As a pet owner, it’s one of the scariest moments you’ll face — your dog is limping, your cat won’t eat, or suddenly there’s vomiting on the carpet. And in that panicked moment, your mind races: “Is this serious? Should I call the vet? Or wait and see?”
You’re not alone. Sometimes it can be hard to tell whether your pet needs immediate medical attention. The good news? We’re here to help you figure it out.
When to Call the Vet Immediately
Let’s start with the red-flag situations where you should stop reading this blog and call your vet immediately. If you’re in Vancouver, you can always reach Renfrew Animal Hospital at 778-737-1600 — we’ll help guide you.
Call your vet ASAP if your pet shows these signs:
- Difficulty breathing, choking, or persistent coughing
- Seizures or sudden collapse
- Bleeding that won’t stop (from any part of the body)
- Hit by a car, even if your pet seems fine
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea (especially with blood)
- Not eating or drinking for 24+ hours
- Swollen, hard, or painful abdomen
- Signs of heatstroke — heavy panting, drooling, weakness, or collapse (yes, even in Vancouver’s mild climate, it happens!)
- Toxin ingestion — chocolate, grapes, xylitol (common in sugar-free gum), medications, or household cleaners
- Sudden behavior changes — aggression, disorientation, or unresponsiveness
If you’re not sure, it’s always better to be safe. At Renfrew Animal Hospital, we’d rather you call us and it turns out to be nothing than miss a true emergency.
When to Monitor and Book an Appointment Later
Not every bump, sneeze, or paw lick means you need to rush in — but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it either. Here’s what you might monitor at home, then book an appointment if it continues:
- Occasional vomiting or diarrhea without other symptoms
- Limping without obvious injury or severe pain
- Mild coughing or sneezing, especially in kennel or daycare dogs
- Minor skin rashes or itching
- Ear scratching or head shaking
- Small cuts or scrapes
- Loss of appetite for a single meal
Tip:
If your pet seems fine otherwise — alert, drinking water, and acting like themselves — you’re likely in non-emergency territory. But if these mild symptoms last more than 24–48 hours, it’s worth getting them checked.
You can always reach out to Renfrew Animal Hospital (778-737-1600) to discuss what you’re seeing and whether a visit is needed.
Why It’s Always Better to Be Safe
We get it — it’s stressful trying to make the right decision for your furry family member. That’s why we always say: when in doubt, call us.
The team at Renfrew Animal Hospital (778-737-1600) is here to help. We’ll listen to what’s happening, ask you a few questions, and let you know whether your pet needs to come in urgently, book an appointment, or just get some TLC at home.
Because no question about your pet’s health is ever too small.
