When to take your pet to the vet ASAP

The Christmas period can be a busy time for everyone. It can be easy to get swept up in the festivities and not realise your pet is unwell.

Here are ten situations when you should seek veterinary attention immediately:

Trouble breathing – respiratory problems can be life threatening
Weakness and collapse – can indicate internal bleeding, heart problems, poisoning
Seizures – can be caused by toxins and other conditions
Panting, restless, unable to get comfortable – can indicate bloat, heat stress
Profuse haemorrhage – bleeding externally is obviously an emergency but if your pet has suffered trauma such as being hit by a car, or falling from a height you should see a vet ASAP
Struggling to urinate – this can be life threatening, particularly in male cats
Not eating or drinking – some pets may skip a meal here or there, others may always clean up their food bowl so if they stop eating it’s an indication something’s not right
Vomiting and diarrhoea – a one off vomit and episode of diarrhoea may not be an emergency but if it persists over the course of the day, dehydration can quickly set in so you should get your pet checked out asap
Pain – if you think your pet might be in pain, you need to seek veterinary attention. Your pet might not always show a limp or vocalise when they are in pain and may simply be inactive or quieter than usual
Known exposure to toxins – don’t wait until it’s too late. See a vet ASAP if your pet has ingested something he shouldn’t (think chocolate, snail bait, rat bait, grapes, raisins, human medication just to name a few)
There are many more reasons you might need to seek urgent veterinary attention. If you think something’s not right with your pet you should always phone us for advice.