When your pet becomes unwell after hours, it can be hard to know whether to wait until morning or be seen tonight. Ten signs that should not wait.
When your pet becomes unwell after hours, it can be difficult to know what to do. Should you wait until your regular vet opens in the morning, or does your pet need to be seen tonight?
At Urgent Vet, we know how stressful these moments can be. Founded by experienced emergency veterinarians, we are here to provide compassionate after-hours care for pets with illnesses and injuries that cannot wait until morning, while working closely with your family vet to ensure seamless ongoing care.
If your pet is struggling to breathe, breathing rapidly, breathing with an open mouth (cats), or making unusual breathing noises, seek veterinary attention immediately. Breathing problems can become life-threatening very quickly.
Any pet that collapses, has a seizure or loses consciousness should be examined as soon as possible. Even if they appear to recover, these episodes can indicate a serious underlying problem.
If your cat or dog is repeatedly trying to urinate but producing little or no urine, do not wait. Urinary blockages, particularly in male cats, are painful, rapidly become life-threatening and require immediate treatment.
A single episode of vomiting is not always an emergency. However, repeated vomiting, severe diarrhoea, blood in the vomit or diarrhoea, abdominal pain, or vomiting with lethargy should be assessed promptly.
Chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, snail bait, rat bait, human medications and many common household products can all be toxic to pets. If you think your pet has eaten something poisonous, contact a vet immediately, even if they seem normal.
If your pet has been hit by a car, fallen from a height, been bitten by another animal, or has a deep wound or significant bleeding, they should be examined as soon as possible. Some serious injuries are not immediately obvious.
A painful, swollen, red or suddenly cloudy eye should never wait until morning. Prompt treatment can make the difference between saving and losing vision.
If your pet is crying, unable to settle, reluctant to move or showing obvious signs of pain, they should be assessed. Animals are very good at hiding pain, so when they show it, we pay attention.
Heatstroke is a true emergency. Excessive panting, collapse, weakness, vomiting or bright red gums require immediate veterinary treatment.
You know your pet better than anyone. If they are unusually quiet, distressed, weak, or simply not themselves, do not ignore that feeling. We would much rather examine a pet that turns out to be okay than have an unwell pet wait too long.
Some problems can often be safely managed by your regular vet during normal business hours, including mild itching or skin irritation, small skin lumps that are not painful, long-standing lameness that has not suddenly worsened, routine vaccinations, health checks, nail trims and routine preventative care.
If you are unsure, give us a call. Our team can help you decide whether your pet should be seen urgently or whether it is safe to wait until your family vet reopens.
Your consultation begins with a thorough assessment by one of our experienced emergency vets. We examine your pet, discuss their history and explain our findings. If needed, we may recommend diagnostics such as blood tests, urine tests, X-rays or ultrasound. We discuss all treatment options, provide a written estimate before treatment begins, and answer any questions you have. Our goal is always to provide the right care for your pet, without recommending unnecessary tests or treatments.
If your pet requires ongoing care, we communicate directly with your regular vet and provide a detailed treatment summary, ensuring a smooth transition back to the team who knows your pet best.
