Is this an Emergency?

At Gulf Breeze Animal Hospital, we often hear “Is this an emergency, or can it wait?”

When your pet isn’t acting like themselves, it can be hard to know what to do next. At Gulf Breeze Animal Hospital, we see sick visits, urgent care cases, and emergencies every week. We are not a 24/7 hospital, but we do our best to see emergencies during our regular hours and will help coordinate transfer to a 24-hour facility when ongoing or overnight care is needed.

This guide is meant to help you understand what constitutes an emergency and when it’s okay to wait for an appointment.

What Is Considered a Veterinary Emergency?

An emergency is any condition that is life-threatening, rapidly worsening, or causing significant pain. If you are ever unsure, it is always better to call or come in right away. At Gulf Breeze Animal Hospital we would much rather see a pet early than too late.

Come in Immediately if Your Pet Has Any of the Following:

Breathing problems

• Rapid, labored, or open-mouth breathing
• Blue or pale gums
• Persistent coughing or choking

Collapse, weakness, or unresponsiveness

• Sudden collapse or fainting
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Seizures (especially more than one or lasting longer than a few minutes)

Severe trauma or injury

• Hit by a car
• Attacked by another animal
• Falls from height
• Deep wounds or uncontrolled bleeding

Severe pain

• Crying, whining, or restlessness
• Swollen or painful abdomen

Vomiting or diarrhea that is severe or ongoing

• Multiple episodes in a short time
• Vomiting combined with lethargy or abdominal pain

Toxin exposure

• Possible ingestion of medications, chocolate, xylitol, plants, chemicals, or toxins

Urinary emergencies

• Straining to urinate, especially in male cats
• Crying in the litter box
• No urine produced

Heat stroke

• Excessive panting
• Drooling, weakness, collapse
• High body temperature

If your pet is experiencing any of these signs, do not wait for a scheduled appointment.

Urgent Care: Should Be Seen Soon (Same Day or Next Available)

Some conditions may not be immediately life-threatening but should not wait several days:

• Lethargy or decreased appetite lasting more than 24 hours
• Mild to moderate vomiting or diarrhea
• Limping or suspected injury
• Eye squinting
• Ear infections with head shaking or pain
• Skin infections, hot spots, or facial swelling

These are scenarios where calling us as soon as you notice symptoms is important. We can often direct you on whether to come in right away or schedule the soonest available visit.

What Can Usually Wait for a Routine Appointment?

These issues are generally appropriate for a scheduled visit, as long as your pet is otherwise acting normally:

• Itching
• Chronic conditions that are stable
• Minor skin lumps

If you’re unsure, please don’t hesitate to call and ask. We are happy to help guide you.

How Gulf Breeze Animal Hospital Handles Emergencies

While Gulf Breeze Animal Hospital is not a 24/7 facility, we:

• See emergencies and urgent cases during regular business hours
• Provide stabilization, treatment and surgery when possible
• Coordinate transfer to a 24-hour emergency hospital if your pet requires overnight monitoring, surgery, or intensive care

Local 24-Hour Emergency Veterinary Hospitals

If your pet needs care outside of our hours, or if we recommend transfer for ongoing treatment, the following facilities are available:

Animal Emergency Care – Gulf Breeze
1645 Nantahala Beach Rd
Gulf Breeze, Florida
(Just Opened)

Veterinary Emergency Referral Center (VERC)
4800 N Davis Hwy
Pensacola, FL

Emergency Veterinary Clinic Niceville
203 Government Ave
Niceville, FL

When in Doubt—Don’t Wait

Dogs and cats can be very good at hiding illness and pain. If something feels “off,” trust your gut. Early evaluation can make a significant difference in outcomes.

At Gulf Breeze Animal Hospital, we are honored to care for your pets in both routine and urgent situations, and we are always here to help guide you.

If you ever have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call us at 850-932-6116.