Emergency Signs: When Your Animal Needs a Vet Right Now

Animals often hide pain and illness until a problem is advanced. Knowing the warning signs helps you decide when to call straight away.

Go to a vet immediately if you see

• Difficulty breathing - open-mouth breathing in a cat, blue or very pale gums, or noisy, laboured breaths.
• Collapse, fainting or a seizure lasting more than a few minutes, or several in a row.
• A swollen, hard belly in a dog, especially with retching that brings nothing up - this can be bloat, a life-threatening emergency.
• Straining to urinate with little or no urine, especially in a male cat. A blocked bladder can become fatal within a day or two.
• Suspected poisoning - chocolate, grapes or raisins, rodent bait, medicines, antifreeze, or lilies for cats.
• Heavy bleeding, deep wounds, or any road accident, even if your animal seems fine.
• Signs of heatstroke - heavy panting, drooling, weakness or vomiting after heat exposure.
• Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, especially with blood or in a young, old or small animal.

While you get help

• Stay calm and keep your animal as still and quiet as possible.
• Bring the packaging if you suspect a poison - do not try to make your animal vomit unless a vet tells you to.
• Injured animals may bite out of pain, even gentle ones. Handle them carefully.
• Call ahead if you can, so the team is ready when you arrive.

Not sure if it's an emergency?

If you are unsure, it is always better to ask. A telehealth consultation can help you decide whether your animal needs to be seen in person straight away.