Quick answer: Go to an emergency vet right away for red-flag signs: trouble breathing, collapse, a seizure, a swollen belly with retching, pale or blue gums, heavy bleeding, possible poisoning, heatstroke, being hit by a car, straining to pee with little coming out, or severe pain. Call your vet the same day for yellow signs like vomiting or diarrhea more than a couple of times, not eating for a day, limping, eye problems or a dog who just seems off. Green signs, like a single vomit in an otherwise happy dog, can usually be watched at home. When in doubt, call your vet or an emergency clinic for advice.

How the traffic-light system works

When your dog is unwell, it's hard to think clearly. A simple system helps you make a quick, calm decision. We've grouped common signs into three colors:

• Red: go now. Life-threatening signs that need an emergency vet immediately. Don't wait to see if things improve.
• Yellow: call today. Signs that need veterinary advice the same day. Your vet may want to see your dog or may give advice over the phone.
• Green: watch at home. Mild signs in a dog who is otherwise acting normally. Monitor closely, and call if things change or don't improve.

This guide isn't a substitute for professional advice. If you're unsure, always call your vet or an emergency clinic. They can help you decide over the phone. You'll never be wasting their time by asking.

Remember too that puppies, senior dogs, tiny breeds, flat-faced breeds and dogs with existing health conditions can become seriously ill faster. For these dogs, it's better to act sooner.

Red: go to an emergency vet now

These signs can be life-threatening. Go to your nearest emergency vet right away. Call ahead on the way if you can, so the team can prepare.

• Trouble breathing. Struggling to breathe, noisy or very fast breathing, breathing with the mouth open while resting or blue, gray or purple gums or tongue.
• Collapse or inability to stand. Sudden weakness, fainting or not being able to get up.
• Seizures. A seizure lasting more than a few minutes, more than one seizure in a day or a first-ever seizure.
• A swollen belly with retching. Trying to vomit without bringing anything up, restlessness and a tight, swollen belly can be signs of bloat, also known as GDV. This is a true emergency, especially in large, deep-chested dogs.
• Pale, white or very red gums. Can be a sign of shock, blood loss or heatstroke.
• Heavy bleeding. Bleeding that doesn't stop after five minutes of firm pressure.
• Possible poisoning. Eating chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, rat poison, antifreeze, human medicines or toxic plants, even if your dog seems fine.
• Heatstroke. Heavy panting, drooling, bright red gums, vomiting, wobbliness or collapse in hot weather.
• Trauma. Being hit by a car, falling from a height or a serious dog fight, even if your dog seems okay.
• Straining to pee with little or nothing coming out. Especially in male dogs. A blocked bladder is an emergency.
• Severe pain. Crying out, unable to settle, trembling badly or not letting you touch them.
• Sudden paralysis. Dragging the back legs or not using one or more legs.

More red-flag signs

These are also emergencies. Don't wait to see if they get better.

• Vomiting or diarrhea with blood. Large amounts of blood, or blood with weakness, especially in puppies.
• Repeated vomiting. Vomiting many times in a few hours, or being unable to keep water down.
• Eye injuries. A swollen, bulging or injured eye, or a sudden inability to see.
• Choking. Pawing at the mouth, gagging and struggling to breathe.
• Swallowed objects. Socks, toys, bones, corn cobs or string, especially with vomiting or a painful belly. See our dog ate a sock guide.
• Sudden swelling of the face. Especially with hives, vomiting or trouble breathing, which may be a severe allergic reaction.
• Difficult birth. Straining for more than 30 minutes without producing a puppy, or a long gap between puppies.
• Very high or very low body temperature. Normal is about 101 to 102.5°F (38.3 to 39.2°C).
• Unresponsiveness. Your dog doesn't respond normally to you, seems confused or is staggering.

If you're ever unsure whether something is red or yellow, treat it as red and call an emergency clinic.

