Pet emergencies: When to call and when to wait

It can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming to see your pet in pain, unwell or distressed.

It’s essential to know the difference between situations that need immediate veterinary care, and those where you can wait at home to monitor the situation.

That’s why we have put together a simple guide to identify common pet emergency signs and symptoms, helping you understand when you need to call your vet or an after-hours emergency clinic.

Important Note: Please be aware that Virginia Veterinary does not provide 24/7 emergency care at this time.

Our emergency services during regular business hours include primary care and triage, stabilisation, and pre-specialist care.

To decide whether your pet needs urgent care, go through the following questions. An answer that constitutes an emergency for any question means you should call your vet clinic straight away.

1. Is your pet eating and drinking?

• Yes: If your pet is eating and drinking normally, it’s usually fine to monitor their condition for now. We recommend you closely watch their behaviour and appetite, as changes in these areas can be early signs of an issue.
• No: If it has been more than 24 hours since your pet has eaten or drunk, we recommend a vet visit. Loss of appetite and dehydration can be signs of a serious underlying condition that requires prompt medical attention.

2. Is your pet able to toilet normally (urinating and defecating)?

• Yes: If your pet is urinating and defecating normally, it’s generally safe to monitor their condition at home. However, be aware of any changes in the frequency, volume, or appearance of their waste, as these can be indicators of health problems.
• No: If your pet is unable to toilet properly, or if you notice blood in their urine or faeces, we recommend a vet visit is necessary immediately. Urinary and faecal blockages can be life-threatening emergencies that require prompt veterinary intervention.

3. Is your pet bleeding?

• Yes: If your pet is bleeding, first attempt to stop it by applying direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage. If the bleeding is severe or you cannot stop it within a few minutes, this is an emergency. Just like with humans, blood loss for an animal can be catastrophic, and so they need veterinary intervention as soon as possible.
• No: If your pet is not bleeding, monitor their condition and keep an eye out for any other signs of injury or illness.

 

4. Is your pet breathing normally?

• Yes: If your pet is breathing normally, with no signs of distress or abnormal respiratory sounds, you can usually monitor their condition at home. Make sure to keep an eye out for any changes in their breathing pattern or effort.
• No: If your pet is wheezing, making abnormal respiratory noises, or otherwise having difficulty breathing, you should bring them into the vet immediately. Respiratory distress can be a sign of a serious underlying condition that requires urgent medical attention.

Toxic substance ingestion

If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance, it’s considered an emergency. It takes 30 minutes for the substance to be absorbed by the stomach, so decontamination needs to happen immediately to reduce the impact on your pet.

Snake bites

In Australia, snake bites are always an emergency and require immediate veterinary care – especially in South Australia where we predominantly see the deadly brown snake. Dogs usually have a period of 30-45 minutes before collapse and imminent death. Cats can have a slower onset of symptoms, but prompt veterinary treatment is essential for reducing how sick they might get.

If you’re unsure whether your pet’s condition needs a trip to the vet or emergency clinic, we always recommend erring on the side of caution and giving them a call. They can help assess the situation and provide guidance on the best course of action.

Remember, you know your pet better than anyone. If you are significantly worried about their health or behaviour, trust your instincts and seek veterinary advice.

Being a responsible pet owner means recognising the signs of a pet emergency and knowing when to seek immediate veterinary care. The faster you act, the better chance we have of reducing harm for your pet.

If you are at all worried about your pet’s health, don’t hesitate to contact Virginia Veterinary for urgent care services.