Everyday & city · Health
When to call a veterinarian
By Pet Friends editorial · Original: English
This is general information, not a veterinary diagnosis. If your animal is unwell, call a clinic.
The article below is in its original language. Your browser can translate the page if you need another language.
Pet Friends is a community site, not a clinic. Use this list only as a prompt to pick up the phone. Emergency clinics in Greater Montreal exist for nights and weekends — save a number before you need it.
Call sooner rather than later if you see:
- Trouble breathing, collapsing, seizures, or a bloated hard belly (especially in large dogs).
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea, or no urine, especially in cats.
- A wound that will not stop bleeding, a suspected broken bone, or an eye that is suddenly closed or cloudy.
- Known toxin (chocolate, xylitol, lilies for cats, antifreeze, human medication). Bring the package if you can.
- A fight or bite from an unknown animal — infection and rabies rules are a vet conversation, not a forum one.
If you are unsure, describe what you see to the clinic — they would rather triage a false alarm than miss an emergency. Medical files on Pet Friends stay private; sharing them is your choice and is not the same as a visit.