If you think your dog has been poisoned

Poisoning is one of the most common dog emergencies. Act fast, even if your dog seems perfectly normal. Many toxins take hours to cause symptoms, and early treatment is much more effective.

• Stay calm and move your dog away. Remove any remaining toxin.
• Check what was eaten. Note the product name, ingredients, amount and when it happened. Bring the packaging with you.
• Call for advice right away. Call your vet, an emergency vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. A consultation fee may apply.
• Don't make your dog vomit unless told to. Some substances cause more harm coming back up, and home methods can be dangerous.
• Go to the vet if advised. Bring the packaging and a sample if possible.

Common household toxins include chocolate, grapes and raisins, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and some peanut butters), onions, garlic, human medicines, rodent poison, antifreeze, certain plants and some essential oils. Our toxic foods for dogs guide, dog ate chocolate guide and dog-safe plants guide can help you keep your home safe.

Bloat (GDV): the emergency every big-dog parent should know

Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is when the stomach fills with gas and can twist. It can become life-threatening within hours, so knowing the signs is vital. It's most common in large, deep-chested breeds such as Great Danes, German Shepherds, Standard Poodles, Weimaraners and Irish Setters, but any dog can be affected.

Signs of bloat include:

• Retching without vomiting. Trying to throw up but nothing comes out, or only foam.
• A swollen, tight belly. It may feel hard like a drum.
• Restlessness. Pacing, unable to get comfortable.
• Drooling. More than usual.
• Pain. Looking at or guarding the belly.
• Weakness and collapse. In later stages.

If you notice these signs, go to an emergency vet immediately. Don't wait to see if it passes. Ask your vet about bloat risk for your breed and whether preventive steps, like feeding smaller meals and avoiding vigorous exercise right after eating, make sense for your dog.

What to do if your dog has a seizure

Seeing your dog have a seizure can be terrifying. Staying calm and keeping your dog safe are the most important things you can do. Most seizures last less than two minutes.

• Keep your dog safe. Move furniture and objects away. Keep them away from stairs and water.
• Don't put your hands near the mouth. Dogs can't swallow their tongues, and you could be bitten accidentally.
• Time the seizure. Note when it started and stopped. A video can help your vet.
• Keep the room calm. Dim the lights, turn off loud sounds and keep other pets and kids away.
• Comfort afterward. Many dogs are confused or wobbly after a seizure. Speak softly and keep them calm.
• Call your vet. Go to an emergency vet if the seizure lasts more than five minutes, if your dog has more than one seizure in 24 hours or if it's their first seizure.

Some dogs need long-term medication to manage seizures. Your vet can help you build a plan and tell you when to seek emergency care.

If your dog is hit by a car or badly injured

Accidents are frightening, and dogs who are hurt may act very differently than normal. Even if your dog gets up and seems okay, they need to see a vet right away. Internal injuries may not be obvious at first.

• Keep yourself safe. Watch for traffic before approaching.
• Approach slowly and speak softly. Injured dogs may bite out of fear or pain.
• Use a muzzle if needed. A soft muzzle or a gentle loop of fabric can prevent bites, but never muzzle a dog who is vomiting or struggling to breathe.
• Move carefully. Slide your dog onto a blanket, board or coat, supporting the head, neck and back.
• Control bleeding. Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth.
• Go to the vet immediately. Call ahead while someone else drives.

Yellow: call your vet today

These signs aren't usually immediately life-threatening, but they do need veterinary advice the same day. Call your vet and describe what's happening. They may want to see your dog or give you advice for home care.

• Vomiting or diarrhea more than two or three times. In an otherwise bright dog who is still drinking.
• Not eating for 24 hours. Or sooner for puppies, small dogs and dogs with health conditions.
• Limping. Especially if it lasts more than a day or is getting worse.
• Coughing. Persistent coughing, or coughing with tiredness or loss of appetite. See our kennel cough guide.
• Eye problems. Squinting, redness, discharge or a cloudy eye.
• Ear problems. Head shaking, scratching, a smell or discharge. See our ear infections guide.
• Increased thirst or peeing. A big change that lasts more than a day.
• Peeing in the house. Accidents in a house-trained dog, or peeing often in small amounts.
• Lumps that change. A new lump or one that is growing quickly.
• Skin wounds. Cuts that may need stitches, bite wounds or hot spots.
• Lethargy. Your dog seems tired, quiet or just not themselves for more than a day.
• Bee stings or bug bites. Mild swelling without breathing problems. See our bee stings guide.

