WHAT IS NOT AN EMERGENCY

Coughing without signs of labored breathing and able to rest (i.e. cough is not affecting quality of life at home)
Sneezing, runny nose
Not eating anything for less than 24 hours
Vomiting once or twice within 24 hours but acting normal
One or two episodes of diarrhea within 24 hours but acting normal (even if you see blood, it isn’t an emergency)
Limping (NOTE- some forms of lameness are more serious than others, especially in adult cats)
Itchy skin or ears, or thickness/fluid pocket within an ear
Broken or cracked teeth
Torn toenail with minor to no bleeding
Small wound or abrasion
New lumps or bumps identified on your pet
Ticks found on your pet – this does NOT need to be seen by a veterinarian and can be gently removed via tweezers
Fleas (follow our flea protocol)
Worms seen in stool in absence of other clinical signs (especially in puppies, kittens, and outdoor cats)

WHAT IS CONSIDERED AN EMERGENCY

Severe bleeding or bleeding that doesn't stop within five minutes
Choking, difficulty breathing or nonstop coughing and gagging
Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, coughing up blood, or blood in urine
Inability to urinate or pass feces (stool), or obvious pain associated with urinating or passing stool
You suspect or know your pet has eaten something poisonous (such as antifreeze, xylitol, chocolate, rodent poison, etc.)
Seizures and/or staggering that the animal doesn’t come back from (see seizure section under Dog Health & Vet Care)
Fractured bones, severe lameness or inability to move leg(s)
Heat stress or heatstroke
Refusal to drink for 24 hours or more
Unconsciousness
Inability to Stand