When the sun goes down, pet emergencies don’t stop. In fact, many urgent situations with pets seem to happen after regular veterinary offices close, leaving pet owners scrambling for help. Knowing how to recognize a true emergency — and what steps to take before you reach the animal ER — can make all the difference for your pet’s health and safety.
At BrightCare Veterinary Group Animal ER in Orange County, CA, we see a wide variety of after-hours cases. Here are some of the most common nighttime pet emergencies and what you should do if they happen to your furry family member.
1. Breathing Difficulties
If your dog or cat is struggling to breathe, this is one of the most urgent emergencies you can face. Labored breathing, blue-tinged gums, or gasping for air may indicate issues such as heart failure, allergic reactions, asthma, or airway obstructions.
What to do:
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Stay calm and keep your pet still.
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Do not try to open their mouth or throat unless you clearly see an object blocking the airway.
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Head immediately to the nearest emergency vet clinic. Breathing problems can deteriorate quickly.
2. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
Large, deep-chested dogs like German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Labradors are especially prone to bloat. This life-threatening condition occurs when the stomach twists, trapping gas inside. Symptoms often begin at night after a big meal or vigorous exercise.
Signs include:
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Swollen or distended belly
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Unproductive retching or attempts to vomit
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Restlessness or pacing
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Collapse in severe cases
What to do:
Go directly to an emergency animal hospital. Bloat requires immediate surgery and cannot wait until morning.
3. Poison Ingestion
Many toxic ingestions happen at night when pets have more unsupervised access to the home. Chocolate, grapes, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum), certain plants, and human medications are among the most common culprits.
What to do:
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Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian or poison control.
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Gather the packaging or note the amount ingested to provide to the vet.
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Call the Pet Poison Helpline or your emergency vet right away.
4. Seizures
Seizures can be frightening for any pet parent. They may be caused by epilepsy, toxins, head trauma, or underlying medical conditions.
Signs include:
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Uncontrolled shaking or paddling
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Drooling or foaming at the mouth
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Temporary loss of consciousness
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Disorientation afterward (known as the postictal phase)
What to do:
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Keep your pet safe by moving objects away but avoid touching their mouth.
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Time the seizure. If it lasts more than five minutes, or if multiple seizures occur in a row, seek emergency care immediately.
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Even if the seizure is brief, a veterinary exam is strongly recommended.
5. Trauma and Accidents
From car accidents to falls or fights with other animals, trauma is one of the most common reasons for nighttime ER visits. Sometimes injuries may look minor on the surface but can involve serious internal bleeding or organ damage.
What to do:
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If your pet is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth.
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Keep your pet as still and calm as possible.
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Transport them safely to an emergency veterinary hospital without delay.
6. Urinary Blockages in Cats
Male cats are particularly at risk for urinary blockages, which prevent them from urinating. This condition can become fatal in less than 24 hours if untreated.
Warning signs:
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Frequent trips to the litter box with little to no urine produced
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Crying out or straining
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Lethargy or vomiting
What to do:
A urinary blockage is an absolute emergency. Take your cat to the ER right away — waiting until morning could put their life in danger.
7. Severe Vomiting or Diarrhea
While occasional stomach upset is common in pets, repeated vomiting or diarrhea can signal something much more serious — including pancreatitis, infections, poisoning, or internal obstruction. Dehydration can set in quickly, especially overnight.
What to do:
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Withhold food but provide small amounts of water if your pet can keep it down.
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If vomiting or diarrhea is persistent, bloody, or accompanied by weakness, head to an emergency clinic immediately.
How to Prepare for a Nighttime Pet Emergency
Being prepared before an emergency happens can help you act quickly and effectively:
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Know where to go. Save the address and phone number of your local 24-hour veterinary ER. For pet owners in Orange County, BrightCare Veterinary Group Animal ER is available around the clock.
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Have a pet first-aid kit. Include gauze, nonstick bandages, saline solution, and the phone number for poison control.
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Stay calm. Pets pick up on your stress. Keeping calm helps you respond better and keeps your pet more comfortable.
Why Emergency Veterinary Care Matters
Nighttime emergencies are never convenient, but they are often critical. Having access to a trusted emergency vet ensures your pet gets the immediate, advanced care they need to recover. At BrightCare Veterinary Group, our team is trained in emergency medicine, advanced diagnostics, and critical care, giving Orange County pet parents peace of mind no matter the hour.
BrightCare Veterinary Group Animal ER: Here When Your Pet Needs Us Most
If your pet ever experiences a nighttime emergency — from bloat and breathing difficulties to poison ingestion or trauma — don’t wait. Contact BrightCare Veterinary Group, your trusted Orange County emergency veterinary team, right away. Our dedicated emergency veterinarians are here 24/7 to provide the highest level of care when your pet needs it most.
