How do I know if my pet is having a true emergency?

Certain symptoms require immediate veterinary attention. You should bring your pet in right away if they are: Struggling to breathe or breathing abnormally Vomiting or having diarrhea repeatedly (especially with blood) Collapsing, disoriented, or experiencing a seizure Known to have ingested a toxin (e.g., chocolate, grapes, medications, xylitol)

What if I’m not sure it’s an emergency?

If your pet is acting “off” but doesn’t have obvious emergency symptoms, it's still a good idea to call us. Examples of concerning signs include: Limping without crying out Hiding or not eating for 24+ hours Shaking, vocalizing, or behaving unusually Our team is happy to talk through your pet’s symptoms and help you decide whether to come in.

What happens when I arrive with my pet?

Our facility is equipped with: On-site imaging and laboratory testing Advanced diagnostics Emergency surgery capabilities These resources allow us to diagnose and treat emergencies quickly and effectively.

Pet Emergency Signs | When to Visit an Emergency Vet in Irvine

Is it a pet emergency?

Your dog throws up twice late at night. Your cat hasn't touched food all day.

You’re just a few minutes from one of the busiest emergency animal hospitals in Irvine – but you're still wondering: is this really an emergency?

At BluePearl Irvine, we understand that uncertainty. Every day, we see pet parents grappling with the same question. This article will help you recognize the signs of a true emergency and understand how our team is ready to respond when you need us most.

When it’s time to get in the car.

1. Trouble breathing

Shallow, fast, or labored breathing is never something to watch and wait. If your pet seems like they’re struggling to get air – especially if their gums are pale or blue – come in right away.

2. Vomiting or diarrhea that won’t stop

After a day at the park or a rummage through the trash, one-off stomach upset isn’t unusual. But repeated vomiting or diarrhea (especially with blood) may signal poisoning, blockage, or serious illness.

3. Collapse, disorientation, or seizures

If your pet suddenly collapses, stumbles, or has a seizure – particularly one lasting more than a minute – it’s time to head to the ER. These symptoms could be tied to internal bleeding, neurologic issues, or toxin exposure.

4. Known toxin ingestion

Chocolate, grapes, human medications, marijuana, and xylitol are all common causes of emergency visits. If you know your pet ate something toxic – don’t wait for symptoms. Call or come in immediately.

When you're just not sure.

If your pet seems “off,” but you’re not seeing anything clearly emergent, here are a few examples of gray-area emergency symptoms that often warrant a call:

Your dog is limping but not crying out
Your cat is hiding and hasn’t eaten in 24 hours
Your pet is shaking, vocalizing, or acting unusually clingy or distant

Our team at BluePearl Irvine is happy to walk you through what’s going on and help you decide whether to come in. It’s never a bother – and it might save your pet’s life.

Why Irvine pet owners trust BluePearl.

Located just off the 405 and 55 freeways, BluePearl Irvine is accessible to pet owners throughout Orange County. We provide 24/7 emergency and specialty care – no appointment needed.

When you arrive, a member of our medical team will assess your pet’s condition. If your pet is critical, they will be moved into care immediately. If they are stable, you may be asked to wait briefly until a veterinarian is available.

Our facility is equipped with on-site imaging, laboratory testing, advanced diagnostics, and emergency surgery – all designed to help us act fast when every second matters.

Should I take my pet to the ER? FAQ.

Certain symptoms require immediate veterinary attention. You should bring your pet in right away if they are:

Struggling to breathe or breathing abnormally
Vomiting or having diarrhea repeatedly (especially with blood)
Collapsing, disoriented, or experiencing a seizure
Known to have ingested a toxin (e.g., chocolate, grapes, medications, xylitol)

If your pet is acting “off” but doesn’t have obvious emergency symptoms, it's still a good idea to call us. Examples of concerning signs include:

Limping without crying out
Hiding or not eating for 24+ hours
Shaking, vocalizing, or behaving unusually

Our team is happy to talk through your pet’s symptoms and help you decide whether to come in.

No. If you suspect or know your pet consumed something toxic, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Call or come in immediately.

Yes. We provide 24/7 emergency and specialty veterinary care – no appointment necessary.

Our facility is equipped with:

On-site imaging and laboratory testing
Advanced diagnostics
Emergency surgery capabilities

These resources allow us to diagnose and treat emergencies quickly and effectively.

We are conveniently located near the 405 and 55 freeways, making it easy to access from anywhere in Orange County.

Absolutely. We encourage you to call if you’re unsure about your pet’s symptoms. We have a dedicated team staffing the phones 24/7. If you suspect your pet is in an emergency, call us immediately.