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 5+ min or clusters
A single seizure over 5 minutes, or multiple seizures back to back without full recovery in between.
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.
Whenever you are concerned
Trust your gut. If something feels wrong, call or come in. We would rather see your pet and reassure you than have you wait.
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.