Emergency Physical Exam for Pets: Signs Your Dog or Cat Is in Trouble

When Every Second Counts: A Vet’s Guide to Urgent Pet Exams

When your pet suddenly isn’t acting like themselves, it can stop you in your tracks. Maybe they’re refusing food, breathing differently, or just seem off in a way you can’t quite explain. It’s scary- and it’s hard to know if you should wait it out, call the vet, or rush in right away.

At MountainView Veterinary Hospital in Denville, New Jersey, we’ve seen it all- from minor issues that just looked dramatic to subtle symptoms that turned out to be extremely serious. We’re here to help you tell the difference.

This guide will walk you through how to check your pet for signs of an urgent medical problem, what symptoms should never be ignored, and how to decide when it’s time to bring them in. Because in those uncertain moments, having a plan can make all the difference.

What Counts as an Emergency?

Not every concern means an immediate trip to the ER, but there are clear red flags that should never be ignored.

Signs to Watch For:

• Pulse and Breathing Variations
  A normal heart rate varies by species and size:
  • Dogs: 60–140 beats per minute (higher for puppies and small breeds)
  • Cats: 140–220 beats per minute

You can feel your pet’s pulse by placing your fingers on their chest, just behind the left elbow. Count beats for 15 seconds and multiply by 4.

A normal respiratory rate at rest is between 15–30 breaths per minute. Breathing should be quiet and effortless. Shallow, rapid, or labored breaths are signs to call your vet.  Watch for open-mouth breathing in cats (never normal), gasping, exaggerated effort, or blue-tinged gums or tongue. Labored breathing is one of the most urgent warning signs and often requires immediate care. Learn more in Respiratory Distress in Pets

• Temperature: A normal range for dogs and cats is 5°F to 102.5°F. If it’s below 99°F or above 103°F, contact your veterinarian. Only check a rectal temperature if your pet tolerates it and you feel confident doing so—many pets do not appreciate this, and struggling can worsen a crisis.
  Check the warmth of your pet’s paws. All four feet should feel warm and similar in temperature. Cold or cool limbs may indicate poor circulation or shock.
• Gum Color and Hydration
  Gently lift your pet’s lip and look at their gums. Healthy gums are pink and moist. Gums that are pale, white, gray, or blue may signal poor oxygenation or blood flow.
  To check hydration, try the skin tent test: lift the skin over the shoulders. If it doesn’t snap back into place right away, your pet may be dehydrated.
• Signs of Pain
  Pain in pets isn’t always obvious. Dogs may whine, pant, hide, limp, or avoid being touched. Cats are more subtle—look for a hunched posture, decreased grooming, or changes in appetite or activity.
• Changes in Consciousness
  Is your pet alert and responsive? Confused? Unresponsive? Any significant change in awareness could signal a medical emergency and should never be ignored.

Need a quick refresher? This DIY Dog Checkup offers a helpful visual breakdown of what to look for at home.

Common Emergencies and Their Causes

While some emergencies are sudden, others build slowly until something clearly goes wrong. Here are some situations we treat regularly:

If you’re unsure whether something is dangerous, the AVMA’s list of 13 Animal Emergencies is a helpful reference.

How to Perform an At-Home Exam

If you’re trying to assess your pet to determine how fast you should rush to the vet, here’s what to do –  carefully and calmly.

1. Are you pretty sure it’s an emergency?
   Skip the exam, and just go to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital.
2. Stay Safe
   An injured or scared pet may bite, even if they normally wouldn’t. Approach gently, use a muzzle if needed, and avoid restraining them forcefully.
3. Take Note of Behavior
   Observe how they’re moving, breathing, and reacting. Is their posture stiff or slouched? Are they vocalizing more than usual?
4. Check Vital Signs
   If it’s safe, check their respiratory rate by counting their breaths in a minute check their pulse by placing fingers on the inner thigh (femoral artery), and examine gum color and hydration.
5. Gather Information for the Vet
   Write down or take a quick video of the symptoms. Noting how long the issue has been present and what preceded it can be helpful.

And remember, when in doubt, contact us. We’re always here to help you decide the next best step.

Emergency Prep: What Every Pet Owner Should Have Ready

Being prepared can ease panic in high-stress situations. Here’s what we recommend keeping on hand:

• A printed list of local emergency vets
• A stocked pet first aid kit (including bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and a digital thermometer)
• Carrier or leash for safe transport
• Towel or blanket for support
• Your pet’s medical records in a folder or on your phone

Want to go one step further? Take a Cat and Dog First Aid Class to gain confidence in handling emergencies. You can also explore additional Pet First Aid tips from Tufts or learn Dog Heimlich Instructions from the AKC.

FAQs: Quick Answers for Urgent Moments

Q: My dog yelped and is now limping –  should I come in?
If the limp doesn’t improve within a few hours or gets worse, yes. Sudden limping may indicate a sprain, broken bone, or torn ligament.

Q: Can I give my pet human medication while I wait?
Please don’t. Many human medications, including common pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, are toxic to pets.

Q: My pet ate something they shouldn’t –  what now?
Call us or contact ASPCA Poison Control immediately. Timing matters when it comes to treatment.

After-Hours Support

What if it’s after hours?
Check our website or call us for instructions. We can direct you to the nearest emergency facility or advise on next steps.When we’re closed, you still have options:

• VetTriage (24/7 Video Triage)
  For $50, a licensed vet will assess your pet by video and guide next steps.
   Start a session or call 1-800-940-1921 if you don’t have internet.
• Telemedicine with Dr. Boggier
  Current clients can request virtual consults. Details here.
• Early Drop-Off at 7:30 AM (Mon–Fri)
  Great for urgent cases that don’t need an ER visit.
• Emergency Info on Our Voicemail
  After-hours calls are directed to trusted local ER clinics.

If it’s during office hours and urgent, come right in.

We’re Here When It Matters Most

Emergencies are scary, but you don’t have to face them alone. At MountainView Veterinary Hospital, we’re here to offer calm guidance, expert care, and a compassionate hand when your pet needs it most.
Whether it’s something minor that just doesn’t feel right, or a true life-threatening emergency, don’t hesitate to call us.  We’ll help you navigate what comes next.