Should I bring my pet in?
Pick what’s happening. We’ll help you figure out how urgent it is — and what to do next.
When to always seek emergency care
Some situations can’t wait — they need immediate attention from an emergency vet. Head to the nearest emergency hospital right away if you see any of the following.
Trouble breathing
Open-mouth breathing, blue/pale gums, or gasping.
Collapse or unresponsive
Won’t stand, can’t wake up, or unresponsive.
Seizure lasting 3+ min
Or multiple seizures in a row without recovery.
Uncontrolled bleeding
Deep cut, wound, or bleeding you can’t stop.
Bloated / distended belly
Especially in large-breed dogs — can be GDV.
Male cat straining to pee
Could be a blocked urethra — life-threatening.
Suspected poison
Chocolate, xylitol, medications, plants. Bring the wrapper.
Hit by car or major trauma
Even if pet looks OK — internal injuries may not show right away.
Trust your instincts
You know your pet. If something feels off — even if you can’t explain why — call. It’s always better to check than to wait.
During hours, reach us at (310) 776-5544. After hours, contact an emergency vet or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
Not sure? Just call.
We’d rather answer a quick question than have you wait.