Pet Emergency Care

Occasional vomiting or diarrhea can happen—but if symptoms persist or worsen, they may indicate something more serious.

Call us if your pet:

• Has uncontrolled vomiting or vomiting lasting more than 24 hours
• Has prolonged episodes of diarrhea or diarrhea with large amounts of blood, or black, tarry stools
• Refuses to eat or drink
• Appears lethargic, weak, or unusually quiet
• Has signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, dry gums, skin that doesn’t bounce back)
• Has a known or suspected toxin or foreign object ingestion

Seek immediate care if your pet:

• Is vomiting uncontrollably
• Has profuse diarrhea with signs of collapse or weakness
• Shows abdominal pain, bloating, or a tense belly
• Is very young, elderly, or has existing health concerns

Why it matters: Prolonged vomiting or persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration, imbalance, or signal conditions like pancreatitis, GI blockage, or infection. If you’re unsure whether your pet needs to be seen, call us at (410) 343-0200—we’re here to help you make the right decision.

Yes—vomiting or diarrhea in puppies or kittens is more urgent than in healthy adult pets.

Because young animals are still developing, they are more vulnerable to:

• Rapid dehydration
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Serious infections (such as parvovirus or panleukopenia)
• Parasites or dietary issues that can quickly become dangerous

Even one or two episodes of vomiting or diarrhea can become serious quickly, especially if accompanied by:

• Lethargy or weakness
• Refusal to eat or drink
• Pale gums
• Bloated or painful belly
• Ongoing or worsening symptoms

If your pet is not acting normally, please call—we recommend evaluation for any vomiting or diarrhea in puppies or kittens, even if it seems mild. Early treatment can prevent complications and speed recovery.

If your young pet is showing signs of illness, call us at (410) 343-0200 so we can help you determine next steps.

Yes—vomiting in a diabetic pet can be a medical emergency. These symptoms can quickly lead to dehydration, blood sugar instability, and serious complications.

Here’s why it matters:

• If your pet isn’t eating, it may be unsafe to give insulin, putting them at risk for high blood sugar or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
• If you give insulin after vomiting, your pet could experience low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can be life-threatening
• Vomiting or diarrhea may also signal underlying issues like pancreatitis, infection, or toxin exposure, which can destabilize diabetes management

What to do:

• Do not give insulin if your pet has skipped a meal or vomited after eating
• Call us immediately at (410) 343-0200—we’ll help assess the situation and guide you on the safest next steps
• Watch for signs of weakness, confusion, seizures, labored breathing, or collapse, which require urgent care

Diabetic pets don’t have the same buffer as healthy pets when they’re sick. It’s always better to check early—we’re here to help.

Bloat—also called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV)—is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas and then twists. This traps air and food inside, cuts off blood supply, and can quickly lead to shock and death if not treated immediately.

What are the signs of bloat?

Call us or go to an emergency hospital right away if your dog shows any of the following:

• Swollen or firm abdomen
• Unproductive retching (trying to vomit but nothing comes out)
• Excessive drooling
• Pacing, restlessness, or signs of abdominal pain
• Sudden weakness or collapse

Which dogs are at risk?

Bloat can occur in any dog but is more common in:

• Large and deep-chested breeds (e.g., Great Danes, German Shepherds, Weimaraners, Standard Poodles)
• Dogs that eat rapidly, consume large meals, or exercise right after eating
• Dogs with a family history of bloat

Why is it so dangerous?

Once the stomach twists, blood flow is cut off to the stomach and other organs. This can result in shock, tissue death, and cardiac arrest within hours. Emergency surgery is the only treatment—and outcomes are best when treated early.

If you suspect bloat, do not wait. Call us at (410) 343-0200 or go to an emergency hospital immediately. Early treatment saves lives.

A pet refusing food or water for more than a day may be showing signs of illness—and in some cases, it can be a medical emergency.

