One of the most important decisions a pet owner makes is when to seek urgent veterinary care. Going too late can be fatal. Going too early for a non-emergency is expensive but not harmful. When in doubt, call your vet — most clinics will advise you by phone.

Go immediately — these cannot wait

These symptoms require emergency veterinary care regardless of time of day. Do not wait to see if they improve:

Breathing difficulty — laboured breathing, open-mouth breathing in a cat, blue or grey gums. Collapse or inability to stand. Seizures — especially multiple seizures or a seizure lasting more than 3–5 minutes. Suspected poisoning — any ingestion of known toxins (rat poison, human medications, xylitol in dogs, certain plants). Bloated abdomen with distress — in dogs especially, bloat (GDV) is life-threatening and requires immediate surgery. Urinary blockage in cats — a cat straining to urinate with no output is an emergency; blocked cats can die within 24–48 hours. Eye injury — penetrating eye injuries deteriorate rapidly. Trauma — any significant accident, fall, or attack. Pale, white, or blue gums. Uncontrolled bleeding.

Same-day appointment needed

These symptoms should not wait until the next available routine appointment but are not immediately life-threatening: vomiting more than 2–3 times in 24 hours; diarrhoea with blood; limping that is severe or suddenly worsening; eye redness or discharge; not eating for 24 hours (cat) or 48 hours (dog); known ingestion of something potentially toxic but not yet symptomatic; significant swelling anywhere on the body.

Monitor at home — watch for changes

These can generally be monitored for 24 hours but escalate to same-day if they worsen: single episode of vomiting with normal behaviour after; mild soft stool without blood; mild limping that improves with rest; reduced appetite with otherwise normal behaviour. Monitor and note: time of symptoms, frequency, any possible cause, any changes in behaviour.

Dogs — specific emergencies

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV/Bloat): Most common in large, deep-chested breeds. Signs: distended abdomen, unproductive retching, extreme distress, salivating. This is a surgical emergency with a window of hours. Heatstroke: Taiwan's summers are dangerous. Signs: excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, red gums. Move to cool environment and wet with cool (not cold) water; go to vet immediately. Suspected parvovirus: Bloody diarrhoea, severe vomiting, lethargy in an unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated dog or puppy.

Cats — specific emergencies

Urethral blockage (mainly male cats): Straining to urinate with no output, crying in the litter box, lethargy, loss of appetite. This is fatal without treatment. Feline Aortic Thromboembolism (FATE): Sudden paralysis of the hind legs, cold limbs, crying in pain. Most common in cats with underlying heart disease. Respiratory distress: Open-mouth breathing in a cat is always an emergency.

Preparing for emergencies

Before you need it: identify the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic from your home and save the number; know where your pet's medical records are kept; keep a pet first aid kit; establish an emergency fund of NT$30,000–50,000. In an emergency, call ahead — the clinic can prepare and advise you on immediate care while you travel.

When to Go to the Emergency Vet — Symptoms That Cannot Wait