![\"pet](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Untitled-design-27.png\")
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If your pet hasn\u2019t eaten or drunk water in more than 24 hours and\/or is unable to lie down due to severe pain or discomfort, these are considered \u201cORANGE\u201d \u2013 or urgent cases \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend having your pet evaluated by your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital within the next 12 hours. Call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you, and if your pet\u2019s symptoms become more emergent (ie: respiratory distress, unable to move or walk, or seizures) call the team back to inform them of the status change. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n For pet owners, when a dog or cat stops <\/span><\/span>eating<\/span><\/span><\/a> or drinking, it can be the first \u201cred flag\u201d that something is wrong. Some owners may <\/span>notice <\/span>their pet acting restless, panting, pacing, or refusing to \u201csettle down\u201d or sleep.<\/span> Many may wonder if this is a true emergency or if it\u2019s okay to wait and monitor your pet closely before rushing into the ER. When unsure, here are some helpful parameters<\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n If the answer to one or more of these questions is YES, it\u2019s time to call your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital for further instruction! If you answer NO to all of these, it is usually safe to continue to wait and monitor at home. If you\u2019re uncertain or feel uncomfortable waiting, seek veterinary advice.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/b>This can often be due to pain or anxiety, which may or may not indicate an emergency.\u00a0 Use these questions to help you determine if veterinary care is needed: <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>If the answer to one or more of these questions is YES, it\u2019s time to call your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital for further instruction! Remember that changes in the household, stressful events, or <\/span>loud noises<\/span><\/a> like nearby construction or fireworks can also cause these signs.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Remember, always trust your gut and instincts! After all, you know your pet best! When in doubt, it is never wrong to reach out to<\/span> your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital <\/span>for further guidance.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"pet](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Untitled-design-26.png\")
\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIf your pet is not eating<\/span>\/drinking:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
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![\"pet](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Untitled-design-25.png\")
<\/p>\nIf your pet is <\/span>refusing to lie down or go to sleep:<\/span><\/b><\/h4>\n
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![\"pet](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Untitled-design-28.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"Anna](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/BLOG-Author-Block.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"Animal](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Fast-Track-Triage-for-Clients-Animal-Emergeency-Referral-Center-of-Minnesota.png\")
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