Dog Symptom Checker
Answer a few quick questions to determine if your dog needs emergency care, a same-day vet visit, or can be monitored at home.
Emergency Signs
Is your dog showing any of these life-threatening symptoms? Check all that apply.
How to Tell If Your Dog Needs Emergency Care
Knowing when your dog needs emergency veterinary care can be the difference between a routine vet visit and a life-threatening situation. Dogs cannot tell us what is wrong, so understanding the warning signs is essential for every pet owner.
As a general rule, any symptom that affects your dog's ability to breathe, walk, or stay conscious is an emergency. Additionally, any suspected toxin ingestion, severe trauma, or uncontrollable bleeding warrants immediate veterinary attention.
The most important thing to remember: when in doubt, call your vet. Veterinarians would far rather take a call that turns out to be nothing serious than miss a true emergency. Most veterinary clinics have after-hours answering services that can direct you to the nearest emergency hospital.
The three levels of veterinary urgency
- Emergency (go to ER now): Life-threatening conditions requiring immediate intervention. These include difficulty breathing, seizures, severe trauma, suspected bloat (GDV), toxin ingestion, and unresponsiveness.
- Urgent (same-day vet visit): Serious symptoms that need veterinary evaluation within hours but are not immediately life-threatening. Examples include persistent vomiting, bloody stool, severe limping, and inability to urinate.
- Mild (monitor at home): Minor symptoms that can typically be observed for 24–48 hours before deciding if a vet visit is needed. These include occasional vomiting, mild diarrhea, minor cuts, and slight lethargy.
Common Dog Emergency Symptoms by Body System
Respiratory system
Breathing problems are among the most time-sensitive emergencies. Signs include labored breathing with visible chest effort, gasping or choking, blue or purple-tinged gums (cyanosis), persistent severe cough, and nasal discharge with blood. Dogs that sit with their neck extended and elbows turned outward are actively struggling to breathe and need immediate help.
Neurological system
Neurological emergencies include seizures (involuntary shaking, paddling legs, loss of consciousness), sudden inability to walk or stand, head tilt with loss of balance, sudden blindness, and disorientation or circling. A single brief seizure (under 2 minutes) may not be immediately life-threatening, but clusters of seizures or a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes (status epilepticus) requires emergency care.
Gastrointestinal system
GI emergencies include a distended, hard abdomen with unproductive retching (classic bloat/GDV sign), vomiting blood (bright red or coffee-grounds appearance), profuse watery diarrhea with blood, and complete inability to keep water down. A dog that is trying to vomit repeatedly but producing nothing should be evaluated for bloat immediately, especially in large, deep-chested breeds.
Cardiovascular system
Signs of cardiovascular distress include sudden collapse, pale or white gums, rapid or very slow heart rate that you can feel by placing your hand on the chest, and cold extremities. Collapse that occurs during or immediately after exercise may indicate a serious heart condition.
Trauma and musculoskeletal
Obvious emergencies include being hit by a car (even if the dog appears fine — internal injuries are common), falls from significant heights, severe lacerations or puncture wounds, and any broken or obviously displaced bone. Even if a dog walks away from a traumatic event, internal bleeding and organ damage can be present without external signs.
Emergency Vet vs. Regular Vet: Decision Matrix
The table below can help you decide where to seek care for common scenarios. When in doubt, calling your regular vet's office (even after hours) can provide guidance.
| Scenario | Emergency ER | Regular Vet (same day) | Monitor at Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty breathing | Yes — always | No | No |
| Seizure (first time) | Yes | Follow-up within 24h | No |
| Vomiting 3+ times in 24h | If bloody or with pain | Yes (same-day) | No |
| One episode of vomiting | No | Only if recurring | Yes |
| Not eating for 2+ days | If combined with lethargy | Yes (same-day) | No |
| Limping, still bearing weight | No | Yes (within 24h) | No |
| Complete inability to stand | Yes | No | No |
| Minor cut, no bleeding | No | If deep or infected | Yes |
| Ate chocolate | If large amount / dark chocolate | Call for guidance | If tiny amount of milk chocolate |
What to Expect at the Emergency Vet
Emergency vet visits can be stressful for both you and your dog. Knowing what to expect can help you stay calm and advocate effectively for your pet.
