When a sick pet can wait until morning, and when it cannot
Urgent care
5 min read
Dr. Tobin Varga, DVM
Most vomiting can wait a few hours. A swollen belly, trouble breathing or a blocked cat cannot. A simple guide for the evening.
Pets get sick at night and on weekends more often than seems fair. Here is how we decide what can wait for our morning slots and what needs an emergency hospital now.
Go now
Trouble breathing, collapse, a seizure that lasts more than a few minutes, a hard swollen belly with retching, heavy bleeding, a male cat straining to pee, or anything poisonous eaten in the last two hours.
Call first thing in the morning
One or two episodes of vomiting or diarrhea in a pet that is still bright, a limp without crying, an itchy ear, a small cut that has stopped bleeding, or skipping one meal.
Watch for changes
Anything that is getting worse, a pet that hides or will not drink, or vomiting that goes on past a few hours moves into the go-now group.
What to bring
Your pet’s medication list, any packaging if they ate something, and a photo or video of the problem if it comes and goes.
When in doubt during open hours, call us. Overnight, call the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital and tell them what you see.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice or a diagnosis. Every pet is different. If your pet has trouble breathing or a seizure, call an emergency hospital now.
Written by
Dr. Tobin Varga, DVM
Reviewed by the Sweetgum medical team.
