Pets do not care about normal business hours. When something is wrong, it can happen late at night when most places are closed, or during a quiet Sunday afternoon when it is hard to know where to go for help. That is when knowing about where the 24 hours vet is in your area can really matter. Some problems are not safe to sleep on. Waiting until morning could make things worse, and it is not always obvious what issues need attention right away.

We have put together a list of five times when it is better to act fast and not put off care for even a night. If you ever feel unsure, please call a 24 hour vet to ask if you should go in.  However, these are the kinds of issues that you can recognize at home that often mean your pet needs to be seen right now, not tomorrow.

Trouble Breathing or Choking

Few things are more scary than seeing your pet gasp, struggle to breathe, or make strange choking sounds. If you think your pet can not get enough air, there is no time to wait.

  • Short or quick breaths, wheezing or gurgling sounds, persistent coughing or blue to white gums can all be signs of a serious problem.
  • Open mouth breathing is never normal in a cat and if you see your dog stretching their neck out while panting or their panting seems to have a lot more abdominal movement than usual, go to an emergency vet right way. 
  • Coughing can often be mistaken for vomiting. When a cat is coughing they take up a position much like they do when vomiting a hairball, but obviously a hair ball is never produced. Some dogs will have a terminal retch at the end of a cough that even produces a bit of white phlegm that can be mistaken for vomit. 
  • Brachycephalic pets, those with short muzzles like bull dogs or persians, are even more susceptible to trouble breathing than other breeds. If your pet is making abnormal noises that you have never heard them make before, or they can’t seem to catch their breath it is better to be safe than sorry. So knowing where the closest 24 hour vet is located could be a life saver. 

Any time you notice your pet breathing in a way that feels wrong, it is better to get them checked out right away. Breathing problems can become life threatening fast. Coughing for more than a few minutes or breathing that looks like it takes extra effort are good reasons to head to the vet right now.

Vomiting or Diarrhea That Will Not Stop

A single loose poop or one round of vomiting might just be an upset tummy. But when it happens over and over again, it can quickly lead to bigger problems like dehydration.

  • Repeatedly vomiting anything they eat or drink can mean there is something stuck in their intestines. Refusing food or drooling can mean your pet is nauseous even if they are not actively vomiting. 
  • Diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days can lead to dehydration even if your pet is still eating and drinking like normal. 
  • Puppies and kittens, as well as any very small breeds even if they are adults, can get low blood sugar surprisingly quickly. 
  • Your pet’s vomit or diarrhea should never contain blood or look like black coffee grounds or tar.

If your dog or cat seems to be vomiting or having diarrhea many times in a row or every day for even a few days, you should not wait a week to make an appointment with your primary care vet. Go to an emergency vet where they can run diagnostics or at least get some fluids into your pet before things get worse. 

Swallowed Something Dangerous

Dogs and cats are curious. That is part of what we love about them, but it can sometimes land them in trouble. Eating something not meant to be eaten or even certain foods we as humans love, can make our pets really sick. 

  • If your pet’s vomit or stool contains things like grass, bits of their toy, or human food you did not give them, that is your red flag that they ate something they shouldn’t have. 
  • If your pet is suddenly gagging, coughing, or drooling a lot, they might have swallowed something that might still be stuck in their throat. That means you need an emergency vet right now. 
  • Even if your pet is able to swallow something easily, it does not mean they will be able to poop it out. The intestines are much smaller than the throat, so things can get stuck further down and then need surgery to get it out. 
  • Our favorites like chocolate, candy, grapes/raisins, onions and garlic can all be poisonous to pets. Doing a quick internet search before offering your pet something off your plate can save a life. 

Not every pet will show clear signs that they ate something toxic right away. It is always better to check with a vet when you know your pet might have swallowed something. If caught early enough a vet can make your pet vomit before it becomes a problem or treat them with something before they even get sick.

Injury, Limping, or Sudden Pain

We all have busy lives, and many of us don’t have the luxury of keeping our pets in eyesight 24 hours a day. A fall, a slip, or even a missed jump might leave your pet limping or hurting. Not every injury shows blood, and many pets will not show pain right at first because their adrenaline is pumping. 

  • Watch for changes in how your pet walks, stands, or tries to move.
  • Crying out is a red flag, but many injuries do not have to make your pet whine to be bad. Not using a leg, or just not doing their normal activities like greeting you at the door can let you know they are hurting even if their tail is wagging. 
  • Cats purr when they are happy, but they can also purr as a self soothing technique when they are hurt or not feeling well. 
  • Do not wait to see if a limp improves overnight; some injuries need quick care to prevent it from getting worse later. 

Even if your pet still seems ok after an injury, they might be covering up how much pain they are in. When an animal starts showing pain clearly, that usually means they are in quite a lot of pain.  And if you do see any blood that means they will need antibiotics, so head to your local emergency vet to get them some medication before things get infected. 

Disorientation, Shaking, or Seizures

When your pet suddenly can not walk straight, starts shaking, or has what looks like a seizure, that is a true emergency. These signs can look very dramatic, or just like a weird twitch in their face as they stare into space. If you ever feel like your pet is not responding or not in control of their bodies, get them to an emergency vet quick.

  • Seizures may include stiff legs, muscle twitching, jaw chattering, or loss of control over their poop and pee.
  • Sometimes we are not home or in the same room when a seizure happens. If your pet seems lost in your own house, has their head or neck cocked to one side, or if they lose the ability to stand or walk straight it can be a sign that they are feeling the after effects of a seizure. 
  • Even if your pet seems alert and responsive, if they collapse or have trouble walking because their limbs are shaking, they need to see a vet sooner rather than later. 

Seizures and muscle twitching can mean anything from a toxin ingestion to a serious brain condition, so don’t wait to see if they recover by morning. Even if the signs stop after a minute or two, it is not something you want to ignore. Quick care can help find the cause and support recovery.

When Time Matters Most in Mesa, Arizona

Pet emergencies do not follow a set schedule. During the holiday season, many general practice vets might be closed or have reduced hours. So it is important to know where to take your pet on a holiday or after normal business hours. At EVE Pet Hospital in Mesa, We offer on-site digital X-ray, in-house blood testing, and emergency surgery around the clock. Your pet’s emergency is our priority 24/7, even on the holidays. So you can feel safe and secure knowing your fur babies will get the attention they need right away, day or night.

The above five warning signs are all situations where waiting even overnight can create more risk. If your pet is acting differently and something just does not feel right, listen to your gut. Sometimes the best move is quick action, even to just get peace of mind. Call EVE Pet Hospital any time of day, and we will be honest with you if we think your pet should be seen by a vet sooner rather than later. And if you know it is an emergency then just head on over. Walk-ins are welcome any time of day or night, so you do not need an appointment. 

Knowing what symptoms to look out for in a pet emergency can be helpful. But if you are ever unsure if your pet is having an emergency, it is better to call or go to an emergency vet right away than wait for your primary care vet to open. Labored breathing, persistent vomiting, limping, or sudden confusion can get much worse if not treated soon enough. Prompt care matters. For pet owners in Mesa, Arizona, knowing where to find an after hours vet can make all the difference in critical moments. At EVE Pet Hospital, we are always here to help when every second counts. If you have concerns at all about your pet’s health, call us at 480-919-VETS.