Hit by Car

Any animal that is hit by a car should be carefully examined by a veterinarian due to the possibility of internal injury.  If your pet is conscious, be careful moving them, they may be in pain and try to bite.

Heat Stroke

Collapse, labored breathing, mouth color is very dark pink, actual steam coming from the skin.  Owners should bring their pet's temperature down by soaking them with lukewarm water and covering them with lukewarm towels, if possible, before rushing to their vet. 

Convulsions

Uncontrollable, involuntary, excessive or reduced motor activity.  Paddling of feet and clamping of mouth.

Difficulty Giving Birth

30-60 minutes of strong contractions without delivering a puppy.  Time span greater than 4-6 hours between puppies.

Vaccine Reaction

Staggering, difficulty breathing, swelling of mouth and throat, hives, collapsing, weak pulse, vomiting, pale gums, shock.  Some pets can show signs of a vaccine reaction immediately, but it can take up to 24 hours.

Slipped Disks

Pain, weakness, loss of sensation and in severe cases paralysis. Extreme irritation and marked inflammation occurs where disc material has extruded.

Bloat

Bloated, large and taut abdomen along with gagging but not vomiting.  Pacing, salivating, and at times labored breathing may occur.

"Blocked" Cat

Frequent trips to the litter box and vocalization when trying to urinate however the litter box is dry.  Very uncomfortable and clearly stressed.

Poisoning or Toxicity

Rapid breathing, blood in vomit, depression, weakness and possibly convulsions or seizures.

Choking

Animals could be choking when they show signs of raspy, labored breathing.  If a pet is unable to breathe, check and see if there is an obstructive object lodged in the throat.  The pet should be brought to a hospital right away if the owner is unable to remove or see the object.