Pet emergencies to watch for.
No pet owner wants to visit the ER – but when something goes wrong, quick action matters. At BluePearl Irvine, our emergency medicine team sees hundreds of emergency cases every month. While every pet is unique, certain patterns emerge.
This article covers the most common reasons dogs and cats end up in our emergency room – and what to do if you’re dealing with one of them.
1. Vomiting and diarrhea.
By far the most common ER complaint. Causes of vomiting and diarrhea in pets include:
- Dietary indiscretion (eating something they shouldn’t)
- Parasites or infections
- Toxin ingestion
- GI obstructions
If your pet vomits more than once, especially with lethargy or blood, come in.
2. Difficulty breathing.
Panting, wheezing, or pale/blue gums are red flags that can indicate:
Get emergency help immediately.
When in doubt, come in.
Emergency symptoms aren’t always dramatic. If your pet seems off – not eating, hiding, or acting strange – trust your instincts and call or visit us.
Common reasons to take your pet to the emergency vet – FAQ.
At BluePearl Pet Hospital Irvine, we frequently treat pets for sudden symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, breathing trouble, trauma, and toxin ingestion. These issues often require fast intervention to prevent serious complications or save a pet’s life.
If your pet vomits once and seems normal afterward, you can monitor at home. But repeated vomiting — especially if there’s blood, lethargy, or your pet isn’t eating — can signal a more serious issue like gastrointestinal obstruction, toxins, or infection. In these cases, a visit to an emergency animal hospital is strongly recommended.
Labored breathing, wheezing, or pale or bluish gums are urgent warning signs. These symptoms could be caused by heart problems, allergic reactions, fluid in the lungs, or trauma. If your dog or cat is struggling to breathe, bring them to an emergency vet in Irvine immediately.
Even if your pet seems fine after a fall, dog fight, or car-related injury, internal damage might not be visible. We often see hidden fractures, organ injuries, and deep puncture wounds. It’s safest to have your pet examined by a veterinarian right away to rule out serious complications.
A male cat who is straining in the litter box, crying out, or producing little to no urine may be suffering from a urinary blockage — a life-threatening emergency. This condition can quickly lead to kidney failure or death. Seek emergency care immediately.
Yes. Pets who ingest chocolate, grapes, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum), medications, wild mushrooms, or cleaning products need urgent care. The faster you get them to a vet, the better the chances of avoiding organ damage or worse.
A single, short seizure in an otherwise healthy pet might not require immediate care. However, repeated seizures, seizures lasting longer than five minutes, or those followed by disorientation or collapse are emergencies. Bring your pet to our ER if you observe any of these signs.
Sudden lameness or trouble walking may result from a torn ligament, spinal issue, or injury. If your pet can’t put weight on a limb or is dragging a leg, have them evaluated as soon as possible. Our Irvine emergency vets can help determine if urgent treatment or imaging is needed.
If your dog or cat is acting differently — not eating, hiding, shaking, or just seems "off" — it could be the first sign of a health emergency. When in doubt, it’s always safer to call or visit BluePearl Pet Hospital Irvine. Early treatment often leads to better outcomes.
BluePearl Pet Hospital Irvine provides 24/7 emergency vet services for dogs and cats. Whether it's nighttime vomiting, trauma from an accident, or a life-threatening blockage, our emergency team is here whenever you need us.
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