Green: watch at home and call if it changes

These signs are usually mild in a dog who is otherwise happy, eating, drinking and acting normally. Watch closely and call your vet if things get worse, new signs appear or there's no improvement in a day or two.

• A single vomit. Your dog then acts completely normal, eats and drinks. See our yellow bile vomiting guide.
• One episode of soft poop. With normal energy and appetite.
• Mild sneezing. Occasional sneezes without discharge, or reverse sneezing. See our reverse sneezing guide.
• Eating grass. Occasional grass eating is common. See why dogs eat grass.
• Mild itching. Occasional scratching without broken skin.
• Slightly less energy after a busy day. If your dog bounces back after rest.
• A small scrape. That isn't bleeding much and looks clean.
• Mild gas. See our why is my dog so gassy guide.

Green doesn't mean ignore it. Keep notes, take photos or videos and trust your gut. If your dog is a puppy, a senior or has health conditions, call sooner rather than later.

Quick decisions: common scenarios

Sometimes it helps to see real-life examples. Here are some common situations dog parents face, and which light they usually fall under. Every dog is different, so if your situation feels worse, treat it as more urgent.

• Your dog ate a whole bar of dark chocolate. Red. Call poison control or your vet right away.
• Your dog vomited once after eating grass, then wanted to play. Green. Watch at home.
• Your Great Dane is pacing, drooling and trying to vomit. Red. Possible bloat. Go now.
• Your dog has been limping since yesterday but is eating and happy. Yellow. Call your vet today.
• Your dog was stung on the paw and the paw is a little swollen. Yellow or green. Watch closely, and call if swelling spreads. Go now if the face swells or breathing changes.
• Your male dog keeps squatting but nothing comes out. Red. Go now.
• Your puppy has had diarrhea three times and seems tired. Yellow, leaning red. Puppies dehydrate quickly. Call your vet now.
• Your dog is panting heavily after a hot walk and wobbling. Red. Possible heatstroke. Cool and go now.
• Your dog has a small cut on the paw that stopped bleeding. Green or yellow. Clean it and call your vet if it's deep, dirty or won't stay closed.

What to do on the way to the emergency vet

When you're heading to the emergency vet, a few simple steps can help. Stay as calm as you can. Your dog will pick up on your energy.

• Call ahead. Let the clinic know you're coming and describe what's happening.
• Move your dog carefully. Injured dogs may bite out of pain, even if they're normally gentle. Support the body and avoid touching painful areas.
• Use a blanket as a stretcher. For larger dogs who can't walk, a blanket held by two people works well.
• Keep your dog warm. Unless they're overheated. For heatstroke, cool with room-temperature water on the way.
• Apply pressure to bleeding. Use a clean cloth and firm, steady pressure.
• Bring what you can. Medication lists, packaging from anything eaten and your dog's records.
• Drive safely. Ask someone else to drive if possible, so you can comfort your dog.

Our dog first aid kit checklist covers what to keep at home and in the car for emergencies.

Emergency vet, urgent care or your regular vet?

Knowing where to go can save time. The right place depends on how serious the situation is and what time of day it is.

• Your regular vet. Best for yellow signs during opening hours. They know your dog and have their records.
• Urgent care clinics. Some areas have veterinary urgent care for problems that can't wait but aren't life-threatening. They often have longer hours.
• 24-hour emergency hospital. Best for red signs at any time, and for yellow signs that can't wait when your vet is closed.
• Telehealth. Some vets offer phone or video advice, which can help you decide where to go.

