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Pet emergencies - what to do if your cat or dog has an emergency

Writer's picture: Dr VanessaDr Vanessa

Essential Guide to Veterinary Emergencies: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

As a pet parent, there’s nothing more stressful than realizing your dog or cat is in an emergency situation. Whether it’s a sudden injury, poisoning, or an unexpected illness, veterinary emergencies can happen when you least expect them. Knowing how to respond quickly and effectively can make all the difference in your pet’s health and recovery.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what constitutes a veterinary emergency, how to handle various pet emergencies, and why it’s crucial to have an emergency plan in place.

What is a Veterinary Emergency?

A veterinary emergency is any situation where your pet needs immediate medical attention to prevent serious harm or even death. These situations can happen suddenly and may include trauma, poisoning, sudden illness, or complications from pre-existing conditions.

Understanding what qualifies as an emergency and being able to recognize the signs can help you act quickly and save your pet's life.

Common Veterinary Emergencies and What to Do

Here are some of the most common emergencies pets face and steps you can take to handle the situation until you can get to a veterinary clinic:

1. Trauma and Injuries

Trauma from accidents, falls, or fights is one of the most frequent reasons pets require emergency care. Injuries like broken bones, deep cuts, or head trauma can lead to severe pain and complications if left untreated.

What to do:

  • Keep your pet as calm as possible.

  • If there is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to stop it.

  • If you suspect a broken bone, avoid moving your pet unless absolutely necessary. If they need to be transported, gently support the injured area.

  • Call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away for guidance.

2. Choking and Breathing Difficulties

If your pet is having trouble breathing or appears to be choking, it’s crucial to get help immediately. Difficulty breathing can be caused by a variety of issues, including a foreign object lodged in the airway, respiratory infections, or anaphylactic shock.

What to do:

  • Check your pet's mouth to see if there is an obvious obstruction you can safely remove.

  • If they are still having trouble breathing, keep them calm and head to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic.

  • If you cannot see anything blocking their airway, contact a vet for immediate advice.

3. Poisoning

Pets are naturally curious and may ingest harmful substances like toxic plants, foods (chocolate, grapes, etc.), cleaning products, or medications. Poisoning is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate attention.

What to do:

  • Call your veterinarian or an emergency poison hotline (such as the VPIS 01202 509 000) for instructions. https://www.vpisglobal.com/faq-items/can-pet-owners-use-vpis/

  • If your pet is vomiting, don’t try to induce it unless instructed to do so by a professional, as some toxins can cause more damage if expelled.

  • Be prepared to provide details about what your pet ingested, including the type of substance and the time of ingestion.

4. Seizures

Seizures in pets can be caused by a variety of factors, including epilepsy, head trauma, poisoning, or low blood sugar. While a single seizure may not always be an emergency, if your pet has multiple seizures or one lasts longer than a few minutes, it’s critical to seek immediate veterinary care.

What to do:

  • Stay calm and make sure your pet is in a safe space where they can’t injure themselves.

  • Do not try to hold them down or put anything in their mouth.

  • Time the seizure, and if it lasts more than 3 minutes, seek immediate help.

  • Once the seizure stops, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic.

5. Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a serious condition that occurs when a pet’s body temperature rises dangerously high, usually due to prolonged exposure to heat, humidity, or overexertion. Dogs with flat faces (brachycephalic breeds) and pets who are older, overweight, or have certain health conditions are at higher risk.

What to do:

  • Move your pet to a cool area immediately.

  • Offer small amounts of water but avoid forcing them to drink if they are not interested.

  • Apply cool (not cold) water to their body to help reduce body temperature.

  • Get your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible, as heatstroke can cause organ failure or death if not treated promptly.

6. Sudden Collapse or Loss of Consciousness

If your pet suddenly collapses or loses consciousness, it could be a sign of a serious issue such as a heart condition, severe infection, or trauma.

What to do:

  • Check for signs of breathing and a pulse.

  • If they are not breathing, perform CPR if you’re trained to do so.

  • Call your emergency veterinary clinic immediately and get your pet to them as quickly as possible.

7. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, GDV)

Bloat is a life-threatening condition most commonly seen in deep-chested dog breeds. It occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists, causing severe pain and preventing blood flow to vital organs.

What to do:

  • Signs of bloat include a swollen abdomen, drooling, and restlessness. If you suspect your dog has bloat, get them to an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.

  • Bloat is a surgical emergency, and immediate treatment is required to prevent shock or organ failure.

How to Prepare for a Veterinary Emergency

The best way to manage an emergency situation is to be prepared. Here’s how you can set yourself up for success:

  1. Know Your Emergency Contacts: Keep the contact information for your regular veterinarian and the nearest emergency vet clinic in your phone, on your fridge, or in your pet’s first-aid kit.

  2. Learn Basic Pet First Aid: Consider taking a pet first aid class to learn how to handle common emergencies, perform CPR, or treat minor injuries.

  3. Have a Pet First Aid Kit: Stock up on essential supplies like bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and any medications your pet might need.

  4. Monitor Your Pet’s Health: Keep an eye on any changes in behavior, eating habits, or physical appearance. Early detection of problems can often prevent more serious emergencies.

  5. Stay Calm: In an emergency, your pet will look to you for guidance. Stay calm, act quickly, and keep your pet as comfortable as possible until help arrives.

Why Immediate Veterinary Attention Matters

Time is of the essence in any veterinary emergency. The quicker you get your pet to a veterinary professional, the better the chances for a successful recovery. Even if you’re unsure whether the situation constitutes an emergency, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek advice from your veterinarian. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming life-threatening complications.

Our clients can call us on 0203 917 5962 or use vidivet https://vidivet.com/practices/?partner=thevetstation for 24/7 access to a vet.

Conclusion

Veterinary emergencies can be overwhelming, but being prepared and knowing how to respond can save your pet’s life. Whether it’s a traumatic injury, poisoning, or sudden illness, quick action is critical. Always keep emergency contact information handy, learn basic pet first aid, and trust your instincts—if your pet needs immediate care, don’t hesitate to get help.

By being proactive and prepared, you can help ensure that your pet gets the best care when they need it most. Stay informed, stay calm, and know that the right steps can make all the difference in an emergency.

For more information on emergency care for your pet, or to find an emergency veterinary clinic near you, contact us today.

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