This is general educational information, not a diagnosis — if you're ever unsure, the safest move is always to contact a vet directly rather than wait and see.
Signs worth monitoring closely
These don't necessarily mean an emergency, but are worth a vet visit if they persist more than a day or two:
- Decreased appetite or noticeably increased thirst
- Low energy or reluctance to go on normal walks
- Mild limping that doesn't resolve with rest
- Occasional vomiting or soft stool
- Increased scratching or visible skin irritation
- Bad breath that's new or worsening
Signs that warrant a same-day vet visit
- Vomiting or diarrhea that continues for more than 24 hours
- Refusing food entirely for more than a day
- Limping that doesn't improve or gets worse
- Visible swelling, especially around the face or a wound
- Noticeable behavior changes — sudden aggression, confusion, or hiding
Signs that are an emergency — seek care immediately
- Difficulty breathing or persistent coughing/gagging
- Collapse or inability to stand
- A distended, hard abdomen (especially in large, deep-chested breeds — a possible sign of bloat, which is life-threatening)
- Seizures
- Suspected poisoning or ingestion of a toxic substance
- Severe bleeding or trauma
- Pale or blue-tinged gums
If you see any of these, contact an emergency vet immediately rather than waiting for a regular appointment.
When in doubt, ask
It's always reasonable to call a vet's office and describe what you're seeing — most practices can tell you over the phone whether it sounds urgent. Pawly's AI Health Assistant can help you organize what you're noticing before that call, but it's informational only and never a substitute for an actual vet's assessment.
You can find a vet near you on Pawly, including which practices offer emergency availability.