When Is It an Emergency? A Vet's Guide to Urgent Pet Situations

Always an Emergency — Go Immediately

Difficulty breathing, collapse, suspected poisoning, seizures lasting more than 2 minutes, severe bleeding, eye trauma, inability to urinate (especially male cats), bloated abdomen with distress — these require immediate emergency care. Call ahead.

Urgent — Same Day Visit

Vomiting or diarrhea more than 3 times, refusal to eat for 24+ hours, limping that worsens, eye discharge with squinting, crying when touched, lethargy with pale gums. Don't wait until tomorrow.

Monitor Closely — Vet Visit Within 48 Hours

Mild vomiting (once or twice), minor limping with weight bearing, sneezing without discharge, slight energy reduction. Monitor for 12–24 hours. If worsening, escalate to urgent.

DepokPet's 24/7 Emergency Line

When in doubt, call us. Our emergency nurse will assess your pet's symptoms over the phone and advise whether to come immediately. We'd rather you call unnecessarily than miss something serious.