Health sheets
Common puppy problems: how you notice them, what to do and when to go to the vet right away.
Red flags in any puppy
Whatever it is, call the vet today if you see any of these.
Go to the vet now if…
- Trouble breathing, choking, or nonstop coughing and gagging.
- Bleeding that doesn't stop within 5 minutes, bleeding from the nose, mouth or rectum, coughing up blood, or blood in the urine.
- Seizures or staggering.
- Ate something poisonous, or you think it might have.
- More than two bouts of vomiting or diarrhea in 24 hours, or vomiting or diarrhea plus looking clearly ill.
- Can't pee or poop, or it hurts to.
- Hasn't drunk anything in 24 hours.
- Obvious pain, an eye injury, severe limping, heatstroke, or loss of consciousness.
What to do
- Call your vet and describe what you see and since when; if they're closed, call an emergency clinic.
- Don't give your puppy human medicines unless your vet tells you to.
- If in doubt, call: asking beats waiting.
Sources
- 13 Animal emergencies that require immediate veterinary consultation and/or care
- Medication Errors Happen to Pets, Too (Consumer Update, content current as of 13 May 2021)
- Never Give Medications for People to Pets (Bryan L, Pet Health Columns, 19 Sept 2025)
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Your vet is the one who can tell what's wrong and what to do.
Content checked against its sources on November 14, 2026.