Pet Emergency Handbook: When to Worry, When to Act

Here are the animal types included in the handbook:

• Dogs
• Cats
• Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, ferrets, etc.)
• Large mammals (goats, sheep, horses, etc.)
• Birds
• Reptiles and exotic pets (reptiles, amphibians, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, etc.; parrots are also referenced)[1]

How to use this guide:

1. Find the animal type below.
2. Check “Red flag symptoms: go to vet now”. These are emergencies.
3. If you see “Watch closely” symptoms, monitor using the steps and call a vet if they persist or worsen.
4. When going to the vet, bring recent food, meds, toxins exposure info, and a short timeline of symptoms.

Universal red flags for any animal

• Unconsciousness, collapse, or seizures
• Severe bleeding that won’t stop with firm pressure in 5 minutes
• Blue, gray, or very pale gums or tongue
• Labored breathing, open‑mouth breathing (except some reptiles), choking, or gasping
• Bloated, painful, or rapidly enlarging abdomen
• Repeated non‑productive retching or attempts to vomit
• Inability to urinate or defecate with straining and distress
• Suspected poisoning, heatstroke, electrocution, or major trauma (car fall, dog fight, window strike)
• Extreme lethargy, can’t stand, or sudden weakness
• Temperature far outside normal with signs of illness
  • Dogs/cats: below 37.2°C or above 40°C
  • Small mammals/birds/reptiles: any clear deviation from their usual plus illness signs

Dogs

Red flag symptoms: go to vet now

• Non‑productive retching, distended tight belly, restlessness, drooling, pain (risk of bloat/GDV)
• Fast or labored breathing, blue/pale gums, collapse
• Seizures lasting over 3 minutes or clustering, first‑ever seizure with other illness signs
• Repeated vomiting or diarrhea with blood, dark tarry stool, or severe dehydration
• Inability to urinate or very little urine plus straining and discomfort
• Known or suspected toxin intake (chocolate, xylitol, grapes/raisins, meds, rodenticide)
• Major wounds, deep cuts, bleeding that won’t stop, or bite wounds to chest/abdomen
• Heatstroke signs: excessive panting, confusion, staggering, vomiting, very hot body

Watch closely, call vet if persists >12–24 h or worsens

• Mild vomiting or soft stool but still bright and drinking
• Occasional coughing or sneezing without breathing effort
• Itchy skin, mild ear irritation, hot spot without spreading infection
• Limping that improves with rest and no severe pain or swelling

Immediate steps before the vet

• Breathing trouble: keep calm, minimize movement, cool room, avoid collar pressure
• Heatstroke: move to shade, offer small cool water, wet body with cool (not cold) water, use fan
• Bleeding: apply firm direct pressure with clean cloth. Do not remove the first layer when soaking.
• Toxins: do not induce vomiting unless a vet instructs you. Note product name and time.

Remember: You are the owner's eyes and ears. When in doubt, over-communicate. Most owners prefer to be informed and involved in decisions about their pet's health.

Cats

Red flag symptoms: go to vet now

• Straining in litter box with little to no urine, vocalizing, lethargy (possible urinary blockage)
• Open‑mouth breathing, fast or labored breathing, blue/pale gums
• Collapse, seizures, or sudden hind‑leg weakness with pain and cold rear paws
• Repeated vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, black tarry stool
• Ingestion of lilies, human meds, essential oils, or unknown plants/chemicals
• Severe trauma or high‑rise fall, visible pain, or bleeding that won’t stop

Watch closely, call vet if persists >12–24 h or worsens

• Hiding more than usual but eating and drinking normally
• One‑time vomit or soft stool, mild hairball signs
• Sneezing with clear discharge but no breathing effort or fever
• Small superficial wounds, minor limping that improves with rest

Immediate steps before the vet

• Urinary straining: emergency. Keep cat warm and quiet. Do not delay.
• Breathing trouble: reduce stress, carrier covered, avoid chest pressure.
• Toxins: lilies are extremely dangerous. Bring plant or product label to vet.

Remember: You are the owner's eyes and ears. When in doubt, over-communicate. Most owners prefer to be informed and involved in decisions about their pet's health.

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, ferrets, etc.)

Note: Prey species hide illness. Early action is critical, especially for rabbits and guinea pigs.

Red flag symptoms: go to vet now

• Not eating or not pooping for 6–12 h (rabbits/guinea pigs: emergency GI stasis)
• Swollen or painful abdomen, repeated teeth grinding, hunched posture
• Labored breathing, blue/pale gums, open‑mouth breathing in species that usually don't
• Diarrhea in very young or very small animals, blood in stool or urine
• Neurologic signs: head tilt, rolling, seizures, inability to stand

Watch closely, call vet if persists >6–12 h or worsens

• Reduced appetite but still eating some hay or feed
• Mild soft stool without blood, small skin wounds
• Slight nasal discharge without effortful breathing

Immediate steps before the vet

• Rabbits/guinea pigs: never stop hay. Offer favorite leafy greens and water. Keep warm.

Remember: You are the owner's eyes and ears. When in doubt, over-communicate. Most owners prefer to be informed and involved in decisions about their pet's health.

Large mammals (goats, sheep, horses, etc.)

