If your pet is in pain or distress, or has an obvious injury, you’ll want them to get relief as soon as possible, even if this means an emergency, out of hours visit. Vomiting may not be an immediate cause for alarm, however, if the symptoms persist for two days, if your pet is vomiting frequently, or if there is blood in their vomit, a trip to the vet is in order. If there is a possibility that your pet has eaten a poisonous substance, take it to the vet’s immediately, rather than wait for symptoms. Some physical symptoms are less obvious, but still a danger signal, look out for laboured breathing in dogs, and open mouthed breathing or panting in cats. If your pet appears to be confused, extra clumsy, or having walking difficulties, or if they suffer a seizure, or collapse, take them to the vet straight away. Limping may be caused by a strain or sprain that will recover naturally, but seek veterinary help if your pet can’t bear weight on the affected leg. Struggling to urinate can be a sign of a minor infection, a more painful problem like bladder stones, or, in male cats, a dangerous urinary obstruction.