Recognising Emergency Warning Signs

Published November 2025

Knowing when your pet needs emergency care can be the difference between life and death. While some situations are obviously urgent, others may be less clear. This guide will help you recognise critical warning signs and understand when immediate veterinary attention is necessary.

Life-Threatening Emergencies

These symptoms require immediate veterinary attention - call ahead and bring your pet straight in:

Breathing Problems

• Struggling to breathe or gasping for air
• Blue or purple gums or tongue
• Choking or severe coughing
• Rapid, shallow breathing at rest
• Open-mouth breathing in cats

Severe Bleeding

• Continuous bleeding that won't stop with pressure
• Blood from nose, mouth, or rectum
• Blood in urine (especially in male cats)
• Coughing up blood

Collapse or Unconsciousness

• Sudden collapse or fainting
• Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness
• Seizures (especially lasting more than 5 minutes or multiple seizures)
• Inability to stand or walk

Severe Pain

• Crying or whimpering constantly
• Extreme restlessness or pacing
• Distended, hard, painful abdomen
• Aggressive behaviour when touched
• Back or neck pain with paralysis

Urgent Situations

These require veterinary attention within a few hours:

Gastrointestinal Issues

• Repeated vomiting (more than 2-3 times)
• Bloody vomit or diarrhoea
• Unsuccessful attempts to vomit (could be bloat)
• No bowel movement for 48 hours with straining
• Severe diarrhoea, especially in puppies or kittens

Urinary Problems

• Straining to urinate with little or no urine (emergency in male cats)
• Crying when urinating
• Blood in urine
• Frequent squatting with no results

Eye Injuries

• Bulging or recessed eye
• Sudden blindness
• Eye injuries or trauma
• Severe squinting with discharge

Toxin Exposure

• Known ingestion of toxic substances
• Rat poison consumption
• Antifreeze ingestion
• Chocolate consumption (amount matters)
• Xylitol (sugar-free products) ingestion

Specific Emergency Scenarios

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)

Bloat is a life-threatening emergency in dogs, especially large breeds. The stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood supply. This is a true emergency requiring immediate surgery. Signs include:

• Distended, tight, painful abdomen
• Unsuccessful attempts to vomit
• Restlessness and pacing
• Drooling
• Rapid heart rate
• Weakness or collapse

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a common summer emergency, particularly in flat-faced breeds and those with thick coats. Pets cannot regulate body temperature as effectively as humans, and heat stroke can be fatal. Watch for these signs:

• Heavy panting
• Dark red or purple gums
• Thick, ropy saliva
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Collapse or seizures

First aid: Move to shade, apply cool (not ice-cold) water, and seek immediate veterinary care.

Trauma

Any significant injury should be considered an emergency. Common causes of trauma include:

• Hit by car
• Falls from height
• Animal attacks
• Penetrating wounds

Even if your pet seems okay after trauma, internal injuries may be present. Always seek veterinary assessment.

Suspected Fractures

• Limping or not bearing weight
• Deformed limb
• Swelling and pain
• Inability to move

When to Call vs. When to Come Straight In

Not all emergencies require immediate action without preparation. Here's guidance on when to call ahead for advice versus bringing your pet straight in:

Call First If:

• You're unsure if it's an emergency
• Your pet has a known condition and symptoms worsen
• You need advice on first aid before travelling
• You need directions or parking information

Come Straight In If:

• Life-threatening breathing problems
• Severe bleeding
• Unconsciousness or seizures
• Severe trauma
• Suspected bloat

(But do call ahead if possible so we can prepare)

Preparing for Emergencies

Have Ready:

• Our emergency contact number: 09064 70084
• After-hours emergency clinic details
• Pet carrier or secure transport
• Muzzle (even friendly dogs may bite when in pain)
• Towels or blankets
• Recent medical records

First Aid Kit Basics:

• Gauze pads and bandages
• Adhesive tape
• Cotton wool
• Thermometer
• Tweezers
• Saline solution
• Emergency contact numbers

Transporting Your Emergency Pet

• Stay calm: Pets sense your anxiety
• Secure safely: Use carrier or have someone hold them
• Support injuries: Use towels or blankets
• Keep warm: Shock can cause temperature drop
• Don't give food or water: May need anaesthesia

After Hours

For emergencies outside our hours:

• Monday–Friday after 6 PM
• Saturday after 12 PM
• All day Sunday

Please contact your nearest 24-hour emergency clinic or call our emergency line for guidance.