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Pet Symptom Guide

Pet symptoms: is it an emergency?

When your dog or cat seems off, the hardest part is knowing how fast to act. This guide sorts common pet symptoms into go now, same day, and book soon, and Encino Pet Hospital & Emergency sees dogs and cats for urgent problems same day, seven days a week.

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Symptoms that need a vet right away.

These problems can become life-threatening quickly. Call (818) 922-2209 and head in.

  • ✓Blocked cat: straining to pee with little or no urine
  • ✓Breathing problems: labored breathing, open-mouth breathing in cats, blue or gray gums
  • ✓Nosebleed that is heavy or comes with bruising, weakness, or possible rat poison exposure
  • ✓Not walking: sudden inability to stand, dragging legs, or injury after trauma

Also come in right away for collapse, seizures, suspected poisoning, or retching with a swollen belly. Our emergency and urgent care page explains what to expect. We are open 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM every day, including holidays. After hours, call us first thing when we open, or go to the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital if it cannot wait.

Same Day

Symptoms to have checked today.

Your pet may not be in crisis, but waiting a few days can let these problems get worse.

  • ✓Vomiting or diarrhea that repeats, contains blood, or comes with low energy
  • ✓Pancreatitis signs: vomiting, belly pain, or a hunched posture after fatty food
  • ✓Limping that lasts more than a day or follows a fall
  • ✓Lethargy or low energy, especially with a poor appetite

Walk-ins are welcome during open hours, and a quick call ahead helps us get ready for your pet.

Book Soon

Symptoms to book a visit for soon.

These are important but usually not urgent. Book online or call, and we will find a time that works.

One exception: itching with face swelling or hives can be an allergic reaction and should be seen today. If any book-soon problem suddenly gets worse, treat it as same day. Regular wellness exams help catch many of these issues early.

Pet parents come to us from across the Valley, Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, and Ventura, and families driving in from Ventura are always welcome to call ahead.

Common Questions

Pet symptom FAQ.

When should I take my dog to the vet?
Take your dog to the vet right away for trouble breathing, collapse, sudden inability to walk, heavy bleeding, suspected poisoning, or retching with a swollen belly. Vomiting, diarrhea, limping, or low energy that lasts more than a day should be seen the same day. For itching or gradual changes, book a visit soon.
How do I know if my pet's symptoms are an emergency?
Emergency signs include struggling to breathe, pale or blue gums, collapse, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, straining to urinate with no urine, and severe pain. If you are unsure, call us at (818) 922-2209 and our team will help you decide how quickly to come in.
Do you take walk-ins for sick pets?
Yes. We welcome same-day urgent visits and walk-ins for dogs and cats during open hours, 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM, seven days a week, with last appointments between 6:30 and 7 PM. Calling ahead helps us prepare for your pet's arrival.
What should I do if my pet gets sick after 7:30 PM?
We are not a 24-hour hospital. If your pet's problem can wait, call us first thing when we open at 7:30 AM. If it cannot wait, go to the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital.

Not sure how urgent it is? Call us.

Our team will help you decide, and we can see your dog or cat today.

Book a visit(818) 922-2209