If your pet is unconscious, struggling to breathe, actively bleeding heavily, in severe pain, or suspected of toxic ingestion, do not wait for online advice. Call your nearest veterinary emergency hospital or reach ASPCA Poison Control immediately at (888) 426-4435.
Go to Emergency Hospital Now
- Open-mouth breathing (cats) or blue/pale gums
- Collapse, inability to stand, or extreme weakness
- Suspected poisoning (lilies, rodenticide, chocolate, antifreeze)
- Bloated, hard abdomen with unproductive retching (GDV risk)
- Active seizures lasting >2 minutes or multiple clusters
- Male cat unable to urinate or crying in litterbox
See Veterinarian Today
- Repeated vomiting or inability to keep water down >12 hours
- Severe or bloody diarrhea with marked lethargy
- Eye squinting, swelling, cloudiness, or foreign object
- Sudden severe lameness or inability to bear weight
- Appetite refusal >24 hours (dogs) or >12 hours (kittens/cats)
Monitor & Book Regular Visit
- Mild itching, seasonal scratching, or localized flaking
- Single isolated episode of soft stool with normal energy
- Gradual behavioral changes or mild bad breath
- Routine vaccination, microchip, or preventive checkup needs
Clinical Caloric & Safe Hydration Calculator
Calculate baseline Resting Energy Requirement (RER) and daily fluid maintenance guidelines for dogs and cats.
Baseline energy needed at complete rest (70 x kg^0.75)
~2.1 - 2.5 cups/day (50-60 ml/kg/day baseline)
Clinical Note: Values reflect WSAVA nutritional consensus guidelines. Patients with fever, kidney insufficiency, persistent vomiting/diarrhea, or congestive heart failure require individualized veterinary fluid and caloric plans.
Clinic Handoff Notes Builder
Fill in this brief summary before heading to the clinic. You can copy or print this note to hand directly to the triage nurse.
Your Clinic Triage Summary
Household Toxins & Food Safety Quick Lookup
Search common substances to verify immediate toxicity risks and critical boundaries.
Substance not found in quick reference list
If your pet ingested an unknown or suspicious substance, do not wait for symptoms. Contact your local emergency veterinarian immediately or reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435.
Lilies (True Lilies & Daylilies)
All parts (petals, pollen, vase water) cause acute fatal kidney failure in cats within hours. Immediate emergency intervention required.
Xylitol (Birch Bark Sweetener)
Causes massive insulin surge leading to severe hypoglycemia within 30 minutes, followed by acute hepatic liver failure in dogs.
Chocolate & Cocoa (Theobromine)
Dark and baking chocolate are especially dangerous. Triggers cardiac arrhythmias, hyperactivity, muscle tremors, and seizures.
Grapes & Raisins (Tartaric Acid)
Individual sensitivity varies wildly; even tiny quantities can trigger irreversible acute kidney failure in dogs.
Onions, Garlic & Alliums
Causes oxidative damage to red blood cells, resulting in hemolytic anemia, weakness, dark urine, and collapse. Cats are especially sensitive.
Human Pain Relievers (NSAIDs / Tylenol)
Never administer human pain medication. Causes fatal gastric perforation, liver failure, and methemoglobinemia (inability to carry oxygen).
Macadamia Nuts
Induces temporary hind leg paralysis, severe lethargy, vomiting, and high fever in dogs within 12 hours.
Plain Cooked Pumpkin Puree
Excellent soluble fiber source for resolving both mild diarrhea and constipation in dogs and cats (ensure 100% pure pumpkin, no spices).
Carrots (Raw or Steamed)
Low-calorie crunchy treat rich in beta-carotene and fiber. Great low-impact dental chew alternative for dogs.
Fresh Blueberries
Packed with antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and fiber. Safe for both dogs and cats in moderate treat portions.