cleaners

• Cannabis edibles

If you suspect your pet has ingested anything harmful, call us or a pet poison hotline immediately; do not wait for symptoms to appear.

4. Respiratory Distress

Breathing problems are always an emergency. Pets may hide respiratory issues until they become severe, so any change in breathing should be taken seriously.

Warning signs include:

• Rapid, labored, or noisy breathing

• Open‑mouth breathing in cats

• Blue or pale gums

• Persistent coughing or choking

• Collapse or extreme lethargy

Respiratory distress can stem from asthma, heart failure, airway blockages, infectious diseases, or allergic reactions.

5. Allergic Reactions

Pets, like people, can experience allergies that range from mild to life-threatening.

Watch for:

• Facial swelling

• Hives or sudden skin redness

• Vomiting or diarrhea after exposure to an allergen

• Trouble breathing

• Sudden collapse

Allergic reactions often require immediate medical treatment to prevent rapid escalation.

6. Urinary Blockages

This is especially common (and dangerous!) in male cats. A urinary blockage prevents a pet from being able to urinate, causing toxins to accumulate in the body and potentially leading to organ failure.

Symptoms include:

• Straining with little or no urine

• Frequent trips to the litter box

• Crying out in discomfort

• Lethargy or vomiting

A urinary blockage is life‑threatening and requires urgent care.

7. Seizures & Neurological Issues

Seizures can be caused by epilepsy, toxins, infections, metabolic diseases, or head injuries. Even a brief seizure warrants veterinary evaluation.

Signs of neurological emergencies:

• Loss of balance or coordination

• Disorientation

• Repeated seizures

• Tremors

• Sudden behavior changes

8. Bloat (GDV) in Dogs

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)—commonly called bloat—is a critical condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists. It occurs primarily in large, deep‑chested dogs and is fatal without immediate intervention.

Call the ER right away if your dog shows:

• Distended abdomen

• Unproductive retching

• Drooling and restlessness

• Sudden pain or collapse

When in Doubt, Reach Out

At Vista Veterinary Specialists, we know emergencies are stressful for both pets and their people. If you’re ever unsure whether something is an emergency, our team is here to help guide you. Acting quickly can make all the difference in your pet’s comfort and outcome.

We’re available 24/7 for emergency and critical care; no appointment needed.