A fast checklist for the moment you're not sure whether to call now.
Check any of the following that apply to your pet right now.
This checklist reflects widely-used veterinary emergency triage signs (AVMA, American Red Cross), but it cannot examine your pet. If you're genuinely unsure, calling your vet or an emergency line costs a few minutes; waiting on a real emergency can cost much more.
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What to do in the minutes before you reach a vet — choking, bleeding, seizures, and the kit worth having ready.
Step-by-step, for the specific moment a pet isn't breathing and has no pulse — hand placement, compression rate, and the 30:2 rhythm.
Pets are remarkably good at hiding pain — the signs are often subtler than you'd expect.
Heart rate, temperature, and gum color — the one-minute check that tells you if something's actually wrong.
Educational content only. This tool is for general educational purposes and isn't a substitute for professional veterinary, behavioral, or medical advice — always consult a licensed professional about your own pet's specific needs. Frolicy's tools are researched from publicly available sources and written with AI assistance; they are not written or reviewed by a licensed veterinarian or behaviorist. Frolicy and its owners aren't liable for outcomes from following this content. See our Terms of Use for full details.