What constitutes an emergency? Many are unsure and often fail to seek appropriate treatment after an emergency, thus delaying your pet’s chance for a better recovery. Conversely, some become anxious over a problem that may not need immediate attention. You should seek immediate care for your animal when you see:

-profuse, bloody diarrhea or continuous vomiting
-abdominal swelling, restless behaviour or retching 
-an inability to urinate 
-consumption of poison, such as rat bait or antifreeze
-trauma, such as a car accident or injuries sustained from another animal (like a deep bite wound, etc.)
-breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, extending head or neck to breathe, or wheezing
-seizures, convulsions or fainting
-eye problems, such as foreign objects in the eye, loss of vision, squinting or sudden appearance of cloudiness in the eye 

If your pet is experiencing any of these signs, you likely have an emergency and the most important thing for you to do is stay calm. Don’t panic! Your pet is likely frightened or experiencing pain, and will need calm and reassuring words from you. Be alert and breathe. Keep your eyes open and assess the situation. The more you know and can report to the vet, the more you will be in control and can help.