Picture this: You're going about your day per usual and your dog looks... suspicious. Then, you notice your shoe is missing a substantial chunk. Is it an emergency?

February is Responsible Pet Owner's Month, and Upstate Vet — a 24/7 emergency and specialty animal hospital caring for pets in and around Greenville — is sharing a few signs to look out for when assessing whether or not your four-legged friends need to see a veterinarian.

What to watch for

The pros at Upstate Vet said that your pet may need immediate care if they are experiencing any of the following:

1. Difficulty breathing
Signs of respiratory distress include gasping for air, wheezing, excessive panting, noisy breathing, and blue, gray, or purple gums.

2. Persistent vomiting
... or diarrhea. It's normal for your pet's stomach to occasionally be upset, but if it doesn't stop, there could be a concern greater than a tummy ache.

3. Seizures
Seizures may involve uncontrollable shaking, drooling, tremors, or losing consciousness. Stay calm, ensure your pet is in a safe space, and call the vet as soon as it ends.

4. Swelling or bloating
If your pet's belly is noticeably swollen, they need immediate care — especially if they're showing other signs like weakness, pale gums, or retching.

5. Weakness
Sudden weakness or paralysis are always time-sensitive emergencies. Get to the vet if your pet is experiencing mobility loss, lack of coordination, or unresponsiveness.

Upstate Vet offers urgent and emergency care all day, every day. | Photo by Upstate Vet

What to do

Before you panic, it's always important to ask the experts. They'll help pinpoint the problem, investigate the cause, and create a treatment plan. The good news is that Upstate Vet is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Pro tip: Upstate Vet regularly shares pet emergency preparedness tips (and very cute pictures of their patients) on Instagram and Facebook.

Compassionate care for your pet
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