Veterinary emergencies rarely give any warning. A pet that was fine in the morning can slip into a critical situation within minutes, and as an owner it is not always easy to tell a passing scare from an emergency that puts its life at risk. Recognising the warning signs in time is often the difference between a full recovery and an irreversible outcome.
At Clínica Veterinaria Somo we provide 24-hour emergency care in Somo (Cantabria). We review the 10 signs you should never ignore, why they are so serious and what to do while you make your way to the clinic. The underlying message is very simple: when in doubt, call. It is better to have a consultation that turns out to be minor than to arrive too late to a true emergency.
🚨 Is this an emergency right now? Call our 24h emergency service immediately at 722 61 44 10. Letting us know before you leave allows us to get ready to receive your pet.
Respiratory and circulatory emergencies
Problems affecting breathing or circulation are the most urgent of all, because they compromise the supply of oxygen to the vital organs in a very short time.
1. Difficulty breathing
Very rapid or laboured breathing, noises while breathing, bluish or very pale gums or tongue, a posture with the neck stretched out and the elbows held away from the body, or open-mouth breathing in cats (always abnormal). Lack of oxygen damages the brain and heart within minutes. Do not force or stress the animal: keep it calm and come in immediately.
2. Bleeding that does not stop
Heavy bleeding that does not ease after several minutes of pressure, or large amounts of blood from the mouth, nose, anus or urinary tract, can cause shock from loss of volume. Apply firm pressure with a gauze or a clean cloth over the wound while you head to the clinic.
3. Heatstroke
Uncontrolled panting, thick drooling, staggering, vomiting and disorientation after exposure to heat or intense exercise are signs of hyperthermia, an emergency that can worsen very quickly. Cool the animal down with damp cloths at room temperature (never with ice) and transport it as soon as possible without waiting. We explain in detail how to act in our guide on heatstroke in dogs.
The abdomen, the urinary tract and the digestive system
Some abdominal emergencies are silent at first, but progress very quickly. It is worth knowing them because reaction time is decisive.
4. Swollen abdomen and unproductive attempts to vomit
A large or deep-chested dog (German Shepherd, Boxer, Great Dane, Setter...) with a distended, hard abdomen, trying to vomit without bringing anything up, drooling and showing restlessness, may be suffering gastric torsion (dilatation-volvulus). It is one of the most serious emergencies: the stomach twists on itself and cuts off circulation. Every minute counts. Come in without waiting.
5. Attempts to urinate without success
Especially in male cats, seeing the animal go into the litter box again and again without urinating, meowing in pain, licking itself insistently or passing only a few drops indicates a possible urinary obstruction. The bladder cannot empty and the kidneys stop working, so it can worsen very quickly. Do not wait to see if it improves: it is an emergency, come in without waiting. If your cat has also stopped eating, also review the signs of a sick cat.
6. Persistent or bloody vomiting or diarrhoea
Repeated episodes over several hours, the presence of blood (red or like coffee grounds), marked lethargy or complete refusal of water can cause severe dehydration and may hide poisonings, obstructions or serious infections. If your cat is not eating and is vomiting, do not let it go on for more than a day.
“Knowing the warning signs gives you an advantage. With any of them, don't hesitate: a timely call can save a life.”
Nervous system, poisonings and traumatic injuries
7. Seizures
Uncontrollable trembling, rigidity, paddling movements, loss of consciousness or intense salivation. Remove objects it could hit itself on, do not put your hand in its mouth, note the time it started and how long it lasts, and contact emergency services. A seizure that lasts more than 3-5 minutes or several in a row is an immediate emergency.
8. Suspected poisoning
If your pet has ingested chocolate, xylitol, badly dosed antiparasitics, rat poison, antifreeze, toxic plants or human medicines, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Do not induce vomiting on your own: with some toxins it is counterproductive. Call and tell us what it has taken, how much and when.
9. Trauma or being hit by a vehicle
After a fall, a road accident or a fight, a pet may seem stable while having internal bleeding, fractures or chest damage that are not visible. Move it carefully, use a rigid surface as a stretcher if you suspect injury and come in even if it can walk. If it is only limping but there are no other warning signs, we help you assess it in our guide on why a dog limps.
10. Complicated labour, intense pain or eye problems
More than 1-2 hours of strong contractions without a puppy being born, or more than 4 hours between offspring, requires urgent attention. So does obvious, sudden pain (whimpering, a hunched posture, unusual aggression when touched) and serious eye problems: an eye that is very red, closed, with the globe displaced or following a blow can lose vision within a few hours.
Quick table: what to do for each sign
| Warning sign | Immediate action |
|---|---|
| Difficulty breathing | Keep the animal calm, do not handle it excessively and come in now. Call 722 61 44 10. |
| Bleeding that will not stop | Firm pressure with gauze or a clean cloth over the wound on the way to the clinic. |
| Heatstroke | Lukewarm damp cloths on the neck, armpits and groin; no ice. Immediate transport. |
| Swollen abdomen / retching without vomiting | Do not give it food or water. Come in without delay (possible gastric torsion). |
| Male cat that cannot urinate | Emergency: immediate transport, do not wait until the next morning. |
| Vomiting/diarrhoea with blood | Withhold water and food, collect a sample if you can and call. |
| Seizures | Move dangerous objects away, time the episode and contact emergency services. |
| Poisoning | Do not induce vomiting. Call with the name of the toxin, the amount and the time. |
| Road accident or trauma | Immobilise on a rigid surface and come in even if it seems fine. |
| Stalled labour / pain / damaged eye | Do not delay the consultation: call 722 61 44 10. |
The time factor and our role
In many of these emergencies the animal needs stabilisation, oxygen, fluid therapy or even emergency surgery. That is why we have a 24h veterinary emergency service and a hospitalisation area where we can monitor your pet during the critical hours. Calling before you come allows us to prepare the team and gain valuable minutes.
Assess each case with your vet; the right treatment depends on each animal's age, weight, health status and history.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if it is a real emergency or if it can wait until tomorrow?
If you are in doubt, treat it as urgent and call. Breathing difficulty, a cat that cannot urinate, a swollen abdomen, seizures, poisoning, heavy bleeding or a road accident never wait. Over the phone we will advise you on whether you should come in immediately.
Should I try to give it any medicine or water before arriving?
Do not give human medicines or home remedies without veterinary instruction: many are toxic for dogs and cats. If you suspect a digestive or urinary obstruction, or if it is going to need anaesthesia, do not give it water or food either. Always check with us first.
Do you handle emergencies at night and at weekends?
Yes. Our emergency service operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Call 722 61 44 10 before you leave so we can be ready and waiting for you.
📞 24-hour emergencies Clínica Veterinaria Somo: 722 61 44 10. We are at Isla de Mouro 7, Somo (Cantabria). For non-urgent enquiries and to book an appointment, visit our contact page. When in doubt, call: reacting in time saves lives.
