It’s 11:47 p.m., your dog just vomited three times, and your regular vet is closed. Do you throw on shoes and drive to the emergency clinic, or call the on‑call vet and wait for guidance? That split‑second decision matters. Some conditions (like bloat, urinary blockage in cats, or toxin exposure) can become life‑threatening within hours. Others look scary but can safely be managed with a phone consult and a plan. Knowing where the line is saves time, money, and—most importantly—protects your pet. You’ll get a clear, no‑nonsense way to triage at home, the signs that mean “go now,” tips for talking to an on‑call vet effectively, and what to do while you wait or travel. I’ve sat in ER waiting rooms with my own pets, and I’ve coached friends through midnight panics; the goal here is practical, fast clarity when your heart is racing and your pet needs you calm.
Quick Answer
Go to an emergency clinic immediately for breathing trouble, persistent seizures, collapse, suspected bloat, severe bleeding, hit‑by‑car, toxin ingestion (xylitol, rodenticide), or a male cat straining to urinate. Call the on‑call vet first for issues like mild vomiting, small wounds, limping, minor allergic reactions, or if you’re unsure—but if you can’t reach anyone in a few minutes and signs are worsening, head to ER.
Why This Matters
When minutes count, choosing the right care can be the difference between a straightforward fix and a crisis. Conditions like gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) can progress from restlessness and non-productive retching to shock within hours. Male cats that can’t urinate can develop life-threatening electrolyte imbalances fast; every hour increases risk. In toxin cases, early decontamination is often what prevents organ damage—xylitol can drop a dog’s blood sugar dangerously within 30–60 minutes.
There’s also the very human side: emergency clinics can be 20–45 minutes away, with wait times that vary from “straight to treatment” to several hours depending on triage. Costs are higher after-hours, and you want to avoid unnecessary stress and expense. Knowing how to assess breathing rate, gum color, and behavior gives you a reliable way to decide. If it’s truly emergent, you’ll act quickly. If it’s urgent-but-stable, an on-call vet can guide home care or schedule a first-thing appointment. That balance keeps pets safer and owners more confident when things go sideways.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Triage the immediate signs
Start with ABCs—Airway, Breathing, Circulation. If your pet is open-mouth breathing (cats), struggling to breathe, has blue/gray or very pale gums, is collapsed, or having an active seizure, this is an ER go-now situation. Check vitals if you can: You might find should i go to an emergency clinic or call the on call vet kit helpful.
- Normal temp: dogs and cats ~100.0–102.5°F (rectal).
- Resting respiratory rate: dogs ~10–30 breaths/min; cats ~20–30. Over 40 at rest warrants concern.
- Heart rate: dogs ~60–120 bpm; cats ~140–220 bpm, depending on stress.
- Capillary refill time (gum press): 1–2 seconds is normal; longer can indicate shock.
Severe bleeding that doesn’t stop with 5–10 minutes of firm pressure, obvious fractures, and hit-by-car injuries also mean immediate ER.
Step 2: Identify red flags that never wait
Some problems are time-critical even if your pet looks "okay" between episodes:
- Repeated non-productive retching in a large/deep-chested dog (possible bloat).
- Male cat straining to urinate, crying in litter box, or producing only drops.
- Known toxin ingestion: xylitol (sugar-free gum), chocolate, rodenticide, grapes/raisins, certain human meds (ibuprofen, acetaminophen for cats).
- Seizure lasting >2 minutes, multiple seizures in 24 hours, or not returning to normal.
- Heatstroke signs: temp >104°F, heavy panting, collapse.
These do not wait for a call-back—head to ER while someone phones ahead.
Step 3: Call the right person, fast
If no red flags, call the on-call vet for guidance. Have concise details ready: You might find should i go to an emergency clinic or call the on call vet tool helpful.
- Signalment: species, breed, age, weight.
- Timeline: when it started, how often, changes.
- What you’ve observed: appetite, energy, urination/defecation, behavior.
- Home checks: temp, breathing rate, gum color.
- Exposures: foods, meds, plants, chemicals, trash access; keep packaging.
Pro tip: Video short clips of breathing issues, limping, or seizure activity; they help triage fast.
Step 4: Stabilize and prepare to transport
If you’re heading to ER, focus on safety:
- Apply firm pressure to bleeding with clean cloth or gauze; don’t keep peeking—hold steady.
- Use a muzzle for painful dogs; even sweet pets may bite when hurt. Never muzzle cats—use a towel burrito.
- Keep the pet warm but not overheated; avoid food/water unless advised.
- Bring toxin packaging, a list of medications, and recent records or vaccine dates.
- Secure transport: carriers for cats, harness for dogs; avoid loose rides.
Call the ER to tell them you’re coming; they’ll triage upon arrival.
Step 5: Monitor if advised to wait
For mild issues (single episode of vomiting in a bright, hydrated pet, small superficial wound, minor limping), your on-call vet may recommend supportive care until morning: You might find should i go to an emergency clinic or call the on call vet equipment helpful.
- Offer small sips of water; withhold food 6–12 hours for vomiting unless a puppy/kitten—ask first.
- Check breathing rate every 30–60 minutes while resting; note changes.
- Watch gums for color changes and refill time.
