Emergency Care

Get your pet to a vet

If you’re away from home, go to the nearest vet in an emergency. We are not fussed if you don’t come to us, just get your pet the help they require.

It’s best to ring ahead so the vet you choose can prepare for an emergency case. This will also help you to determine if they are open or not.

Give your pet first aid

Constantly reassure your pet that they are ok, talk to them or hold them if possible. If you can’t try to make their transit as calm as you can.

Giving your pet first aid treatment on the way to the vets is important, you may be the one that makes the vital difference as to whether they recover or not.

If the vets are closed

Always call your vet in any emergency situation. If your vet’s closed, you can still get out-of-hours help. All vet practices provide an out-of-hours service for emergency cases.

You may be directed to another vet surgery, but this will be within an hour’s drive of your usual vet.

Recognise an Emergency

If you are worried, always call your vet for advice.
Your pet definitely needs to see an vet as an emergency if they:

aren’t breathing or are having difficulty breathing
are unresponsive
may have broken bones
are having a fit/seizure
are having difficulty moving or coordinating movements
may have eaten something toxic
have collapsed and can’t get up
have been vomiting or passing diarrhoea for more than 24 hours.

What to do Next

Don’t panic

We know it’s scary but if your pet is injured, you’ll be more help to them if you can stay calm.

Call the vets

Explain what’s happened and let them know that you’re on your way and when you’ll arrive.

Be Aware

Animals can lash out when they’re in pain which can injure you and cause more complications for them.

No food or water

Don’t give your pet any food or water unless your vet has specifically told you to do so.

Traffic Incidents

Microchipping your pet gives them the best chance of being correctly identified and reunited with you if they were to become lost or stolen. Dogs, Cats and Rabbits can all be microchipped. Since April 2016 it has been a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped with the owner’s details up to date at all times.

Assess the situation Keep calm and don’t panic Get them to a vet

Assess the situation

What’s the danger to you and others?
Always make sure it’s safe to intervene.
If vehicles are damaged or people hurt call 999.
Direct the traffic around the accident if you can.
It may be hard but ALWAYS help people before animals.

Keep calm and don’t panic

Get someone to phone the nearest vet.
Approach the pet from the front so they can see you.
Avoid any sudden movements.
Speak gently, using the pet’s name if you know it.
Try to reassure the pet if you can.

Get them to a vet

Don’t move the pet if you think they might have damaged their spine – unless your vet tells you to.
If the pet can walk, gently coax them to a car and help them get in.
If they can’t walk then lift them with one hand under their hind legs and the other around their chest. If they’re too big to carry, use a blanket, coat, rug or firm board as a make-shift stretcher.
As you move them, make sure that their breathing isn’t obstructed.

Animals can suffer from Heatstoke too!

Pets can quickly overheat in hot weather. Avoid heatstroke by:

Never leaving your pet in a hot car. Remember it is a criminal offence to subject your pet to preventable distress.
Making sure they always have access to shelter and shade.
Ensure that your pet always has access to water.
Not walking dogs in the hottest part of the day – go before lunch or wait until it’s cooled down in the evening.
Be aware of the state of their coat. If it’s malting time help them out by grooming them regularly to remove old or matted fur.
Let them rest, hot days are tiring for your pet too!

If you think your pet has heatstroke, treat it as an emergency. You’ll need to gradually lower their body temperature so they can recover.

Move your pet into a shady, cool area.
Pour small amounts of room-temperature water over their body. Don’t use cold water as this could put your pet into shock.
If you can, wrap your pet in wet towels and put them in front of a fan.
Let them drink small amounts of cool water.
Keep pouring water over them until their breathing starts to settle. Don’t cool them down so much they start to shiver.
Once they’ve cooled them down, take them to the vet as an emergency. They’ll need to be checked over.

First Aid kit for Pets

Of course, it’s always best to seek professional veterinary treatment when your dog gets hurt. However, you may find yourself in a situation where you can’t get to a vet, or you may need to care for your dog until you can get them to the emergency room. In those moments, you’ll be glad you have a first-aid kit handy.

A good pet first aid kit will contain all the things you’ll need to give simple first aid for small injuries at home. Even if you can treat your pet with your first aid kit, you should take them to your vet for a check-up as soon as possible.