When to be concerned:

Call us if your pet:

• Has not eaten or had water in more than 24 hours
• Is lethargic, vomiting, or showing other signs of illness
• Is a puppy, kitten, senior, or has an existing medical condition (especially diabetes)
• Refuses food after surgery or while on medication

Why it matters:

Not eating or drinking can lead to dehydration, low blood sugar, or worsen underlying conditions. For some pets, even a short period without food can be dangerous.

What to do:

• Don’t try to force food or water
• Keep track of symptoms (appetite, vomiting, bathroom habits)
• Call us at (410) 343-0200 so we can guide you on whether your pet needs to be seen

If your pet is showing additional symptoms—such as vomiting, diarrhea, or weakness—don’t wait to call.

If your pet is straining to urinate or defecate but nothing is happening—or they appear uncomfortable, vocalizing, or frequently trying—this may signal a medical emergency. Urinary and gastrointestinal blockages can be life-threatening and require immediate evaluation.

When to Be Concerned

Contact us right away if your pet:

• Is straining repeatedly without producing urine or stool
• Cries, whines, or appears distressed when trying to go
• Goes in and out of the litter box or squats frequently with no results
• Has a bloated, tense abdomen
• Shows signs of lethargy, vomiting, or loss of appetite

These signs may indicate:

• A urinary obstruction (especially in male cats and dogs)
• Constipation or a gastrointestinal blockage
• Pain, inflammation, or infection in the urinary or digestive tract

Why It Matters

Conditions like urinary blockages, megacolon, or foreign body obstruction can escalate quickly—causing severe pain, tissue damage, or even organ failure if untreated.

Urinary obstruction, especially in male cats, is a life-threatening emergency that can lead to kidney failure or death within 24–48 hours.

What to Do

• Do not wait. Call us at (410) 343-0200 for guidance right away
• Keep your pet calm and confined
• Do not give medications or enemas unless specifically instructed
• If it’s after hours, seek care at a 24/7 emergency hospital

When your pet is trying but unable to go, it’s not just uncomfortable—it could be dangerous. We’re here to help you figure out what’s going on and what your pet needs next.

A “blocked” cat has a urinary obstruction, meaning they can’t pass urine due to a blockage in the urethra. This is a life-threatening emergency—most common in male cats—and requires immediate veterinary care.

Why is it dangerous?

When a cat can’t urinate, toxins build up in the body, the bladder becomes painfully overdistended, and kidney failure, heart issues, or death can occur within 24–48 hours.

What causes it?

• Urinary crystals or stones
• Mucus plugs or inflammation
• Stress-related urinary disease (FLUTD)

What are the signs?

• Straining to urinate with little or no output
• Vocalizing or pain in the litter box
• Excessive licking of the genital area
• Lethargy, vomiting, or hiding

What should I do?

Call us immediately at (410) 343-0200 – this is a potentially life-threatening emergency. Blockages must be relieved quickly—usually with emergency catheterization, fluids, and close monitoring.

Overheating—or heatstroke—is a serious medical emergency in pets. Dogs and cats don’t sweat like humans and can overheat quickly, especially in warm weather, high humidity, or confined spaces like cars. Prompt recognition and treatment are critical.

When to Be Concerned

Call us immediately if your pet shows any of the following signs:

• Excessive panting or labored breathing
• Lethargy, weakness, or collapse
• Drooling or thick, sticky saliva
• Bright red or pale gums
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or disorientation
• Seizures or loss of consciousness (advanced cases)

Pets at higher risk include:

• Flat-faced breeds (e.g., bulldogs, pugs)
• Seniors or pets with heart/lung disease
• Pets with thick coats
• Animals left in hot cars or enclosed areas

Why It Matters

Heatstroke can lead to organ failure, brain damage, and death—sometimes within minutes. Early signs may be subtle, but progression can be fast. Immediate action can be lifesaving.

What to Do

1. Move your pet to a shaded, cool area
2. Offer small amounts of cool (not cold) water
3. Gently wet their paws, ears, and belly with cool water or damp towels
4. Call Mount Carmel at (410) 343-0200 or go to an emergency hospital right away

Do not delay—even if your pet seems to be improving, they should be evaluated to check for internal complications.