For animal owners
When a pet needs urgent veterinary care
Important warning signs in dogs and cats that should not wait for an online response or a routine appointment.
Some conditions can lead to irreversible harm within a short time. In these situations, submitting an online application, exchanging messages, or waiting for a routine appointment creates a dangerous delay.
The warning signs below are not an exhaustive list. If the animal’s condition causes serious concern, contact the nearest veterinary clinic and describe the signs.
Breathing difficulty
Urgent care is required when there is:
- marked effort during inhalation or exhalation;
- open-mouth breathing in a cat, particularly at rest;
- blue, grey, or markedly pale mucous membranes;
- inability to lie down comfortably because of breathlessness;
- unusually noisy breathing;
- choking or suspected airway obstruction.
Do not make the animal walk or compress the chest. Minimise stress and proceed directly to a clinic.
Loss of consciousness, collapse, or seizures
Emergency assessment is needed for:
- loss of consciousness;
- sudden collapse or inability to stand;
- an ongoing seizure;
- repeated seizures without full recovery;
- sudden severe loss of coordination;
- profound depression or an unusual lack of response.
During a seizure, move dangerous objects away, do not restrain the animal forcefully, and do not place your hands in its mouth.
Severe bleeding or major trauma
Do not delay care after:
- a road traffic accident;
- a fall from height;
- a bite affecting the chest or abdomen;
- a deep wound;
- an open fracture;
- an eye injury;
- severe or persistent bleeding;
- a burn or electrical injury.
Internal injuries may not be visible, even when the animal initially appears relatively calm.
Inability to urinate
Repeated unsuccessful attempts to urinate, restlessness, vocalisation, and passage of only a few drops may indicate urinary obstruction.
This is particularly dangerous in male cats. It requires immediate veterinary care rather than observation until the following day.
Suspected poisoning
Contact a veterinary clinic immediately if the animal may have swallowed a medicine, household chemical, poison, toxic plant, bait, unknown substance, or hazardous food.
Take the packaging or a photograph of the ingredients. Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a veterinarian specifically directs you to do so, because this can increase harm with some substances.
A suddenly enlarged or painful abdomen
Warning signs include:
- rapid abdominal enlargement;
- marked pain;
- restlessness and inability to settle;
- repeated unproductive retching;
- weakness or collapse.
This combination may require immediate investigation and stabilisation.
Other dangerous situations
Urgent assessment is also required for:
- heatstroke;
- a severe allergic reaction with swelling or breathing difficulty;
- profuse repeated vomiting or diarrhoea with weakness;
- blood in vomit or faeces together with deterioration;
- severe uncontrolled pain;
- prolapsed tissue or organs;
- difficult labour;
- rapid deterioration regardless of the suspected cause.
What to do
- Call the nearest available clinic and state that you are travelling with an emergency patient.
- Briefly report the species, main signs, time of onset, and possible cause.
- Transport a cat in a carrier and move a dog in a way that limits unnecessary movement without restricting breathing.
- Bring current medicines, suspected toxin packaging, and important medical records when they are immediately available.
- Do not delay departure to assemble a complete archive, take photographs, or wait for an online reply.
- Do not give human painkillers or other medicines without veterinary direction.
The online form on this website is not an emergency service. When in doubt, calling a veterinary clinic first is the safer course.
This article provides general educational information and does not replace assessment of an individual patient.