Triage on arrival
Emergency veterinary hospitals operate on a triage system, similar to human ERs. When you arrive, a veterinary technician will quickly assess your dog's vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, gum color) and assign a priority level. Dogs with life-threatening conditions are seen first, regardless of arrival order. This means you may wait if your dog's condition is assessed as stable, even if you arrived before other patients.
Common diagnostics
Depending on your dog's symptoms, the emergency vet may recommend: blood work (complete blood count, chemistry panel), X-rays to check for fractures, foreign bodies, or bloat, ultrasound for abdominal evaluation, urinalysis, and ECG/EKG for heart monitoring. These diagnostics help determine the severity of the condition and guide treatment decisions.
Cost expectations
Emergency veterinary care is typically more expensive than routine visits due to specialized staffing, equipment, and after-hours availability. A basic emergency exam and assessment may cost $100–$300. Diagnostics (blood work, imaging) can add $200–$1,000. Treatment costs vary widely based on the condition, from a few hundred dollars for minor issues to several thousand for surgery or intensive care.
Questions to ask the ER vet
- What is the most likely diagnosis, and what are the alternatives?
- What diagnostics do you recommend, and what will they tell us?
- What are the treatment options, and what does each cost?
- What is the expected outcome with and without treatment?
- When should I follow up with my regular veterinarian?
Emergency Preparedness for Dog Owners
Being prepared for a veterinary emergency can save precious time when every minute counts. Here is how to prepare before an emergency happens.
Know your nearest emergency clinic
Research the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital before you need it. Save the address, phone number, and driving directions in your phone. Many areas have multiple emergency clinics, so identify a backup option in case the closest one has a long wait. If you travel frequently with your dog, research emergency clinics along your common routes.
Keep a pet emergency kit
A basic pet emergency kit should include: sterile gauze pads and rolls, adhesive medical tape, hydrogen peroxide 3% (for vet-directed vomiting induction only), a digital rectal thermometer (normal canine temperature is 101–102.5°F / 38.3–39.2°C), tweezers, a clean blanket or towel, and a properly fitted muzzle (even friendly dogs may bite when in severe pain). Keep the kit in an easily accessible location.
Poison emergency numbers
Save these numbers in your phone now, before you need them:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 — Available 24/7. A $75 consultation fee may apply.
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 — Available 24/7. An $85 per-incident fee may apply.
Both hotlines employ board-certified veterinary toxicologists who can provide specific guidance for your dog's situation, including whether the ingestion is dangerous and what treatment may be needed.
Sources & references
- ACVECC (American College of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care) — Professional organization for emergency veterinary medicine. Source for emergency triage protocols and clinical assessment guidelines.
- RECOVER Initiative — Evidence-based veterinary CPR and emergency care guidelines, including neurological assessment protocols.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — Emergency toxicology resource and 24/7 hotline. Source for toxin ingestion assessment and treatment guidance. Hotline: (888) 426-4435.
- Pet Poison Helpline — 24/7 poison guidance and toxicology database for veterinary professionals and pet owners. Hotline: (855) 764-7661.
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Comprehensive veterinary reference for emergency conditions, toxicology, disease states, and clinical assessment.
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) — Source for guidance on surgical emergencies including GDV/bloat, diaphragmatic hernias, and traumatic injuries.
Disclaimer: This symptom checker provides general triage guidance based on established veterinary emergency protocols. It is designed to help you make informed decisions about seeking veterinary care but is not a substitute for professional veterinary examination and diagnosis. Every dog and situation is unique. When in doubt, always contact your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
Frequently asked questions about dog symptoms and emergencies
How accurate is this dog symptom checker?
This tool is designed as a general triage guide based on emergency veterinary medicine protocols from the ACVECC (American College of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care). It categorizes symptoms into three severity levels: emergency, urgent, and mild. However, it cannot replace a physical veterinary examination. If you have any doubt about your dog's condition, always err on the side of caution and contact your veterinarian.
How do I know if my dog is in pain?
