1. PawDoc is not an emergency service#
PawDoc gives general guidance based only on what you submit, when you submit it. It does not continuously monitor your pet, it cannot call for help, and its AI-generated guidance can be wrong or delayed. In any situation that looks serious, treat it as an emergency and seek professional care immediately — that is always the safer choice.
2. Red-flag signs — seek emergency care immediately#
Contact an emergency veterinarian right away if your pet shows any of these signs (this list is not exhaustive):
- Difficulty or labored breathing, choking, or blue/pale gums or tongue
- Collapse, sudden severe weakness, or unresponsiveness
- Seizures — especially repeated, clustered, or lasting more than a couple of minutes
- A suddenly swollen, bloated, or distended abdomen, especially with unproductive retching
- Suspected poisoning or ingestion of a toxin, medication, or foreign object
- Severe bleeding or major trauma (for example, hit by a car or a significant fall)
- Inability to urinate, or repeated straining to urinate (especially in male cats)
- Signs of heatstroke or overheating, such as severe panting and distress after heat exposure
- Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea, or any rapid, serious decline
When in doubt, err on the side of caution and contact a veterinarian.
3. Who to contact#
- Your veterinarian or the nearest emergency veterinary hospital. If you do not know one, search for a 24-hour emergency animal hospital near you, or call your regular clinic for their emergency instructions.
- United States — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A consultation fee may apply.
- Outside the United States: contact your nearest emergency veterinary hospital or your local/national pet poison helpline.
4. Why we say this#
We would rather you act quickly and have it turn out to be nothing than wait on an app. PawDoc's emergency guidance exists to push you toward professional care faster — never to delay or replace it. Even when PawDoc's guidance is low-urgency (such as "watch and re-check"), trust your own judgment: if your pet seems to be in distress, seek care.
5. Related#
This disclaimer is part of our Terms of Service and works alongside the Veterinary Disclaimer and AI Transparency & Limitations.