Signs your pet needs a 24-hour emergency vet in Houston

If your dog or cat shows any of these signs, go to an emergency veterinary hospital now. In Houston, VEG Houston is open 24 hours a day at 2785 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77007, (346) 355-6444.

  • Struggling to breathe, breathing with an open mouth (cats), or gums look blue or gray
  • Collapsed, can't stand up, or is hard to wake
  • Having a seizure, or has had more than one today
  • Bleeding that won't stop
  • Hit by a car, fell from a height, or attacked by another animal
  • Belly is swollen or tight, or keeps trying to vomit with nothing coming up
  • Straining to pee with little or nothing coming out
  • Ate or got into something that might be poisonous (medications, chocolate, antifreeze, rat bait, sugar-free gum, lilies for cats, or anything you're unsure about)
  • Vomiting or diarrhea with blood, or vomiting over and over
  • Eye injury, or an eye that's suddenly bulging, cloudy, or held shut
  • Crying out in pain or won't let you touch them
  • Overheated after heat or exercise: heavy panting, drooling, weakness
  • Having trouble giving birth
  • Gums look pale or white

Problems you can book as a regular appointment

If none of the emergency signs fit, you can book problems like these as a regular appointment. Only an exam can tell what's going on, and if anything gets worse, go to the emergency hospital.

  • Vomited or had diarrhea once or twice, but otherwise acting normal
  • Eating less than usual or being picky
  • Itching, scratching, licking, hot spots, or hair loss
  • Shaking head, scratching ears, or ears smell or look dirty
  • Limping but still using the leg
  • Coughing, sneezing, or runny nose, but breathing normally
  • Eye discharge or redness (no injury, eye open)
  • Drinking or peeing more than usual, or accidents in the house
  • New lump or bump
  • Bad breath, dropping food, or sore mouth
  • Less energy or acting a little off
  • Routine care: checkup, vaccines, or medication refill

About this pet check

Rice Village Animal Hospital made this free tool for any pet owner in Rice Village, West University Place, Bellaire, Montrose, and the Medical Center area. You don't need to be a client. It can't examine your pet or diagnose anything. It helps you decide how soon to get care.

Rice Village Animal Hospital, 2348 Rice Blvd, Houston, TX 77005. Call (713) 527-0489. After hours, our phone line connects you directly to VEG Houston.