Find out today which options are near you, and save their details in your phone. When an emergency happens, you won't need to search.

Get prepared before an emergency happens

Emergencies feel a lot less overwhelming when you've planned ahead. Spend 20 minutes today getting ready, and you'll thank yourself later.

Set a reminder once a year to check that everything is still current. Clinics change hours, phone numbers change and first aid supplies expire. A quick yearly check keeps your plan ready, and it's a great habit to pair with your dog's annual checkup or birthday.

If you have a family, walk everyone through the plan. Older kids can learn where the kit is kept and which numbers to call. Write the key details on a card and stick it inside a kitchen cupboard, so anyone in the house can find them quickly, even if your phone isn't nearby.

• Save the numbers. Your regular vet, your nearest 24-hour emergency hospital and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
• Know the route. Find out where your nearest emergency hospital is and how long it takes to get there.
• Keep records handy. Vaccination history, medications, allergies and medical conditions saved on your phone.
• Build a first aid kit. Gauze, bandages, saline, a muzzle, a towel, tweezers and a thermometer.
• Have a carrier or blanket. For safe transport.
• Plan for costs. Consider pet insurance or an emergency fund. See our pet insurance guide.
• Microchip and ID. Make sure your contact details are up to date. See our microchip guide.
• Know your dog's normal. Normal breathing rate at rest, gum color and energy levels.

Know your dog's normal vital signs

Knowing what's normal for your dog helps you spot what isn't. Practice checking these when your dog is calm and healthy, so you know their baseline.

• Breathing rate at rest. Most healthy dogs breathe about 15 to 30 times a minute when resting or asleep. Count chest rises for 30 seconds and double it.
• Heart rate. Varies with size. Small dogs often have faster heart rates than large dogs. Ask your vet what's normal for yours.
• Temperature. About 101 to 102.5°F (38.3 to 39.2°C), taken with a digital thermometer. Ask your vet to show you how.
• Gum color. Healthy gums are usually pink and moist, though some dogs have naturally dark gums.
• Capillary refill. Press on the gum until pale. Color should return within about two seconds.

A resting breathing rate that's higher than usual can be an early sign of heart or lung problems. If your dog has a heart condition, your vet may ask you to track it at home.

Dogs who need extra caution

Some dogs can get sick faster or are more prone to certain emergencies. For these dogs, it's best to call your vet sooner.

• Puppies. They dehydrate quickly and are more vulnerable to infections like parvovirus. See our vaccination schedule.
• Senior dogs. More likely to have underlying conditions. Our senior dog care guide has more tips.
• Toy and small breeds. Can develop low blood sugar quickly if they don't eat.
• Flat-faced breeds. Pugs, French Bulldogs and Bulldogs are more prone to breathing problems and heatstroke.
• Deep-chested breeds. Higher risk of bloat.
• Dogs with health conditions. Diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or epilepsy.

Make sure your sitter knows the plan

Emergencies don't always happen when you're home. If someone else is caring for your dog, make sure they know exactly what to do.

• Share the numbers. Your vet, the emergency hospital and poison control.
• Share the route. Directions to the emergency hospital.
• Explain your dog's health. Medications, allergies, conditions and what's normal for your dog.
• Give permission. Let your vet and sitter know who can approve emergency treatment and how payment will work.
• Show the first aid kit. Where it is and what's in it.
• Share this guide. A quick read of the red, yellow and green signs can help them act fast.

Our dog sitter instructions template includes a ready-made emergency section you can fill in and print.

Staying calm in a stressful moment

Seeing your dog in distress is frightening. It's completely normal to feel panicked. A few simple steps can help you think more clearly.

• Take three slow breaths. It sounds simple, but it helps.
• Follow the plan. Use this traffic-light guide or your saved checklist.
• Call for help. Your vet, an emergency clinic or a friend can help you decide and support you.
• Focus on the next step. You don't need to solve everything at once.
• Be kind to yourself. Accidents happen, and seeking help quickly is exactly the right thing to do.

