Common Pet Emergencies that would require a trip to the Emergency Vet immediately

Recognising the signs of a pet emergency is crucial for ensuring your pet receives immediate and appropriate care. Below are common indicators that your pet may require urgent veterinary attention:

1. Breathing Difficulties

Signs:

  • Laboured or rapid breathing
  • Continuous coughing or choking
  • Gagging or inability to breathe properly

Action: Seek immediate veterinary assistance if your pet exhibits any breathing issues.

2. Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhoea

Signs:

  • Repeated vomiting
  • Severe diarrhoea
  • Presence of blood in vomit or stool

Action: Continuous vomiting or diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and weakness, especially in puppies, kittens, and elderly pets. Prompt veterinary care is essential.

3. Uncontrolled Bleeding

Signs:

  • Severe bleeding that doesn’t stop within five minutes of applying pressure
  • Blood coming from eyes, ears, mouth, nose, or rectum
  • Blood in urine, faeces, or vomit

Action: Apply firm pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage and seek immediate veterinary care.

4. Seizures or Collapse

Signs:

  • Sudden loss of consciousness
  • Uncontrolled shaking or convulsions
  • Staggering, stumbling, or inability to walk

Action: If your pet experiences a seizure or collapses, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

5. Ingestion of Toxic Substances

Signs:

  • Vomiting
  • Drooling or dribbling
  • Tremors
  • Seizures

Action: If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance such as antifreeze, household cleaners, rat poison, or prescription medications, contact your vet immediately and, if possible, bring any packaging from the toxin.

6. Difficulty Urinating or Defaecating

Signs:

  • Straining to urinate or defecate
  • Crying out in pain during elimination
  • Inability to pass urine or stool

Action: These symptoms can indicate a serious blockage or other medical issue requiring immediate attention.

7. Swollen or Painful Abdomen

Signs:

  • Bloated appearance
  • Abdomen sensitive to touch
  • Restlessness or inability to get comfortable

Action: A swollen or painful abdomen can be a sign of a life-threatening condition and warrants immediate veterinary evaluation.

8. Eye Injuries

Signs:

  • Redness or swelling
  • Discharge from eye
  • Squinting or pawing at the eye

Action: Eye injuries can worsen rapidly and may lead to permanent damage if not treated promptly.

9. Sudden Behavioural Changes

Signs:

  • Sudden aggression or lethargy
  • Disorientation
  • Excessive whining or vocalisation

Action: Unexplained behavioural changes can indicate underlying medical emergencies and should be assessed by a vet.

10. Difficulty Giving Birth (Dystocia)

Signs:

  • Intense straining for a few minutes with a puppy or kitten or sack stuck in birth canal
  • Straining for more than 20 minutes without delivering a puppy or kitten
  • More than two hours between births
  • Green discharge from the vagina without any puppies or kittens being born
  • Visible distress or lethargy of dog or cat

Action: If your pet exhibits any of these signs, it’s essential to contact your vet or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately. Quick action can make a significant difference in the outcome of many pet emergencies.

If your pet exhibits any of these signs, it’s essential to contact us immediately. Quick action can make a significant difference in the outcome of many pet emergencies.