Emergency Veterinary Care 

Tips On Handling Pet Emergencies 

As with humans, injuries and illnesses can happen at any time with our animal companions. When your pet is in distress, every second counts. At Highbury North Pet Hospital in London, Ontario, we know that emergencies can be frightening, but being prepared and knowing what to do can save your pet’s life.

In this blog from a North London, ON vet, we’ll explore how to recognize a pet emergency, what steps to take in the moment, and how emergency veterinary care differs from regular appointments. Knowing the signs and acting quickly could mean the difference between recovery and tragedy.

What Is Considered a Pet Emergency?

Not every issue warrants a midnight trip to the vet, but some situations absolutely do. Pet emergencies often present with severe, sudden, or life-threatening symptoms that require immediate care.

Some examples include:

• Difficulty breathing or choking
  
• Seizures or sudden collapse
  
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop
  
• Severe trauma (e.g., getting hit by a car)
  
• Inability to urinate (especially in male cats)
  
• Signs of poisoning (e.g., vomiting after ingestion of chocolate, medication, or toxic plants)
  
• Swollen abdomen and restlessness (possible bloat)
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Refusing to eat and/or drink
• Heatstroke symptoms, like excessive panting or unconsciousness

If you spot any of these pet emergency signs, don’t wait. Call a veterinary clinic or emergency hospital right away. It’s a good idea to add local after-hours vet services to your phone contacts, so you know where to go if an emergency arises and your normal veterinary clinic is closed.

What Should You Do If Your Pet Has an Emergency?

Stay calm. Your pet can sense your stress, and panic may make the situation worse. The first step is to call your regular vet or the nearest emergency clinic. Describe the symptoms clearly and follow their instructions.

If it’s safe to do so, transport your pet in a secure carrier or wrapped in a towel to prevent movement. For bleeding wounds, apply light pressure with a clean cloth. If your pet is having trouble breathing or is unconscious, try to keep them cool and ensure their airway is clear.

Knowing the location of the nearest after-hours or 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic in advance can save precious time. Keep that contact information readily accessible at home.

How Is Emergency Care Different from Routine Veterinary Visits?

Emergency veterinary care is focused on stabilising the patient, diagnosing the urgent issue, and preventing life-threatening complications. These appointments are unplanned and often involve rapid diagnostics, critical care monitoring, and sometimes surgery.

You may be asked to sign off on procedures quickly. Emergency clinics prioritise based on severity, so if other patients arrive in more critical condition, they may be seen first—even if you arrived earlier. 

What Happens After Emergency Treatment?

Conditions that necessitate seeking urgent care for pets may entail anything from an upset stomach to life-threatening injuries or illness. If you’ve brought your pet to after-hours vet services, they may also communicate with your regular vet. This could include continued medication, additional diagnostics, or rechecks to monitor healing. Your pet may also need more frequent exams.

At Highbury North Pet Hospital, we work closely with emergency hospitals in London to ensure seamless post-emergency care. If your pet was treated elsewhere, we’ll review the case and develop a follow-up plan to support their recovery.

How Can You Prepare for Pet Emergencies?

Having a plan can reduce panic and confusion during a pet emergency. Here are a few proactive tips:

• Keep your pet’s medical history easily accessible
  
• Create a pet first-aid kit with bandages, tweezers, saline solution, and gloves
  
• Learn how to recognise signs of distress and monitor your pet for changes
  

You can find a more detailed emergency preparedness guide here.

Are Some Pets at Higher Risk for Emergencies?

Anyone may find their furry pal in need of urgent care for pets at any time. However, some pets are at increased risk. Certain breeds and life stages come with increased risk. Brachycephalic dogs (like Bulldogs or Pugs) are more prone to breathing emergencies. Large-breed dogs are at higher risk for bloat, while male cats often experience urinary blockages.

Senior pets and those with chronic illnesses are more susceptible to sudden health changes. There are also pets that are, well, a bit accident prone. Know your pet’s individual risk factors and discuss them during wellness exams. Read more on recognising emergency pet health issues here. 

Stay Calm and Call the Experts

When faced with a pet emergency, staying calm and calling for professional help is the most important thing you can do. Visit our Service Page to learn more about the services we offer and the type of pets we see.

Contact Our North London, ON Pet Clinic

At Highbury North Pet Hospital, we’re here to guide you—whether it’s a routine check-up or an urgent crisis. Keep our contact information handy and call us if you ever suspect something is wrong.

This blog is meant to be informational only. Always consult with your veterinarian for the right medical advice or treatment plan to fit your pet’s needs.