Red flag symptoms: go to vet now

• Goats/sheep: bloat signs, abdominal distension, pain, inability to pass gas
• Horses: colic signs such as pawing, rolling, looking at flank, no manure, sweating
• Labored breathing, blue/pale gums
• Neurologic signs: inability to stand, seizures

Watch closely, call vet if persists >6–12 h or worsens

• Reduced appetite but still eating some hay or feed
• Mild soft stool without blood, small wounds

Immediate steps before the vet

• Horses: remove food, walk gently if safe to prevent rolling. Do not give meds unless instructed.
• Ruminants with suspected bloat: remove from pasture, keep upright and calm, call a vet urgently.

Birds

Birds decline quickly. Any breathing issue or not eating is urgent.

Red flag symptoms: go to vet now

• Tail‑bobbing, open‑beak breathing, clicking sounds, sitting fluffed and still
• Not eating or drinking for even a few hours, vomiting or regurgitating repeatedly
• Weakness, collapse, seizures, bleeding, broken wing or leg
• Discharge from nostrils or eyes with breathing effort

Watch closely, call vet if persists >6–12 h or worsens

• Mild sneezing with clear discharge, but normal activity
• Slightly reduced appetite but still eating and active

Immediate steps before the vet

• Provide warmth and quiet. Ideal ambient 26–29°C for ill small birds.
• Minimize handling. Darken the area slightly to reduce stress.
• Do not apply ointments to feathers or nares. Bring a recent droppings sample if possible.

Reptiles and exotic pets (parrots also above, plus reptiles, amphibians, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, etc.)

Species needs vary. Temperature and humidity errors often cause emergencies.

Red flag symptoms: go to vet now

• Open‑mouth breathing, severe lethargy, inability to right themselves
• Extreme weakness, seizures, or collapse
• Significant swelling, prolapse, or wounds
• Refusing food with weight loss, sunken eyes, or dehydration skin tenting

Watch closely, call vet if persists >24–48 h or worsens

• Mild appetite decline without weight loss
• Small superficial shed issues without swelling or odor

Immediate steps before the vet

• Correct husbandry: check heat gradients, UVB sources, humidity, and fresh water.
• Do not force‑feed or give human meds. Keep warm and quiet during transport.

Triage steps for sitters

1. Stay calm. Note the exact symptoms and their start time.
2. Check ABCs: Airway, Breathing, Circulation. If not breathing and trained, begin species‑appropriate CPR and seek immediate help.
3. Temperature check if safe and species‑appropriate.
4. Control bleeding with firm pressure. Elevate if possible.
5. Call a vet. Provide species, age, weight, meds, toxins, and timeline. Ask if you should come in now.
6. Transport safely: secure carrier, keep warm or cool as advised, minimize movement.

What to prepare for the vet visit

• Owner contact and the pet’s medical history if available
• Current medications, allergies, and any supplements
• Food or toxin details: brand, amount, time of exposure, package photos
• Recent photos or videos of the symptoms

When to inform the pet owner

Clear communication with the pet owner is essential during a sit. Contact them promptly in these situations:

Inform immediately (call or text right away)

• Any red-flag symptom: If you observe any emergency symptom listed above, contact the owner immediately while heading to the vet.
• Vet visit decision: Before taking the pet to the vet for any reason, inform the owner of the symptoms and your plan.
• Injury or accident: Any incident resulting in visible injury, bleeding, or behavioral change.
• Toxin exposure: If the pet has eaten or been exposed to anything potentially harmful.
• Behavioral emergency: Severe aggression, escape, or interaction with other animals resulting in injury.
• Property damage with pet involvement: If the pet's health may have been affected (e.g., broke through a window, knocked over chemicals).

Inform within a few hours (same day)

• "Watch closely" symptoms: Let the owner know you're monitoring the situation and will update them.
• Appetite changes: Missed meals or significant reduction in food/water intake.
• Behavioral changes: Unusual lethargy, hiding, anxiety, or other out-of-character behavior lasting several hours.
• Mild vomiting or diarrhea: Even if the pet seems otherwise normal.
• Minor injuries: Small cuts, limping, or skin irritation that doesn't require immediate vet care.

Daily update (routine check-in)

• General wellness: Share that the pet is eating, drinking, and behaving normally.
• Medication compliance: Confirm all medications were given as scheduled.
• Activity highlights: Photos, videos, or notes about walks, play, and mood.

Tips for communicating with owners

• Be factual and calm. Describe what you see without diagnosing.
• Include timing: when symptoms started, how long they've lasted.
• Send photos or videos when helpful (wound, vomit, stool, behavior).
• Ask for guidance: "Would you like me to monitor for another hour or go to the vet now?"
• Document everything: keep a log of symptoms, times, and owner conversations.
• Respect their preferences: some owners want updates for every sneeze, others prefer only urgent news. Clarify expectations at the start of the sit.

Remember: You are the owner's eyes and ears. When in doubt, over-communicate. Most owners prefer to be informed and involved in decisions about their pet's health.

Quick reference: normal baseline ranges

• Dogs: breathing 10–30/min at rest. Heart 60–120/min size‑dependent. Temp ~38.0–39.2°C
• Cats: breathing 16–40/min at rest. Heart 140–220/min. Temp ~38.0–39.2°C
• Rabbits: breathing 30–60/min. Heart 130–325/min. Temp ~38.5–40.0°C
• Small birds: breathing and heart rates vary widely; compare to the bird’s usual calm state.
• Reptiles/amphibians: vitals depend on species and temperature; compare to normal behavior.

💡 When in doubt, choose safety. If a symptom appears in a red‑flag list or your gut says “this isn’t right,” contact a veterinarian immediately.