Emergency veterinary advice for what to do if your pet falls ill or suffers an injury

If you have any concerns about your pets health, you should always call your vet for advice. All vets have out of hours cover. Below are the top ten most common emergency situations that we see at Vets Now with advice on how you can keep your pet comfortable whilst you call your vet, or some actions you can take to assist your vet with the diagnosis.

Vomiting: and/or diarrhea / parvovirus
Has your dog eaten anything different or been in contact with any new substances or other sick animals? Any information you can give the vet will help with the diagnosis.

Trauma: Such as road accidents, falls, bites and gunshot wounds
Remove pet to a safe location. Pets that are in pain or scored may bite or scratch, If pet is bleeding heavily, apply pressure using clean cloth or clothing (unless bleeding is from nose or mouth),

Collapse
If pet is not breathing and has no heartbeat, chest compression are usually advised, if your pet is in pain or scared, they may bile or scratch, so mouth to nose resuscitation is not recommended.

Breathing difficulties
Keep your pet as calm as possible and ring your vet ASAP – Ibis can be a very rapidly life-threatening condition and you will need to get to your vet as soon as possible.

Urine: Cystitis or trouble passing urine
Ring the vet as soon as possible. It may help to bring a urine sample or take a photo of what your pet has passed.

Poisoning or indiscrete ingestion
DO NOT give any medication, food or water, or try making your pet sick unless directed to do so by your vet. Bring anything you think they may have ingested, in the original packaging.

Bloat or gastric dilation volvulus (GDV)
Keep your dog as calm as possible and ring your vet immediately. This can be a very rapidly life-threatening condition and you will need to get to your vet as soon as possible.

Whelping / kittening Problems giving birth
Keep the environment calm and quiet with dim lighting and keep numbers of people in the room to o minimum. Give your pel a large comfortable and secluded bedding area.

Seizures
Keep the area quiet and dim the lights. Only move your pet if there is a risk of further injury. Do not attempt to restrain your pet or put anything in their mouth (particularly your fingers).

Neurological Disorientation, uncoordinated, walking in circles, behavioral changes
Keep the area quiet and avoid any sudden movements, Close all doors and ensure there are no tripping hazards. Video recording on a mobile phone of symptoms can help diagnosis.

Sign that your pet Needs to See a Veterinarian

When assessing your pet’s health and/or illness, a good rule of thumb is always to watch for any dramatic behavioral shifts. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following signs lasting more than 1-2 days:

Lameness or abnormal movement; Displays of mild to moderate pain (such as crying when a specific area is touched or action is taken)

Poor Appetite; Excessive salivation; Excessive thirst (increased water intake)

Vomiting, Wheezing or frequent panting

Lethargy or loss of energy; Weakness

Frequent and/or inappropriate urination; Diarrhea; Constipation

Behavior changes; Neurologic signs

Excessive scratching
or dull, dry, or flaky hair coat; Nasal discharge or congestion; Eye discharge or redness

When in Doubt?
Please see a veterinarian for ANY condition that appears resistant to treatment or seems to be getting worse.