Pet Health Guide

Symptom checker and emergency care guide from trusted US veterinary sources

⚠️ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER This Pet Health Guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for professional veterinary medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided is sourced from trusted US veterinary organizations (AVMA, PetMD, VIN) but should never replace consultation with a licensed veterinarian.

ALWAYS contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital for any health concerns about your pet. Do not rely solely on this guide for diagnosis or treatment decisions. Your veterinarian knows your pet's medical history and can provide personalized care recommendations. In emergencies, call your vet or go to an emergency clinic immediately.

Pet Symptom Checker

Review common symptoms and what they might indicate. Always consult with a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

Vomiting

Moderate - See Vet Soon

Common Causes: Dietary indiscretion, food allergies, hairballs (cats), GI upset, parasites

What to Do: Withhold food for 12 hours, offer small amounts of water. Monitor for other symptoms. See vet within 24-48 hours if persistent.

Urgent if: Vomiting is severe/frequent, accompanied by pain, lethargy, or blood present

Diarrhea

Mild - Monitor at Home

Common Causes: Diet change, food sensitivity, stress, parasites, bacterial infection

What to Do: Switch to bland diet (boiled chicken, white rice), increase hydration. Usually resolves in 24-48 hours.

Urgent if: Bloody stool, severe dehydration, lethargy, or lasts more than 3 days

Loss of Appetite

Moderate - Contact Vet

Common Causes: Stress, dental problems, fever, GI issues, medication side effects

What to Do: Offer favorite foods, check teeth/mouth for problems. Skip one meal, monitor closely.

Urgent if: Lasts more than 24 hours, accompanied by other symptoms, or pet appears unwell

Lethargy/Weakness

Urgent - See Vet Today

Common Causes: Infection, pain, dehydration, organ dysfunction, medication effects

What to Do: Check for other symptoms, ensure hydration, keep pet warm and comfortable.

Contact Emergency Vet if: Severe lethargy, inability to stand, pale gums, difficult breathing

Excessive Scratching/Itching

Mild to Moderate

Common Causes: Fleas, allergies, dry skin, ear mites, skin infections

What to Do: Check for fleas/parasites, ensure proper parasite prevention. Bathe in cool water.

See Vet if: Skin becomes inflamed, hair loss appears, or doesn't improve in 1 week

Coughing

Moderate - See Vet Within 1 Week

Common Causes: Respiratory infection, kennel cough, heart disease, foreign object, allergies

What to Do: Keep in humid environment, monitor breathing rate, avoid irritants.

Emergency if: Severe difficulty breathing, gagging, coughing up blood

Limping/Lameness

Moderate - See Vet Soon

Common Causes: Injury, arthritis, muscle strain, infection, foreign object in paw

What to Do: Rest and restrict activity, check paws for injuries/debris, apply ice for swelling.

Emergency if: Severe pain, inability to bear weight, suspected broken bone

Frequent Urination

Moderate - Schedule Vet Visit

Common Causes: Diabetes, kidney disease, UTI, drinking excess water, medication

What to Do: Note frequency/amount, ensure fresh water available, watch for straining or blood.

Urgent if: Unable to urinate, straining, blood in urine, extreme thirst with weight loss

Pet Emergency Care Guide

⚠️ Call Emergency Vet Immediately For:

  • Difficulty breathing - Rapid, labored, or gasping
  • Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness
  • Severe bleeding - Cannot be controlled with pressure
  • Inability to urinate/defecate - For more than 12 hours
  • Choking or foreign object stuck
  • Possible poisoning - Ingestion of toxins
  • Signs of severe pain - Excessive panting, crying, aggression
  • Suspected broken bone - Cannot bear weight
  • Uncontrollable vomiting/diarrhea
  • Pale or bluish gums
  • Sudden eye trauma or blindness
  • Seizures or convulsions

First Aid Steps

For Bleeding

1. Stay calm (pets sense stress)
2. Apply firm, direct pressure with clean cloth
3. Maintain pressure for 5-10 minutes
4. Don't remove cloth to check - apply new one on top
5. Elevate bleeding area above heart if possible
6. Transport to vet immediately

For Choking

1. Attempt to remove object if visible and safe
2. Perform pet Heimlich (fist just behind ribs, quick upward thrusts)
3. Try gentle back blows
4. Get to vet immediately - don't wait to see if resolved

For Suspected Poisoning

1. Remove pet from source immediately
2. If ingested, know the substance if possible
3. Don't induce vomiting unless instructed by vet
4. Call Pet Poison Hotline: (888) 426-4435 ($35 fee)
5. Rush to emergency vet
Common toxins: Chocolate, grapes/raisins, xylitol, medications, antifreeze, pesticides

For Fractures/Injuries

1. Minimize movement - keep pet as still as possible
2. Create makeshift splint if possible using newspaper/magazine
3. Use soft carrier or board for transport
4. Apply ice (wrapped in cloth) for 10 minutes if no open wounds
5. Transport gently to emergency vet

For Unconsciousness

1. Check if breathing (watch chest, feel breath)
2. Position on right side
3. Ensure airway clear (extend head/neck slightly)
4. Don't move spine unnecessarily
5. Transport immediately to emergency vet

When to See Your Veterinarian

Schedule an Appointment This Week

• Behavioral changes or anxiety
• Mild vomiting (less than 3x)
• Mild diarrhea lasting 2+ days
• Ear scratching or head shaking
• Dental issues or bad breath
• Limping that improves with rest
• Skin issues (rashes, hair loss)
• Weight changes
• Routine vaccinations due

Schedule Within 1-2 Days

• Loss of appetite for 1 day
• Excessive drinking/urination
• Persistent coughing
• Persistent itching
• Lethargy without other critical signs
• Minor wounds that won't heal
• Eye discharge or redness
• Difficulty with stairs/jumping

Go to Emergency Vet Now

• Any symptoms listed under "Call Emergency Vet Immediately"
• Uncontrolled pain
• Inability to stand/walk
• Suspected toxin ingestion
• Severe trauma/accident
• Difficulty urinating or defecating
• Abdominal distension or hardness

Regular Wellness Visits

Puppies/Kittens: Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old
Adult Pets (1-7 years): At least once annually
Senior Pets (7+ years): Twice yearly recommended
Vaccinations: Follow veterinarian's schedule
Dental Care: Professional cleaning as recommended

Trusted Veterinary Resources (USA)

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): www.avma.org - Find certified vets

Pet Poison Hotline: (888) 426-4435 - 24/7 poison emergencies

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435

Veterinary Partner (VIN): www.veterinarypartner.com - Veterinary information

PetMD: www.petmd.com - Pet health information

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health concerns.