Pet emergency – what to do right now

Signs that mean go to a vet straight away

• Collapse, unconsciousness or a seizure that lasts more than a couple of minutes
• Struggling to breathe, blue or very pale gums, constant choking or gagging
• Heavy bleeding that doesn't slow with gentle pressure
• A swollen, tight tummy with unproductive retching (possible bloat)
• Straining to pass urine, especially in a male cat
• Suspected poisoning, even if your pet looks completely normal
• Road traffic accident, a fall from a height, or a dog attack
• Giving birth with strong contractions for more than 30 minutes and no puppy or kitten
• Heatstroke: panting hard, wobbly, bright red gums after exercise or time in a warm car

How to find an out-of-hours vet in the UK

1. Ring your own practice first. Their answerphone will give the out-of-hours provider they use, even at 3am.
2. If you can't reach them, search for "emergency vet near me" and phone before travelling – some clinics are appointment-only overnight.
3. If cost is a worry, ask about payment plans when you call, and contact the PDSA, RSPCA or Blue Cross to check if you qualify for help. Never delay care while you decide.

While you travel

• Keep your pet quiet, warm and still. Carry cats and small dogs in a secure carrier.
• Take any packet, wrapper, plant or medicine involved, even a chewed piece of it.
• Note the time things happened and your pet's weight if you know it.
• Never give human medicine, and never try to make your pet vomit – both can make things far worse.

Poisoning

If your pet has eaten something they shouldn't, our toxicity checker works out the dose and tells you what to say when you call. It never replaces that call.