What Qualifies As A True Pet Emergency?

If your dog started breathing hard tonight, would you know what to do? We sit down with Dr. Mike LoSasso, Chief of Staff at Frisco Emergency Pet Care, to map the line between worry and true emergency—and why minutes matter more than most owners realize. From heat stroke and prolonged seizures to dangerous ingestions, Mike explains the red flags that demand immediate action and the common scenarios where early care prevents crisis.

We go deep on bloat, the life-threatening twist of the stomach that hits deep-chested breeds hard. You’ll learn how to spot non-productive retching, a tight swollen abdomen, sudden restlessness after meals, and why this isn’t “just gas.” Mike breaks down breed risk—from standard poodles and German Shepherds to smaller deep-chested dogs—and shares plainspoken guidance on what happens in the ER when bloat is suspected. The theme is clarity: know the signs, move fast, and buy your pet the best chance.

Not all emergencies look dramatic. We highlight splenic masses that hide for months and then rupture without warning, leaving owners to make urgent, high-stakes choices about surgery, transfusions, or humane euthanasia. Mike offers compassionate, practical advice on preparing for the hardest goodbye while your pet is still comfortable: choosing location, deciding who should be present, and understanding aftercare. Thoughtful planning turns a frantic midnight crisis into a peaceful, loving moment when time finally comes.

To help you navigate ER visits smoothly, we share simple steps that cut delays and costs: send the person who knows the pet’s habits and meds, bring access to recent lab results or a patient portal, and make sure the team can reach the owner. Preparation is power in emergency medicine. If this conversation helped you feel more ready to protect your pet, follow the show, share it with a fellow pet parent, and leave a quick review so more people can find it.

To learn more about Frisco Emergency Pet Care visit:
https://www.FriscoEmergencyPetCare.com
Frisco Emergency Pet Care
11201 Preston Road
Frisco, Texas 75033
469-287-6767