Seeing your beloved pet sick or injured is heartbreaking for any pet owner. It can also be distressing if you’re not certain whether they need to go to the vet. We asked a veterinarian to share the sick pet symptoms that are a wait-and-see situation vs. the symptoms that mean it’s time to head to the vet ASAP.

In some ways, animals are much like us. When you get a cold, you likely feel sniffly and a little tired, but you probably aren’t going to the emergency room. The same generally goes for your cat or dog. Pets can get a little achy, stuffy, and lethargic when they’re sick, but these symptoms will often pass.

Symptoms that are more unusual, like bleeding that doesn’t stop, staggering around, or open-mouth breathing (in cats) often mean you should take your pet to the veterinarian. An expert also shared the symptoms that can indicate heart trouble or diabetes in pets. While these symptoms might not look like emergencies, vets say they can be serious.

Ahead, learn more about what to do if you have a sick or injured pet on your hands. For more tips on keeping your pet happy and healthy, read up on the things vets wish you’d stop buying for your pet.

Wait-and-See Symptoms

No one wants to see Boots or Mittens in pain or ill, but observing your pet for a few days is often the only way to determine if there’s really a problem. Like us, animals can suffer from passing aches and sniffles. If you notice your pet drooling, limping, whining, dealing with an upset tummy, coughing, itching or wiping away eye or nose discharge, keep a close eye on them. Believe it or not, these symptoms could be a cry for attention (hello to my dearly departed Boston terrier who pretended to limp when he wanted snacks) or simply a 24-hour bug.

Other subtle signs to note during observation days are changes in eating and drinking habits and in activity level. “This could look like the water bowl being emptied more quickly; hesitancy jumping up or taking stairs; or not wanting to go on walks that are as long as usual,” says Rena Carlson, D.V.M., past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. If these behaviors continue, consider a call or trip to the vet.

It’s also important to note that animals deal with pain differently than we do. If you haven’t noticed any drooling, wincing or whining but have seen a new fear or an outsize reaction to something typical, it could mean they’re in pain. Give it a couple of days and see if the fear or overreaction resolves. If not, head to the vet.

Ultimately, you know your pet better than anyone else, so watch for changes in their normal patterns and routines. If it’s just a onetime thing, they’re probably fine. But changes over a longer period of time might be reason for concern. “Remember that animals can be good at hiding symptoms of illness or injury, and that even subtle changes may be a sign that something is wrong,” Carlson says.

Signs You Should Take Them In

Pets like to hide when they’re sick, so sometimes it can be difficult to notice an emergency situation right away. But even if they’re hiding, check on them every now and then to be sure nothing is seriously wrong. According to the AVMA, you should make an immediate vet trip if your pet has:

  • Bleeding that doesn’t stop within five minutes
  • Choking or nonstop coughing
  • An eye injury
  • Seizures or staggering
  • An inability to move
  • Refusal to drink water for more than 24 hours
  • Contact with a poisonous substance
  • Obvious signs of pain
  • Inability to empty their bowels

Specifically for cats, Carlson advises watching for open-mouthed breathing. “Open-mouthed breathing is almost always an emergency situation for cats,” she says. “Any cat exhibiting this behavior should be brought to the veterinarian immediately for emergency care.” That said, some cats will keep their mouths open for a moment after smelling or seeing something unusual for them. If yours leaves theirs open longer, call your vet.

Also, while you may not think of this, pets can get sunburn — if you see any sign of severe burns or heatstroke, you’ll need a vet visit.

More Serious Signals

Diabetes and heart problems are difficult conditions to spot in pets. Luckily, some warning signs can show up long before things get really bad. Be concerned about diabetes if your furry friend is:

  • Drinking and peeing more
  • Losing weight (with or without an increased appetite)
  • Eating less
  • Enduring chronic or recurring infections, including skin or urinary infections
  • Has cloudy eyes (particularly in dogs)

Heart trouble is often more in-your-face, with coughing, rapid breathing and decreased tolerance for physical activity. Ultimately this can make Fido or Fluffy weak and cause them to collapse. Carlson recommends taking your pet for a checkup as soon as you see any of these signs.

“The earlier the diagnosis, the better chance your pet may have for a longer and healthier life,” she says. The same really goes for anything out of the ordinary. Our pets are with us for far too short a time — make sure those years are happy and healthy.