What Are the Most Common Medical Emergencies in Pets?

These are the pet emergencies Trupanion sees most

When it comes to emergencies with our pets, they never seem to strike at a convenient time. They happen late at night, on weekends, or five minutes after your regular veterinarian has closed for the day. Knowing what is truly an emergency — and what can safely wait until you can be seen by your regular veterinarian, for that matter — can help protect your pet’s health and give you some peace of mind.

Let’s walk through the most common medical emergencies Trupanion sees in pets, how to recognize the signs of an emergency, and what to do if you think your pet needs immediate care.

How to recognize the signs of a medical emergency in pets

What’s the difference between an emergency and something that can wait?

Emergency veterinary clinics are designed for life-threatening conditions requiring critical care and overnight monitoring. According to Dr. Natalie Marks in an episode of our Radio Trupanion podcast, true emergencies include situations that pose “an imminent threat,” such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Unresolved seizures or
• Toxic ingestion

Urgent care centers, where available, typically handle minor injuries and illnesses such as mild diarrhea, small wounds or allergic reactions. Think issues that are definitely in need of some pressing attention but are not imminently life-threatening.

If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to err on the side of caution. Emergency hospitals will triage your pet appropriately and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Common signs of an emergency in dogs

Dogs tend to be adventurous creatures. Any pet parent knows that sometimes curiosity gets them into trouble. The common signs of emergency in dogs include:

• Difficulty breathing or choking
• Repeated vomiting or diarrhea, especially if there’s blood
• Seizures
• Collapse or sudden weakness
• Severe pain that includes crying out, rigid posture, or an unwillingness to move
• Suspected toxin ingestion such as chocolate, xylitol, or medications
• Trauma like being hit by a car, bad falls, or bite wounds

Toxicity is one of the most frequent emergencies that veterinarians see in dogs because they are so keen to investigate the world with their mouths. Dr. Marks notes that exposure to chocolate, xylitol, medications, or even topical creams can become life-threatening very quickly and require intensive hospitalization. If you even think your dog may have ingested something toxic, don’t feel like you’re over-reacting if you take them right to the veterinarian. Time is a huge factor in these cases.

Common signs of an emergency in cats

When it comes to cats, it can sometimes be difficult for pet parents to decode signs that they’re ill. Paying attention to subtle changes and clues is key.

Emergency signs for cats include:

• Open-mouth breathing or labored breathing
• Straining to urinate, which can be life-threating in male cats
• Repeated vomiting
• Sudden lethargy or collapse
• Ingestion of a known toxin like lilies or antifreeze
• Any visible trauma or bleeding

Cats can often appear quiet or reclusive during emergencies. If your cat is normally social but then is suddenly hiding, or is food motivated, and suddenly won’t eat, this should tip you off that something is wrong. If kitty is wobbly or disoriented, this is a major sign that it’s time to get them to the veterinarian ASAP.

Behavioral changes to watch for during emergencies

Not all emergencies are going to look dramatic. Sometimes the earliest warning signs will be behavioral.

Behavioral signals of a medical emergency might look like:

• Sudden aggression or unusual clinginess
• Restlessness or inability to get comfortable
• Hiding or withdrawal
• Excessive vocalization
• Refusal to eat or drink

It’s important to note these behavioral signs would be in contrast to your pet’s usual behavior. You know your pet’s baseline better than anyone. Any significant personality shift — especially if paired with physical signs — is a cue to investigate further.

When to seek immediate veterinary assistance

In the heat of the moment, with the stress of a sick or injured pet weighing on you, it can be really challenging to make that call about whether to take your pet to the ER. These things often happen at odd hours or on weekends, so your regular veterinarian isn’t usually available. So how do you know if something can wait or needs immediate attention?

A good rule of thumb you can use is to think about how you might handle the symptoms if you were experiencing them. “If you were having the same symptoms or signs as your pet, would you go to the emergency room?” says Dr. Steve Weinrauch, BVMS, MRCVS, Trupanion’s Chief Veterinary/Product Officer. If the answer is yes, then it’s time to get going. But if you would wait it out to see your regular doctor, your pet can likely wait as well. If you’re unsure, then it’s best to just give the emergency hospital a call and let the veterinarian help with that decision.

