Why is my pet unwell?
Pick what you're seeing and we'll walk through the common causes - roughly in order of how often they're behind it - with a simple first step for each and a clear note on when it's time to call your vet. Pets are good at hiding illness, so when in doubt, it's always safer to get them checked. Caring for an older pet? See the senior pet care guide.
- Trouble breathing, choking, or pale, white, blue or grey gums
- Collapse, fainting, seizures, or being unable to stand
- A bloated, hard, painful belly - or repeated retching that brings nothing up (possible bloat, a true emergency in dogs)
- Straining to urinate or unable to pass urine (especially male cats)
- Heavy bleeding, a major injury, or being hit by a car
- Known or suspected poisoning - chocolate, xylitol (birch sugar), grapes or raisins, antifreeze, medication, or a toxic plant
⚠️ This is a general starting point, not a diagnosis or a substitute for veterinary care. It can't examine your pet, and many conditions share the same symptoms. You know your pet best - if something feels wrong, if a symptom is severe, or if it doesn't improve, please call your vet. There's no harm in a phone call, and most clinics are happy to advise whether you need to come in.