When your pet suddenly starts acting out of character, it’s hard not to wonder if something serious is going on. Pets can’t tell us what’s wrong, which makes recognizing urgent symptoms even more important. If you live in Fort Worth, TX, knowing when to call an urgent vet can make all the difference in your pet’s health outcome. In this blog, we’re highlighting five key signs that should never be ignored. While not every symptom is an emergency, these situations often point to a problem that needs immediate attention. Read on to learn when it’s time to seek urgent vet care at Vo Vets Animal Hospital.
Sudden and Ongoing Vomiting or Diarrhea
Occasional vomiting or a loose stool may not be a cause for panic, but if it persists, that’s a different story. Repeated episodes especially when they happen back-to-back or last more than a day can signal something more serious. This includes internal blockages, toxin ingestion, viral infections, or other conditions that require an urgent vet visit.
Signs to Watch For:
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Signs of dehydration (dry gums, lethargy, sunken eyes)
- Vomiting multiple times in one day
- Straining to defecate or completely unable to go
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can set in quickly, especially in smaller pets. If your dog or cat has repeated vomiting or diarrhea, it’s best to call our Forth Worth location at (682) 350-8890 right away.
Difficulty Breathing or Persistent Coughing
Any breathing trouble should be taken seriously. Pets who are struggling to breathe or coughing excessively may be experiencing a respiratory emergency. Whether the cause is allergic reaction, heart failure, infection, or airway obstruction, a visit to an urgent vet should happen as soon as possible.
What Breathing Distress May Look Like:
- Open-mouth breathing (especially in cats)
- Wheezing or raspy breath sounds
- Blue or pale gums
- Reluctance to lie down or rest normally
- Extended neck or labored chest movements
If your pet appears to be working hard just to breathe, don’t wait. Call VO Vets in Fort Worth at (682) 350-8890 to get help fast.
Collapse, Disorientation, or Sudden Weakness
When your pet collapses or shows signs of confusion, the situation can escalate quickly. These symptoms are often linked to neurological problems, severe infections, or internal bleeding, which are conditions that can become life-threatening without timely treatment.
Common Warning Signs:
- Staggering or circling
- Inability to stand
- Eyes darting rapidly side to side (nystagmus)
- Sudden unconsciousness
- Seizures or tremors
Even if your pet seems to recover quickly after an episode, you should still contact an urgent vet. Some conditions cause symptoms to come and go before becoming more severe.
Injuries, Bleeding, or Possible Broken Bones
Accidents happen: pets can get hit by a car, attacked by another animal, or fall from a height. In these cases, it’s always safest to have your vet examine them, even if they seem okay on the outside. Internal injuries or fractures may not be obvious right away.
When to Seek Urgent Vet Care
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop after 5-10 minutes
- Limping or avoiding putting weight on a limb
- Swelling, bruising, or visible deformity
- A large or deep wound
- Bite wounds from other animals
Bite wounds in particular are deceptive as punctures can close on the surface while trapping bacteria underneath. A VO Vets urgent vet can clean and treat wounds before complications develop.
Trouble Urinating or Straining in the Litter Box
A pet who suddenly can’t urinate or tries to but only produces small drops may be experiencing a serious and painful blockage. This is especially true for male cats, who are prone to urethral obstruction. Left untreated, this condition can rapidly become life-threatening.
Signs of a Possible Blockage
- Frequent trips to the litter box with little output
- Crying out while urinating
- Licking the genital area excessively
- Blood in urine
- Vomiting or hiding behavior
These symptoms warrant a call to an urgent vet immediately. A blocked bladder can cause kidney failure or bladder rupture if not addressed quickly.
Choosing the Right Time to Call VO Vets
If you’re unsure whether your pet’s symptoms require urgent care, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Waiting too long can put your pet at greater risk and may lead to more complex treatment later. At VO Vets in Fort Worth our team is equipped to handle urgent vet needs with compassion, skill, and advanced medical tools.
Why Choose VO Vets for Urgent Vet Services?
- Experienced veterinarians trained in emergency care
- In-house diagnostics for faster answers
- Convenient locations in both Fort Worth and Trophy Club
- Welcoming, low-stress environment for cats and dogs
You know your pet better than anyone. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and call us. Our team is ready to support you and your pet when the unexpected happens. Call our Fort Worth location at (682) 350-8890 today. We’re here to help when your pet needs it most.
