Which symptoms mean an emergency, which need a vet within a day or two, and which you can monitor, plus how to check your dog at home and prepare for an appointment.
This guide is general information, not a substitute for advice from your vet. If you are worried about your dog, contact your vet or an out-of-hours vet service.
Dogs cannot tell us when they feel ill, and many hide pain well. Knowing which signs are urgent, and which can be watched for a day, helps you act quickly when it matters and avoid unnecessary worry when it doesn't. If in doubt, phone your vet: they can tell you whether your dog needs to be seen and how soon.
Emergency: contact a vet immediately
- Difficulty breathing, choking, or blue or very pale gums.
- Collapse, inability to stand, or sudden weakness.
- Seizures, especially if one lasts more than a few minutes or several happen close together.
- A swollen, hard belly with retching but nothing coming up, particularly in large, deep-chested breeds. This can be gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), which is life-threatening.
- Heavy bleeding that doesn't stop with firm pressure.
- Suspected poisoning: for example chocolate, grapes or raisins, xylitol (in some sugar-free products), rat poison, antifreeze or human medicines. Take the packaging with you.
- Signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, drooling, confusion, vomiting or collapse.
- Road accident or serious fall, even if your dog seems fine afterwards.
- Straining to urinate without producing urine, particularly in male dogs.
- Problems giving birth.
Urgent: see a vet within 24 hours
- Vomiting or diarrhoea lasting more than a day, containing blood, or in a puppy, older dog or dog with health conditions.
- Not eating for more than a day, or not drinking.
- Drinking or urinating much more than usual.
- Lameness that doesn't improve within a day, or any severe limp.
- Eye injuries, a red or painful eye, or squinting.
- Signs of pain: whimpering, hunching, reluctance to move, or being protective of part of the body.
- A wound, bite or abscess.
Book an appointment soon
- New lumps or bumps, or ones that are growing or changing.
- Persistent scratching, licking, ear shaking or a smell from the ears.
- Gradual weight loss or gain.
- Coughing that persists.
- Bad breath, drooling or difficulty chewing, which can mean dental disease.
- Changes in behaviour, sleep or energy, especially in older dogs.
A simple home health check
Doing a quick check once a week helps you spot changes early:
- Eyes: bright and clear, no discharge.
- Ears: clean, no strong smell or redness.
- Mouth: pink gums (unless naturally pigmented), no broken teeth or bad smell.
- Skin and coat: no lumps, scabs, fleas or bald patches.
- Body condition: you should be able to feel the ribs easily without seeing them prominently. PDSA and other charities publish body condition guides.
- Movement: walking and getting up without stiffness.
- Toilet habits: normal stools and urine.
Preparing for a vet visit
- Note when symptoms started and any changes in eating, drinking or toileting.
- Take a short video of intermittent symptoms such as limping, coughing or seizures.
- Bring a list of medicines, supplements and food.
- Take any packaging if you suspect poisoning.
Out of hours
All vet practices must provide, or arrange, 24-hour emergency cover. Your practice's phone message or website will give the out-of-hours number. Save it in your phone now.
Older dogs
Changes in older dogs are easy to put down to "just getting old", but many are treatable. Stiffness may be arthritis that pain relief can ease; confusion or night-time restlessness can be cognitive dysfunction; drinking more can signal kidney disease or diabetes. Six-monthly check-ups are often recommended for senior dogs.
If cost is a worry
Charities such as PDSA, Blue Cross and the RSPCA offer reduced-cost veterinary care for eligible owners in some areas. Talk to your vet about payment options, and consider pet insurance for future care.
Sources and further reading
Facts checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
Frequently asked questions
What should you know about Out of hours?
All vet practices must provide, or arrange, 24-hour emergency cover. Your practice's phone message or website will give the out-of-hours number.
What should you know about Older dogs?
Changes in older dogs are easy to put down to "just getting old", but many are treatable. Stiffness may be arthritis that pain relief can ease; confusion or night-time restlessness can be cognitive dysfunction; drinking more can signal kidney disease or diabetes.
What should you know about If cost is a worry?
Charities such as PDSA, Blue Cross and the RSPCA offer reduced-cost veterinary care for eligible owners in some areas. Talk to your vet about payment options, and consider pet insurance for future care.
What should you know about Sources and further reading?
Facts checked on 20 October 2026.