Split second decisions can save your pet’s life. Would you recognize these animal emergencies? Take a look at 13 conditions* that should send you and your pet to the nearest vet emergency room STAT:

1. Seeing red? When you see your pet bleeding from the nose, mouth or rectum, seek medical attention immediately. Other emergency situations include coughing up blood or blood in urine.

2. Still seeing red? Severe bleeding or bleeding that doesn’t stop within 5 minutes warrants a quick trip to your local vet ER.

3. Taking your breath away? When your pet is choking or coughing or gagging continuously or having any difficulty breathing, seek prompt care.

4. Noticing an untouched litterbox? Inability to urinate or pass feces as well as obvious pain associated with urinating or elimination are great causes for concern.

5. Has she been drinkin’? When your pet won’t drink for 24 hours or more, something’s greatly amiss.

6. In a pig’s, dog’s or cat’s eye? Don’t delay treatment with any injuries to your pet’s eye(s). You would hate to discover 48 hours later that medical attention administered sooner could’ve saved your pet’s vision.

7. Telltale evidence? Don’t second guess yourself if you find an overturned bottle or empty gum wrappers. Poisons like antifreeze, Xylitol, chocolate or rat poison can cause a painful death. Quick intervention saves lives. If your pet has ingested something you can call the SPCA poison control line at 888-426-4435.

8. Feeling hot? Heat stress or heatstroke can be scary. Look for excessive panting, drooling, an increased temperature, lethargy, staggering and vomiting. Cats may restlessly look for a cooler spot and groom excessively.

9. Seizures and/or staggering.

10. Fractured bones, severe lameness or inability to move leg(s).

11. Obvious signs of pain or extreme anxiety.

12. Severe vomiting or diarrhea. If you have one episode, give us a call. Either symptom may be combined with other problems listed here.

13. Unconsciousness.

Your pet may deal with pain, sickness or other problems in ways not listed here. If you see anything unusual about your pet or have questions about his health, give Town N Country a call. One phone call can give you peace of mind or maybe even save a life. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

*Courtesy of the American Veterinary Medical Association