Emergency DIY Physical Exam for Pets: Signs Your Dog or Cat Is in Trouble

Why a DIY Physical Exam Matters

Being able to assess your pet’s health at home is essential, especially in an emergency. While routine vet visits are crucial for maintaining overall health, knowing how to perform a basic physical exam can help determine whether your pet needs immediate veterinary care or if monitoring at home is sufficient.

However, safety should always come first. A pet that is in pain or distress may react defensively. Even the most well-behaved pets may bite or scratch when they don’t feel well. Always use caution and consider using a towel, muzzle, or cone to protect yourself. If your pet is resisting or showing signs of aggression, stop and seek professional veterinary assistance.

Essential Steps for a DIY Pet Exam

A thorough at-home pet exam involves checking vital signs, evaluating physical condition, and looking for any warning signs of a serious medical issue.

1. Check Their General Demeanor

  • Is your pet alert and responsive, or lethargic and unresponsive?
  • Are they showing signs of confusion, disorientation, or excessive hiding?
  • Have they suddenly become more aggressive or withdrawn?

Sudden changes in behavior can indicate pain, neurological issues, or poisoning. Learn more about identifying pet emergencies in this AVMA emergency guide.

2. Assess Breathing and Respiratory Rate

  • Is your pet breathing normally, or do they seem to be gasping, wheezing, or struggling?
  • Count their breaths per minute (normal rates: cats: 20-30 breaths/min, dogs: 10-30 breaths/min).
  • Are they coughing excessively or making unusual noises?

Labored breathing is always an emergency. If your pet is experiencing rapid, shallow breathing or has blue or pale gums, seek immediate veterinary care. For more guidance, visit the AAHA’s emergency resource.

3. Check Their Heart Rate

  • Place your hand on the left side of your pet’s chest, just behind their front leg.
  • Count the beats for 15 seconds, then multiply by four.
  • Normal heart rates:
    • Dogs: 60-140 beats per minute
    • Cats: 140-220 beats per minute

A heart rate that is too fast, too slow, or irregular could indicate shock, dehydration, or heart disease. Learn more about checking vitals with this DIY dog checkup guide.

4. Examine Mucous Membrane Color and Capillary Refill Time (CRT)

  • Lift your pet’s lip and check their gum color:
    • Healthy gums: Pink and moist
    • Pale gums: Possible shock, anemia, or internal bleeding
    • Blue or gray gums: Oxygen deprivation (emergency!)
    • Bright red gums: Possible heatstroke or toxin exposure
  • Perform a capillary refill test:
    • Press a finger against the gums until they turn white.
    • Release and count how long it takes to return to pink (normal: 1-2 seconds).
    • If it takes longer than 2 seconds, it may indicate shock, dehydration, or heart problems.

5. Evaluate Hydration Status

  • Gently pinch the skin between the shoulders and release it.
  • If the skin snaps back immediately, hydration is normal.
  • If it stays tented or slowly returns, your pet may be dehydrated.

Dehydration can quickly become life-threatening. Pets that are vomiting, refusing to eat or drink, or excessively panting may need immediate veterinary attention.

6. Look for Signs of Pain or Injury

  • Check for limping, stiffness, or difficulty standing up.
  • Look for wounds, swelling, or excessive licking of a body part.
  • Assess posture—are they hunched, tensed, or unable to move comfortably?

If your pet shows sudden weakness, collapse, or severe pain, do not attempt to move them without support. Use a towel or blanket to gently transport them to the vet.

When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care

While some issues can be monitored at home, certain symptoms require emergency veterinary attention:

Critical Signs of a Pet Emergency

  • Difficulty breathing or choking
  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea (especially with blood)
  • Seizures or sudden collapse
  • Bloated abdomen (potential sign of bloat/GDV in dogs)
  • Inability to urinate (especially in male cats, which could indicate urinary obstruction)
  • Uncontrolled bleeding or major trauma

For a full list of pet emergencies, refer to the AVMA emergency guide.

How to Handle an Emergency Safely

If you determine your pet needs immediate care:

  1. Stay calm – Your pet can sense stress, which may make them more anxious.
  2. Protect yourself – Use a towel, cone, or muzzle if necessary.
  3. Call your vet ahead of time – Inform them about the emergency so they can prepare.
  4. Transport carefully – Use a blanket as a stretcher for large dogs, and always keep cats in secure carriers.

The American Red Cross offers pet first aid classes, which can be a valuable resource for pet owners.

Be Prepared and Stay Informed

Performing a DIY pet exam can help you recognize early signs of distress, but it should never replace professional veterinary care. If you’re unsure whether your pet’s symptoms are an emergency, always err on the side of caution and contact your veterinarian.

At Krichel Animal Hospital, we are here to provide expert emergency care when your pet needs it most. If you’re concerned about your pet’s health, don’t wait—contact us immediately.

Additional Resources