Pet Emergencies: What to Do If Your Dog or Cat Needs Urgent Veterinary Care
How to Recognise a Pet Emergency and What to Do
Pet emergencies can happen when you least expect them. Whether it’s an injury, poisoning, breathing problems, or sudden illness, knowing how to respond quickly can make a life-saving difference for your dog or cat.
Understanding the signs of a veterinary emergency helps pet owners act fast and seek the right care. In this guide, we explain the most common emergencies in dogs and cats and what steps to take before reaching a veterinary clinic.
What Is a Veterinary Emergency?
A veterinary emergency is any situation where your pet needs immediate medical attention to prevent serious harm or life-threatening complications.
Common pet emergencies include:
• Severe injuries or trauma
• Difficulty breathing
• Poisoning
• Seizures
• Heatstroke
• Sudden collapse
• Bloat in dogs
If you are unsure whether your pet’s condition is an emergency, it is always safest to contact your veterinarian for advice.
Signs Your Pet Needs Emergency Veterinary Care
Contact a veterinarian immediately if your dog or cat shows any of these symptoms:
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures lasting more than three minutes
• Severe bleeding
• Sudden collapse or loss of consciousness
• Signs of poisoning
• Extreme lethargy or weakness
• Persistent vomiting
• Swollen abdomen
Recognising these warning signs early can help your pet receive treatment as quickly as possible.
Common Pet Emergencies and What to Do
Trauma and Injuries
Accidents such as falls, road incidents, or fights with other animals are common causes of emergency vet visits.
Signs may include:
• Bleeding
• Limping or inability to stand
• Swelling or visible wounds
• Signs of pain or distress
What to do
Keep your pet calm and try to limit movement. If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure using a clean cloth or bandage. If you suspect broken bones or spinal injuries, avoid moving your pet unless necessary.
Contact your veterinary clinic or an emergency vet as soon as possible.
Choking or Difficulty Breathing
Breathing problems should always be treated as an emergency. Pets may choke on toys, food, bones, or other objects.
What to do
Check your pet’s mouth for any visible obstruction. If an object is clearly visible and safe to remove, carefully remove it.
If breathing difficulties continue, transport your pet to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately.
Poisoning in Pets
Dogs and cats can accidentally ingest toxic substances around the home. Because pets explore their environment with their mouths, poisoning is one of the most common veterinary emergencies.
Common toxins include:
• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Human medications
• Cleaning products
• Toxic plants
What to do
Contact your veterinarian or the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) immediately.
Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinary professional. If possible, identify the substance your pet ingested and when it happened.
More information is available from the VPIS poison helpline:
https://www.vpisglobal.com
Seizures
Seizures can be frightening to witness and may be caused by epilepsy, toxins, head trauma, or metabolic conditions.
During a seizure, pets may lose consciousness, shake, drool, or paddle their legs.
What to do
Stay calm and move objects away from your pet so they cannot injure themselves. Do not try to restrain them or put anything in their mouth.
Time the seizure. If it lasts longer than three minutes or multiple seizures occur close together, seek emergency veterinary care.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke occurs when a pet’s body temperature rises dangerously high. Dogs are particularly vulnerable because they cannot regulate heat as effectively as humans.
Signs of heatstroke include:
• Heavy panting
• Drooling
• Weakness or collapse
• Vomiting
What to do
Move your pet to a cool area immediately. Offer small amounts of water and apply cool (not ice-cold) water to their body.
Heatstroke can quickly become life-threatening, so veterinary treatment should be sought as soon as possible.
Bloat in Dogs (GDV)
Bloat, also known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, is a life-threatening condition where a dog’s stomach fills with gas and twists.
Symptoms include:
• Swollen abdomen
• Restlessness
• Drooling
• Attempting to vomit without producing anything
What to do
Bloat is a surgical emergency. If you suspect your dog may have bloat, take them to an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.
How to Prepare for a Pet Emergency
Although emergencies cannot always be prevented, preparation can help you respond more quickly.
Save emergency contact numbers
Keep your veterinary clinic and the nearest emergency vet saved on your phone.
Learn basic pet first aid
Knowing basic first aid can help stabilise your pet while seeking professional care.
Keep a pet first aid kit
A pet first aid kit should include:
• Bandages and gauze
• Antiseptic wipes
• Tweezers
• Gloves
• Emergency vet contact details
Emergency Veterinary Advice at The Vet Station
If your pet needs urgent care or you are unsure whether something is an emergency, our veterinary team is here to help.
Clients of The Vet Station can contact us at:
📞 0203 917 5962
For 24/7 veterinary advice, you can also speak to a vet through VidiVet, giving you access to professional support at any time.
https://vidivet.com/practices/?partner=thevetstation
Final Thoughts
Pet emergencies are stressful, but recognising the warning signs and acting quickly can make a crucial difference in your pet’s health and recovery.
By staying informed and prepared, you can help ensure your pet receives the care they need when it matters most.
If you ever feel unsure about your pet’s condition, always contact a veterinary professional for advice.