Pocket VetPet symptom guides
Quick, calm guidance on common dog and cat symptoms — and an instant AI triage when you need to know if it's serious right now.
My dog is vomiting — is it serious?
A single vomit in an otherwise bright, playful dog is often nothing serious. But repeated vomiting, blood, or a dog that seems unwell can signal something that needs a vet. Here's how to tell the difference.
My dog ate chocolate — is it dangerous?
Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs can't process well. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. If your dog has eaten chocolate, treat it as urgent — call your vet or an emergency line right away.
My dog won't eat — what does it mean?
Dogs skip the occasional meal, but a dog that refuses food for more than a day — or shows other symptoms — may be unwell. Context matters: energy level, water intake, and any other signs.
My dog has diarrhea — what should I do?
Mild diarrhea in an otherwise happy dog often resolves with simple care. Blood, repeated episodes, or a dog that seems unwell are reasons to call your vet.
My dog is limping — is it serious?
Limping ranges from a minor strain to a fracture or joint problem. A dog that won't bear any weight, or is in obvious pain, needs prompt veterinary attention.
My cat won't eat — should I worry?
A cat refusing food is more urgent than in dogs — cats that don't eat for a couple of days risk a dangerous liver condition (hepatic lipidosis). Don't wait too long.
My cat is straining to pee or not peeing
A blocked cat (urethral obstruction) is one of the true 'go now' emergencies, especially in male cats. If your cat is straining, crying in the litter box, or producing little to no urine, seek emergency care immediately.
My cat is vomiting — is it normal?
An occasional hairball isn't unusual. But frequent vomiting, vomiting with other symptoms, or a cat that seems unwell deserves a vet's attention.
Why is my dog shaking?
Dogs shake for many reasons — cold, excitement, fear, pain, or toxins. The cause and any accompanying signs determine how urgent it is.
My dog keeps coughing — what's wrong?
An occasional cough may be minor, but a persistent cough, trouble breathing, or a cough with other symptoms should be checked by a vet.
My rabbit won't eat — is it serious?
In rabbits, not eating is a true emergency. Their gut must keep moving constantly — when it stops (GI stasis), it can become fatal within hours. Do not 'wait and see' with a rabbit that won't eat.
My snake won't eat — should I worry?
Snakes often go off food, and many reasons are normal: shedding, breeding season, brumation, or a too-cold enclosure. But weight loss or other signs mean it's time for an exotics vet.
Why is my dog so itchy?
Occasional scratching is normal, but constant itching, licking, or chewing — especially with hair loss, redness, or odor — usually means fleas, allergies, or a skin infection that needs treatment.
My cat keeps sneezing — is it serious?
A stray sneeze is harmless. Frequent sneezing — especially with eye or nose discharge, congestion, or not eating — can signal an upper respiratory infection or other issue worth a vet visit.
Does my dog have an ear infection?
Ear infections are common and uncomfortable. Head shaking, ear scratching, redness, odor, or dark discharge are classic signs — and they rarely clear up on their own, so a vet visit helps.
Why is my dog scooting on the floor?
Dragging the rear along the ground usually points to full or irritated anal glands, but worms, allergies, or skin irritation can also be to blame. Occasional scooting is common; persistent scooting needs a check.
Why is my dog panting so much?
Panting is how dogs cool down, so it's often normal after exercise or in warmth. But heavy panting at rest, in heat, or with distress can signal pain, heatstroke, or a heart/lung problem.
My cat has diarrhea — what should I do?
A bout of soft stool in an otherwise happy cat often passes. But blood, repeated episodes, or a cat that seems unwell or stops eating deserves a vet's attention — cats dehydrate and decline quickly.
My owl or raptor won't eat — what's wrong?
Raptors are managed closely by weight and mask illness like all birds. Sudden weight loss, a fluffed sleepy bird, or changes in casting/mutes are warning signs. Falconers and keepers should work with a raptor-experienced avian vet.
I found an injured wild animal — what now?
Injured or orphaned wildlife needs a licensed wildlife rehabilitator — not a regular pet vet, and usually not home care. Handling causes dangerous stress, and many species are legally protected. Here's how to help safely.
My bird is fluffed up and quiet — is it sick?
Birds instinctively mask illness, so by the time one looks sick, it often is — seriously. A fluffed-up, sleepy, quiet bird at the bottom of the cage needs prompt avian-vet attention.