- Use an e-collar to prevent licking wounds; keep them clean and dry.
- If signs worsen or new red flags appear, upgrade to ER without delay.
Expert Insights
Most emergency vets will tell you: if you’re debating, it’s often safer to go. The patterns we worry about are consistent—respiratory distress, non-productive retching, urinary blockage signs in male cats, significant trauma, and known toxins. Owners frequently underestimate how fast certain problems escalate. Bloat can flip from mild restlessness to shock in a couple of hours. Xylitol doesn’t wait; small amounts can cause hypoglycemia quickly, and higher doses risk liver failure.
Common misconceptions: “He stopped seizing, so he’s fine.” If a seizure lasted over two minutes, the brain and airway need evaluation. “She’s breathing fast because she’s stressed.” Dogs pant, cats don’t—open-mouth breathing in cats is rare and often serious. “He peed a little, so he’s not blocked.” Blocked cats can dribble; the danger is high potassium, which can affect the heart.
Pro tips from the trenches: keep a rectal thermometer and know how to use it; save packaging of anything your pet could have eaten; maintain a list of nearest ERs and their hours; practice carrier loading for cats. When you call, lead with the biggest risk (e.g., “male cat straining to urinate, no urine output, crying”). Clear information speeds care.
Quick Checklist
- Know the nearest emergency clinic location and hours before you need them
- Save your regular vet’s after-hours/on-call number in your phone
- Keep a pet first-aid kit: gauze, nonstick pads, tape, e-collar, muzzle, rectal thermometer
- Record your pet’s baseline resting breathing rate and normal temperature
- Store packaging from medications and foods your pet could access
- Practice safe carrier/harness loading and car restraint
- Create a one-page medical summary: vaccines, meds, conditions, allergies
- Set a budget plan or emergency fund; know payment options at local ERs
Recommended Tools
Recommended Tools for should i go to an emergency clinic or call the on call vet
Frequently Asked Questions
What signs mean I should go to the emergency clinic right now?
Go immediately for breathing difficulty, blue/pale gums, collapse, active seizure lasting over two minutes or recurrent clusters, severe bleeding, hit-by-car or fall from height, suspected bloat (retching without producing vomit), and known toxin ingestion (xylitol, chocolate, rodenticide, grapes/raisins, human pain meds). A male cat straining to urinate is an emergency even if he seems alert.
When is calling the on-call vet enough?
For mild vomiting (1–2 episodes) in a bright, hydrated pet, small superficial cuts, minor limping without obvious fracture, mild allergic hives without facial swelling, or a single episode of diarrhea, call the on-call vet for guidance. If you can’t reach anyone within 10–15 minutes and symptoms worsen—especially breathing changes, lethargy, repeated vomiting, or pain—switch to an ER plan.
How do costs compare between ER and on-call care?
After-hours ER exam fees commonly range from $150–$250, with diagnostics and treatment pushing totals into the hundreds or more depending on severity. On-call phone triage may be included by some clinics or billed as a consult; in-person urgent visits after-hours often run $75–$150 plus procedures. The cheapest option is the right medical option—delaying true emergencies usually increases both risk and cost.
What should I do if my pet ate chocolate or sugar-free gum?
Note the type, amount, and time. For chocolate: darker varieties contain more theobromine; doses above roughly 20 mg/kg can cause mild signs, while >40–50 mg/kg can be serious. For xylitol, even small amounts can drop blood sugar quickly, and around 0.5 g/kg risks liver injury. Don’t wait—call your vet or head to ER with the packaging so dosing can be calculated and treatment started promptly.
My cat is breathing fast but seems okay—should I wait?
Cats hide illness well, and tachypnea at rest can signal heart or lung issues. If your cat’s resting respiratory rate consistently exceeds ~30 breaths per minute or there’s open-mouth breathing, go to the ER. Quietly check gum color and keep stress low while transporting; avoid forcing the cat to lie down if it prefers sitting to breathe.
How long can I monitor vomiting at home before going to ER?
If your adult pet is otherwise bright and hydrated, one or two episodes can often be monitored for several hours with your vet’s guidance. Go to ER if vomiting is persistent, there’s blood, your pet is lethargic or painful, the abdomen is distended, or your pet is very young, geriatric, diabetic, or has known chronic disease. Any suspected foreign body (trash, toys, bones) tips the decision toward imaging and ER care.
Is a seizure always an emergency?
A single, short seizure with a full return to normal may be urgent rather than emergent, but it still warrants a call and a same-day plan. Go to ER for seizures lasting longer than two minutes, multiple seizures in 24 hours, failure to return to normal, or any head trauma or toxin exposure preceding the event. Keep the environment safe, don’t put hands in the mouth, and video if possible.
Conclusion
When you’re scared and your pet needs help, having a simple framework is everything. Emergencies involve breathing trouble, collapse, serious trauma, toxins, bloat, and urinary blockages—go now. Stable but concerning issues can start with a quick call to the on‑call vet and close monitoring. Prepare ahead: know your ER, practice transport, and keep basic first-aid supplies. Trust your instincts, use the red‑flag list, and act decisively—your calm, informed choices make a real difference.
Related: For comprehensive information about Ask A Veterinarian , visit our main guide.