Dogs often hide pain, making it difficult to detect. Common signs include: whimpering or crying when touched, reluctance to move or walk, excessive panting when at rest, loss of appetite, guarding a body part (pulling away or growling when you touch a specific area), restlessness or inability to settle, trembling or shaking, and changes in posture (hunched back, tucked abdomen). If you notice several of these signs together, your dog may be in significant pain and should see a vet.
When should I call the vet versus going to the emergency clinic?
Call your regular vet for non-life-threatening symptoms during business hours: persistent vomiting, not eating, limping, or mild injuries. Go to the emergency clinic for life-threatening symptoms at any time: difficulty breathing, seizures, severe bleeding, suspected bloat, toxin ingestion, or complete collapse. If your regular vet is closed and your dog has urgent (but not immediately life-threatening) symptoms, an emergency clinic can still see you — they triage by severity, not arrival order.
What are the most common dog emergencies?
The most common canine emergencies seen at veterinary ERs include: gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat/GDV), especially in large and deep-chested breeds; toxin ingestion (chocolate, xylitol, rodenticide, medications); traumatic injuries (hit by car, falls); respiratory distress; seizures; urinary obstruction (inability to urinate); and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis, bee stings). Bloat/GDV and toxin ingestion are particularly time-sensitive and require immediate intervention.
What should I have in a dog emergency kit?
A well-prepared dog emergency kit should include: your vet's phone number and the nearest emergency clinic address, gauze pads and rolls for wound care, adhesive tape, hydrogen peroxide 3% (for vet-directed vomiting induction only), digital thermometer (normal dog temp is 101–102.5°F), tweezers for tick or splinter removal, clean towels or blankets, a muzzle (injured dogs may bite), and a pet first-aid book or printed emergency reference card. Keep the kit in an accessible location and check expiration dates regularly.
Is my dog's vomiting an emergency?
A single episode of vomiting in an otherwise healthy dog is usually not an emergency — dogs occasionally vomit from eating too fast, dietary indiscretion, or mild stomach upset. However, vomiting becomes urgent or emergency-level when: it occurs more than 2–3 times in 24 hours, contains blood (bright red or dark coffee-grounds appearance), is accompanied by a distended abdomen, your dog is also lethargic or in pain, or your dog is very young, very old, or has underlying health conditions. When in doubt, call your vet for guidance.
How much does an emergency vet visit cost?
Emergency veterinary visits typically cost significantly more than regular vet appointments. An emergency exam fee alone usually ranges from $100–$300, depending on your location. Total costs for treatment can range from $500–$5,000+ depending on the condition and required diagnostics (blood work, X-rays, ultrasound, surgery). Many emergency clinics require payment at the time of service. Ask about payment plans, pet insurance acceptance, or CareCredit/Scratchpay financing options when you arrive.
What is bloat (GDV) and why is it so dangerous?
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly called bloat, is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. This cuts off blood supply to the stomach and spleen, and can compress the vena cava (major vein), leading to shock. Signs include: a distended, hard abdomen; unproductive retching (trying to vomit but nothing comes up); restlessness; excessive drooling; and rapid breathing. GDV is most common in large, deep-chested breeds like Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Standard Poodles. It requires emergency surgery within hours — without treatment, it is almost always fatal.
Can I give my dog any medication before going to the vet?
In general, do NOT give your dog any medication without veterinary guidance, especially in an emergency. Many human medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen/Tylenol, naproxen) are toxic to dogs. Even some veterinary medications can be harmful if given at the wrong dose or for the wrong condition. If your dog has a pre-existing condition and your vet has already prescribed emergency medications (such as rectal diazepam for seizures), follow your vet's specific instructions. Otherwise, focus on keeping your dog calm and getting to the vet as quickly as possible.
My dog ate something toxic. What should I do first?
If your dog ingested a known toxin: 1) Stay calm and remove your dog from the source. 2) Identify what was ingested, how much, and when — check packaging for ingredients. 3) Call ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 immediately. 4) Do NOT induce vomiting unless specifically directed by a veterinarian. 5) Bring the packaging or a photo of the product to the emergency vet. 6) If directed to go to the ER, drive there immediately — time is critical for many toxins. For common toxins like chocolate, you can also use our Chocolate Toxicity Calculator for a quick severity assessment.