That being said, seek emergency care immediately if your pet:

• Cannot breathe comfortably
• Has uncontrolled bleeding
• Has repeated or prolonged seizures
• Has ingested a known toxin
• Collapses or cannot stand
• Shows signs of severe pain
• Has experienced major trauma

If you’re still unsure, call the emergency hospital, your veterinarian or an urgent care center. Usually there will be a provider available that can help you assess the urgency of the situation over the phone and help you make the right decision.

Top medical emergencies that pet parents should know

These are some of the most common medical emergencies Trupanion saw claims for in 2025. While every situation is unique, these conditions tend to escalate quickly and knowing what to look for can help you act faster and with more confidence.

Gastroenteritis / digestive issues

Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often caused by eating something that didn’t sit right, infections, parasites, or toxins. While mild cases can resolve on their own, more severe cases can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and further deterioration.

Signs and symptoms to watch out for are repeated vomiting, diarrhea (especially if there’s blood in the stool), lethargy, loss of appetite, and any signs of dehydration. If the symptoms are frequent, severe, or persist beyond a day, it’s time to seek immediate care.

Foreign body ingestion

Foreign body ingestion is what it’s called when a pet swallows some that they shouldn’t — socks, toys, rocks, corn cobs, you name it. These objects can become lodged in their stomach or intestines and cause a dangerous blockage that often requires surgery.

This is a true emergency because these blockages can cut off the blood supply to the intestines and quickly become life-threatening.

Signs and symptoms to watch out for are repeated vomiting, inability to keep food or water down, abdominal pain, lethargy, and decreased appetite. Some pets may also strain to poop or stop pooping all together.

Dehydration

While dehydration isn’t always the primary issue — it’s often the result of some like vomiting, diarrhea, heat exposure, or other illness — once it sets in, it can make any condition more serious and harder to treat.

Pets can decline quickly when their fluid levels drop, especially smaller dogs, cats, and senior pets.

Signs and symptoms to watch out for are dry or tacky gums, sunken eyes, lethargy, decreased skin elasticity, and reduced urination. If your pet can’t keep fluids down or seems weak, don’t wait. Seek veterinary care immediately.

Allergic reactions / anaphylaxis

Allergic reactions can range from mild itching to full-blown anaphylaxis, which is a severe, life-threatening reaction that can impact breathing and blood pressure.

Rapid progression is what makes this an emergency. What starts as facial swelling or hives can escalate quickly.

Signs and symptoms to watch out for are swelling of the face, lips, or eyes, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, pale gums, or difficulty breathing. Any sudden symptoms always warrant immediate attention.

Traumatic injuries

Trauma includes everything from bad falls to car accidents to animal bites. Even if injuries aren’t immediately obvious, internal damage or bleeding can be present.

Fractures aka broken bones are one of the more visible outcomes, but trauma can also affect the chest, abdomen, or brain.

Signs and symptoms to watch out for are limping or inability to bear weight, visible wounds, bleeding, swelling, pain, disorientation, or collapse. Any significant injury should be evaluated right away, even if your pet might seem okay.

Difficulty breathing

Breathing issues are always urgent. Difficulty breathing can be caused by a wide range of serious conditions, including asthma, infections, airway obstructions, or heart disease like congestive heart failure.

Because oxygen is critical for organs to function properly, these situations can become life-threatening very quickly.

Signs and symptoms to watch out for are rapid breathing, labored or open-mouth breathing (especially in cats), coughing, wheezing, blue or pale gums, or reluctance to lie down. If your pet is struggling to breathe, go to the vet immediately.

Seizures

Seizures can look dramatic and scary and while some are brief and self-limiting, others require urgent care. Repeated seizures or seizures that don’t stop can lead to dangerous increases in body temperature and neurological complications.

Even a single seizure warrants a veterinary exam.

Signs and symptoms to watch out for are uncontrolled shaking, paddling, drooling, loss of consciousness, confusion after the episode, or multiple seizures in a short period of time.

Poisoning

Poisoning is one of the most common, and most time sensitive, pet emergencies . Pets can be exposed to toxins through food such as chocolate or xylitol, household items, plants, medications, or chemicals like antifreeze.

