When your pet is injured or suddenly becomes ill, it can be difficult to know when immediate emergency care is necessary. While some situations can wait for a regular veterinary visit, others demand urgent attention to protect your pet’s life and well-being.

At Bulger Veterinary Hospital, our 24/7 Emergency and Critical Care Team is here when every second counts. Knowing how to recognize a true emergency can make all the difference.

Common Pet Emergencies We Treat

Hit by a Vehicle

Even if your pet appears unharmed after being struck by a vehicle, serious internal injuries, bleeding, or fractures may not be visible. Every pet involved in a traffic accident should be seen by an emergency veterinarian without delay.

Breathing Problems

Rapid, labored, or noisy breathing is always a medical emergency. Difficulty breathing can worsen quickly and requires immediate oxygen support and stabilization.

Seizures

A single, brief seizure may not be an emergency. However, multiple seizures in a short period or any seizure lasting longer than five minutes requires urgent veterinary intervention.

Severe Vomiting or Diarrhea

Repeated vomiting or diarrhea, especially when blood is present, can lead to life-threatening dehydration or point to serious conditions like gastrointestinal obstruction or pancreatitis. Emergency evaluation is critical.

Bloated, Firm Abdomen

A swollen, painful abdomen combined with restlessness and unproductive retching can indicate Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), a rapidly fatal condition requiring emergency surgery.

Toxin Ingestion

If your pet ingests chocolate, xylitol, grapes, lilies, onions, medications, THC, or household chemicals, they should be seen immediately, even if they are not showing symptoms. Early intervention can prevent serious complications.

Eye Injuries

Squinting, bulging eyes, visible wounds, or sudden eye trauma must be addressed right away to preserve your pet’s vision.

Difficulty Urinating

Straining to urinate or complete inability to pass urine, particularly in male cats, is a life-threatening emergency. Urinary blockages require immediate treatment to avoid severe complications.

When in Doubt, Call Bulger

If you’re unsure whether your pet’s situation is an emergency, call Bulger Veterinary Hospital. Our trained team can guide you over the phone and help assess the level of urgency.

It’s always safer to seek care and find out it’s minor than to delay and risk a condition becoming critical.

Our Emergency Hospital in Lawrence, MA is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including weekends and holidays to deliver fast, expert care whenever you need it most.

When your pet’s health can’t wait, trust the emergency team at Bulger.