Is It an Emergency? When to Head to a Veterinary Hospital, Not Wait for a Mobile Visit

December 4, 2025

At McGee Veterinary Service, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, in-home care for wellness, chronic conditions, and sensitive procedures like euthanasia. However, as a mobile practice, we do not have the facilities, equipment, or staff to handle true veterinary emergencies or provide hospitalization.

Knowing the signs of a critical situation can save your pet's life. If your dog or cat experiences any of the conditions listed below, please do not wait for a call back or a mobile appointment. You should immediately transport your pet to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital. Please note that this list is not all-inclusive, and any health concern that causes you worry should prompt an immediate call to a veterinary professional.

13 Animal Emergencies Requiring Immediate Veterinary Care

If you observe any of the following signs, consider it an emergency and seek help right away:

1. Severe Bleeding: Bleeding that is heavy or does not stop within five minutes.

2. Respiratory Distress: Choking, difficulty breathing, or nonstop coughing and gagging.

3. Abnormal Bleeding/Discharge: Bleeding from the nose, mouth, rectum, coughing up blood, or blood present in urine.

4. Urinary/Defecation Difficulty: Inability to urinate or pass feces, or obvious pain associated with elimination.

5. Eye Injuries: Any sudden, traumatic injury to your pet's eye(s).

6. Known Toxin Ingestion: You suspect or know your pet has eaten something poisonous (such as antifreeze, xylitol, chocolate, rat poison, common toxic plants, etc.).

7. Neurological Issues: Seizures and/or staggering/wobbling.

8. Physical Trauma: Fractured bones, severe lameness, or complete inability to move a leg or limb.

9. Extreme Pain/Anxiety: Obvious signs of extreme anxiety, vocalizing in pain, or sudden severe weakness.

10. Temperature Extremes: Signs of heat stress or heatstroke (especially in the Phoenix area) or profound hypothermia.

11. Gastrointestinal Distress: Severe vomiting or diarrhea (more than two episodes in a 24-hour period, or either of these combined with extreme lethargy or any other problem listed here).

12. Dehydration: Refusal to drink for 24 hours or more.

13. Unconsciousness: Any state of being unconscious or unresponsive.

    
    

When In Doubt, Call

ANY concern about your pet's immediate health warrants, at minimum, an immediate call to a veterinary professional. Calling an emergency hospital allows support staff to assess your pet's condition over the phone and determine the level of immediate care required.

If you are concerned it is an emergency:

1. Call ahead: Contact your nearest Phoenix-area emergency veterinary hospital while you are on your way. They can prepare for your arrival and provide critical first-aid instructions.

2. Go Immediately: Do not hesitate to transport your pet. Time is often critical.

   
   

While McGee Veterinary Service is here for your pet's routine care and minor illnesses, your pet's safety during a crisis depends on rapid access to a fully-equipped hospital.

Emergency Veterinary Hospitals that We Recommend in the Phoenix Area

• AVECC: Peoria, AZ 602-491-1928 7823 W Golden Lane Peoria, AZ 85345
  

• Blue Pearl: Scottsdale, AZ 480-949-8001 22595 N Scottsdale Road, Suite 110 Scottsdale, AZ 85255
  

• VEG: Phoenix, AZ 602-671-0331 2196 E Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85016
  

• EVE Pet Hospital: Mesa, AZ 480-908-1617 430 S Gilbert Road Mesa, AZ 85204
  

— The MVS Team

Source: This list is adapted from guidelines provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). 13 Animal emergencies that require immediate veterinary consultation and/or care