Every pet owner has been there: something's off with your pet at 9 PM on a Sunday, and you're trying to decide — do I drive to a 24/7 hospital right now, or can this wait until morning?
This article gives you a quick triage system for the most common worries. When in doubt, call a vet. A phone call is free. A missed emergency is not.
🚨 Always a Real Emergency — Go Immediately
If your pet is unconscious, not breathing, bleeding heavily, having active seizures, collapsed, or has a swollen belly that appeared suddenly — drive to the nearest 24/7 hospital right now. Skip reading the rest of this article. See the emergency hospitals list at the bottom.
The 3-Color Triage System
Difficulty breathing, blue gums, collapse
Respiratory distress is the #1 true emergency. If they're gasping, open-mouth breathing (in cats), or their gums look purplish-blue — drive now.
Sudden abdominal swelling
Especially in big dogs (bloat/GDV). Deep-chested dogs like German Shepherds and Labs can die from this in hours. They'll be trying to vomit but nothing comes up.
Known toxin ingestion
Chocolate, xylitol (in sugar-free gum, peanut butter), grapes/raisins, rat poison, antifreeze, lilies (for cats), human medications. Don't wait for symptoms. Call Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661.
Active seizure or multiple seizures
A single brief seizure under 2 minutes — call us, possibly wait it out. More than one seizure in 24 hours, or a seizure lasting over 3–5 minutes — ER immediately.
Can't urinate (especially male cats)
A cat straining in the litter box without producing urine is a surgical emergency. Fatal within 36–48 hours if untreated.
Heavy bleeding that won't stop in 5 minutes
Apply pressure with a clean cloth. If it's still bleeding through after 5 minutes of firm pressure, go.
Hit by a car
Even if they seem fine. Internal bleeding and broken ribs can be invisible. Always get checked immediately.
Repeated vomiting or diarrhea (>2 episodes in a few hours)
Especially with lethargy. One-off vomiting may just be a snack they regret. Ongoing = risk of dehydration.
Limping that doesn't improve in 24 hours
If they can't bear weight at all — could be a fracture or torn ligament. Even a mild limp that persists deserves an exam.
Eye redness, squinting, or holding eye shut
Eyes don't fix themselves. An untreated corneal ulcer can cost them the eye in days.
Not eating for 24+ hours
Skipping a meal or two is fine. A full day with no interest in food in a normally food-motivated pet = something's wrong.
Sudden lethargy or personality change
Your pet is "off" — hiding, not greeting you, not playing. This can be mild illness or something serious. Walk in for an exam.
Single episode vomiting, otherwise fine
Watch for repeat episodes, dehydration, or lethargy. If any develop, escalate.
Mild cough or occasional sneezing
If eating, drinking, playing normally — monitor. Call us if it persists past 3 days.
Minor scrape or small cut
Clean gently with water, watch for swelling or redness over 2 days. If it looks infected or deep, come in.
Itchiness without open sores
Allergies or fleas — schedule a regular visit rather than emergency.
The Rule of Thumb
If you're debating whether it's an emergency, call. Most vets — including us — will answer a quick "is this an emergency?" question for free. We'd rather reassure you or send you in than have you wait and regret it.
Arlington-Area 24/7 Emergency Hospitals
Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital — Snohomish
BluePearl Pet Hospital — Renton
Animal Emergency Hospital — Everett
Poison Control Hotlines
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 — $95 consultation fee, 24/7
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 — $95 consultation fee, 24/7
The fee is worth it — they'll tell you exactly whether to induce vomiting, what to watch for, and whether to go to an ER.
Business Hours Walk-In — Mon-Fri 9-5
For yellow and green symptoms, walk in to Arlington Pet Clinic. First come, first served.
📞 Call APC 🚨 Emergency PageSave the emergency numbers in your phone today, before you need them. Panicked Googling at 2 AM isn't where you want to start. Ten seconds now = calmer decisions later.