When does your pet need emergency care? Some people go to ER when they don't have to, and others don't go when they really should.

Pet expert Gina Spadafori joins us for our regular Pet Tales segment to talk basic guidelines for determining what level of care your animal needs and what you need to know when you have to go the emergency room now.

When to take your pet to ER

• seizure, fainting or collapse
• eye injury (no matter how mild)
• vomiting or diarrhea — anything more than two or three times within an hour 
• allergic reactions, such as swelling or hives
• any suspected poisoning, such as antifreeze, rodent or snail bait — cats are especially sensitive to petroleum and insecticides
• thermal stress, or being too hot or cold
• any open wound or laceration that's bleeding
• emotional trauma
• chronic coughing, trouble breathing or near drowning
• straining to urinate or defecate
• any non-life-threatening signs of pain that cause pets to suffer or withdraw