After an emergency, take time to rest and look after yourself too. Talking to a friend or another dog parent can help. If you've lost a beloved pet, our pet memorial ideas guide offers gentle ways to remember them.

After the emergency: recovery at home

Once your dog is home, recovery begins. Following your vet's instructions closely gives your dog the best chance of a smooth recovery.

• Give medicines exactly as directed. Set phone reminders so you don't miss a dose.
• Rest and quiet. Limit activity as advised, and give your dog a calm, comfortable space.
• Watch for changes. Note appetite, energy, toileting and wounds, and call if anything worries you.
• Go to follow-up appointments. Rechecks are an important part of healing.
• Lots of comfort. Gentle cuddles, a cozy blanket and your company help more than you know.

Emergency vet costs: what to expect

Emergency care often costs more than a regular vet visit, because clinics are staffed around the clock with specialist equipment. Planning ahead makes it easier to focus on your dog in the moment.

• Ask for an estimate. Most clinics will give an estimate before treatment.
• Discuss options. There may be different treatment plans to fit your situation.
• Ask about payment plans. Some clinics accept financing or payment plans.
• Check your insurance. Know your deductible and what's covered before you need it.
• Keep an emergency fund. Even small monthly savings help. Our save money on dog care guide has ideas.

Preventing common emergencies

Many dog emergencies can be prevented with a few simple habits. A little prevention goes a long way.

• Dog-proof your home. Keep medicines, foods, cleaning products and small objects out of reach. See our dog-proofing guide.
• Use a leash near roads. Even well-trained dogs can be startled.
• Avoid hot cars and hot pavement. Walk in cooler parts of the day.
• Keep vaccines and parasite prevention up to date. These protect against serious diseases.
• Supervise with toys and chews. Throw away damaged toys that could be swallowed.
• Secure the trash. Bones, corn cobs and food wrappers are common culprits.
• Regular checkups. Catch problems early. See how to choose a veterinarian.

• Red means go now. Breathing, collapse, bloat, poison, trauma.
• Yellow means call today. Vomiting, limping, not eating.
• Green means watch closely. Call if it changes.
• When in doubt, call. Your vet or an emergency clinic.
• Prepare today. Save numbers and build a kit.

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How do I know if my dog needs an emergency vet?

Go right away for trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, a swollen belly with retching, pale gums, heavy bleeding, possible poisoning, heatstroke, trauma, straining to pee or severe pain.

Should I take my dog to the emergency vet for vomiting?

Go right away if vomiting is repeated, contains blood, comes with a swollen belly, weakness or possible poisoning. A single vomit in a happy dog can usually be watched at home.

What are the signs of bloat in dogs?

Signs include retching without vomiting, a swollen tight belly, restlessness, drooling and pain. Bloat is an emergency, so go to a vet right away.

What should I do if my dog ate something toxic?

Call your vet, an emergency clinic or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away, even if your dog seems fine. Don't make your dog vomit unless told to.

Is it an emergency if my dog is not eating?

Not eating for 24 hours needs a call to your vet, sooner for puppies, small dogs and dogs with health conditions or other symptoms.

What is a normal breathing rate for a dog?

Most healthy dogs breathe about 15 to 30 times per minute at rest. A consistently higher resting rate should be checked by your vet.

What color should my dog's gums be?

Healthy gums are usually pink and moist. Pale, white, blue, gray or very red gums can be a sign of an emergency.

Can I call an emergency vet for advice?

Yes. Many emergency clinics will talk you through what's happening and help you decide whether to come in.

How can I prepare for a dog emergency?

Save your vet, emergency clinic and poison control numbers, know the route, keep records handy, build a first aid kit and plan for costs.

Is limping an emergency?

Limping after trauma, with severe pain, swelling or refusal to bear weight is urgent. Mild limping in a happy dog should be checked by your vet if it lasts more than a day.