Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.
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Dog & Cat Symptom Checker: When to Worry

Quick triage guides for common dog and cat symptoms — decide whether to watch at home, call your vet, or go to an emergency clinic.

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Green = watch at home · Amber = call your vet today · Red = emergency, go now. Symptoms are clues — judge by your pet’s overall state and call your vet when unsure. Suspected poisoning? Call a poison line first.

Dogs guides

10 symptoms · 1 flagged as urgent for Dogs

CALL YOUR VETDogs VomitingAn occasional empty-stomach or grass-induced vomit can be normal for dogs, but repeated or…CALL YOUR VETDogs DiarrheaA single soft stool after a new treat is usually harmless. Diarrhea that continues, contai…CALL YOUR VETDogs Loss of AppetiteDogs can skip a meal when it is hot or stressful. Not eating for more than 24 hours, espec…CALL YOUR VETDogs LethargyLethargy means less energy than usual — sleeping more, not greeting you, losing interest i…WATCH AT HOMEDogs Shaking or TremblingDogs shiver when cold, excited or nervous. Trembling can also be a sign of pain, nausea, l…CALL YOUR VETDogs CoughingA brief cough after drinking fast or pulling the leash is common. A persistent, productive…WATCH AT HOMEDogs Skin ItchingOccasional scratching is normal. Constant scratching, biting, licking paws, or rubbing the…CALL YOUR VETDogs LimpingA mild limp after exercise often settles with rest. A limp that does not improve in a day,…CALL YOUR VETDogs Drinking a Lot of WaterDrinking more can follow heat, exercise or a salty treat. Sustained thirst with more urina…EMERGENCYDogs Hard or Fast BreathingPanting after play or in heat is normal. Fast, effortful breathing at rest, with the belly…
Cats guides

10 symptoms · 2 flagged as urgent for Cats

CALL YOUR VETCats VomitingCats vomit hairballs now and then, but frequent or forceful vomiting, or vomiting with let…CALL YOUR VETCats DiarrheaLoose stools can follow a diet change or stress, but diarrhea lasting more than a day, wit…EMERGENCYCats Loss of AppetiteCats should not go long without eating. A cat that refuses food for more than 24 hours — o…CALL YOUR VETCats LethargyCats sleep a lot, so a change in energy matters more than total sleep. A cat that stops gr…CALL YOUR VETCats Shaking or TremblingCats rarely tremble from cold or nerves for long. Persistent shaking in a cat often points…CALL YOUR VETCats CoughingCats can “cough” with asthma or hairballs. Repeated coughing, or coughing with open-mouth …WATCH AT HOMECats Skin ItchingCats groom a lot, but over-grooming, bald patches, scabs or scratching around the head and…CALL YOUR VETCats LimpingCats hide pain well. A cat holding up a paw, limping or avoiding jumps should be checked —…CALL YOUR VETCats Drinking a Lot of WaterIncreased thirst in cats is a classic early clue for diabetes, kidney disease or an overac…EMERGENCYCats Hard or Fast BreathingCats normally breathe quietly. Open-mouth breathing, fast belly breaths or breathing with …