Time is of the essence with poisonings. The sooner the treatment begins, the better the outcome.

Signs and symptoms to watch out for are vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, tremors, seizures, lethargy, or unusual behavior. If you suspect your pet ingested something toxic, don’t wait for the symptoms. Seek out care immediately.

Not all emergencies affect every pet the same way

The list above was compiled using data across both dogs and cats and all of our available breeds and sexes. But in reality, there are some emergencies that are more breed specific.

One important example is Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV), also often called “bloat”. This is a serious, life-threating condition that primarily effects large and deep-chested dog breeds like Great Danes, Weimaraners, St. Bernards, German Shepards, Wolfhounds, and Ridgebacks.

GDV happens when the stomach fills with gas and then twists, cutting off blood flow to vital organs. It can progress incredibly quickly and requires immediate emergency surgery.

Signs and symptoms to watch out for are a swollen or tight abdomen, restlessness, pacing, drooling, unproductive retching (i.e.. trying to vomit but nothing comes up), and general signs of pain or distress.

While GDV is less common overall compared to other emergencies, it’s a powerful reminder that your pet’s individual risk factors matter. Familiarizing yourself with what your specific pet may be predisposed to can help you learn to recognize the signs and symptoms, and act fast in the moment if the situation calls for it.

What steps to take during a pet emergency

Emergencies can be incredibly chaotic. When your pet is in distress, keeping a cool head is vital. Planning ahead and having a game plan will help reduce panic during those hectic moments when your pet needs you.

Creating an emergency plan for your pet

According to Trupanion data, nearly one in two puppies require unexpected veterinary care before their first birthday. Emergencies are common for pets, and preparation matters.

Your emergency plan should include:

• The address and phone number of your nearest 24/7 emergency hospital
• The locations of the closest urgent care clinic
• Your pet’s medical records — digital, if possible
• A list of any current medications and their dosages
• A transportation strategy, i.e. carrier ready, leash accessible

First aid measures for pets

First aid is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it can help stabilize your pet in the meantime. Always call a veterinary professional to help guide the administration of first aid.

• Breathing issues: Keep your pet calm and minimize handling
• Bleeding: Apply gentle, steady pressure with a clean cloth
• Suspected toxin ingestion: Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by a veterinarian
• Heatstroke: Move to a cool environment out of the sun, use a fan and lukewarm, not ice-cold, water to help cool the body down

Why to keep a pet emergency kit

A simple emergency kit can help buy you valuable time. Store it somewhere that’s easy to grab, not buried deep in a closet somewhere.

Things to include in your kit:

• Gause and non-stick bandages
• Antiseptic wipes
• Digital thermometer
• Saline eye wash
• Towel or blanket
• Muzzle – even gentle pets may bite when they’re in pain
• Contact numbers for emergency services

How pet insurance helps with emergency care

Emergencies aren’t just medically stressful, they can be financially stressful, too. On Radio Trupanion, Dr. Marks shared how financial constraints can sometimes force heartbreaking decisions, including economic euthanasia in otherwise treatable cases. That’s an emotional burden that lingers.

When pets are insured, veterinarians often see relief in the exam room. As Dr. Marks describes, insured families can say, “Do what needs to be done,” without hesitation.

Pet insurance doesn’t prevent emergencies, but it can help prevent financial barriers from determining medical outcomes.

How Trupanion pet insurance can help with emergency pet care

Pet emergencies are, by definition, unexpected. Whether it’s a late-night seizure, a swallowed object, or a sudden allergic reaction, these situations escalate quickly—both medically and financially. Having coverage in place that you can count on helps take that financial stress off the table so you can focus on getting your pet the care they need, right away.

Trupanion is built specifically for moments like these. With coverage for unexpected illnesses and injuries — and the ability to pay participating veterinarians directly at checkout — it helps remove one of the biggest barriers to emergency care. That means less hesitation, faster decisions, and more time focused on your pet’s recovery.

Emergencies are stressful enough. If you have a plan, and the right pet insurance behind it, when something goes wrong, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you’re able to do what’s best for your pet without delay.