Knowing When to Call the Vet for Your Cat or Dog
Our beloved pets may occasionally fall ill or get injured, but knowing when to call the vet can be a challenge. This guide helps cat and dog owners recognise the warning signs demanding veterinary attention and when gentle home care is sufficient, promoting responsible pet ownership and peace of mind.
1. If Your Pet Has an Accident
Any incident such as being hit by a car—even a minor one—calls for immediate veterinary assessment. Though your pet may seem fine, internal injuries are possible and potentially life-threatening. Similarly, if your dog or cat falls from a height, hits their head, becomes unconscious, or struggles to breathe, seek veterinary help straight away.
For minor grazes or knocks where your pet remains active and pain-free, careful monitoring at home for changes in behaviour or worsening symptoms is appropriate. Yet, if symptoms worsen or you feel uneasy, don’t hesitate to contact the vet.
2. If Your Pet Consumes Something Poisonous
Pets often explore the world with their mouths, sometimes ingesting harmful substances. Foods like chocolate (containing theobromine), raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, chives, and the artificial sweetener xylitol are toxic to dogs and cats and can cause severe illness or death.
If you suspect your pet has consumed a poisonous item, even in small quantities, contact your vet immediately rather than waiting for symptoms to appear. Early intervention can save lives.
3. If Your Pet Has a Fit or Seizure
Witnessing your pet have a seizure is distressing. Stay calm, keep your pet safe from injury by removing hazardous objects nearby, and contact your vet promptly. If seizures occur continuously for more than five minutes, or your pet has multiple seizures within 24 hours, this is an emergency requiring urgent veterinary attention.
4. If Your Pet Shows Breathing Difficulties
Minor respiratory issues, like a mild cold, might resolve naturally. However, laboured breathing, rapid breathing, noisy breathing, or difficulty catching breath indicate serious problems. Pets struggling to breathe need immediate veterinary care to prevent life-threatening complications.
5. If Your Pet Has Swallowed Something Indigestible
Pets may swallow a variety of objects which can either pass naturally or become lodged causing obstruction. Small, smooth items sometimes pass without issue, but dental floss, string, bones, or large stones can be dangerous.
If you suspect ingestion of such items, call your vet for advice. Early veterinary assessment will determine if intervention is required before complications develop.
6. If Your Pet Has Sickness or Diarrhoea
Short bouts of vomiting or diarrhoea lasting less than 24 hours are often manageable at home with gentle care and hydration. However, prolonged sickness or diarrhoea, lethargy, severe abdominal pain, dehydration, or the presence of blood or very dark stools should prompt veterinary consultation as these can signal serious illness.
7. If Your Pet Is Limping
Check gently for obvious bruising, swelling, wounds, or sore paws and claws. Minor sprains or strains may resolve within a day or two, but persistent limping or pain warrants veterinary evaluation to avoid worsening injury or chronic disability.
8. If Your Pet Has Bad Breath
Bad breath developing over time usually indicates dental disease, a common condition that requires vet attention to prevent pain and infection. Sudden onset bad breath could also hint at systemic illnesses like kidney disease or diabetes and should not be ignored.
9. If Your Pet's Drinking Habits Change
Fluctuations in water intake due to temperature changes or diet shift can be normal. However, excessive thirst, refusal to drink for several hours, or persistently low intake require veterinary investigation, as these may signify dehydration, diabetes, or other metabolic disorders.
10. If Your Pet Is Off Their Food
Loss of appetite for a day could be a minor upset, but ongoing refusal to eat or reduced enthusiasm, without diet changes, needs veterinary advice to rule out underlying health problems.
11. Trust Your Instincts and Seek Advice
This guide doesn't cover every situation. If you notice unusual behaviour, sudden changes, or anything that concerns you about your pet’s health, don't hesitate to consult your vet or a veterinary nurse. Early advice and reassurance can prevent problems escalating.
12. Regular Vet Check-ups Are Key
Routine veterinary visits help catch health issues early before they become emergencies. Regular health checks and vaccinations maintain your dog or cat’s wellbeing and ensure a long, happy life together.
Summary Table of When to Call the Vet
| Symptom or Situation | Action Required |
|---|---|
| Hit by car, fall from height, head injury | Immediate veterinary care |
| Ingested toxic food or substance | Call vet straight away |
| Seizures lasting more than 5 minutes or multiple in 24 hours | Emergency veterinary treatment |
| Breathing difficulties | Urgent veterinary attention |
| Swallowed indigestible objects possibly dangerous | Vet advice promptly |
| Continuous vomiting or diarrhoea, blood present | Visit the vet |
| Persistent limping or pain | Seek veterinary evaluation |
| Sudden or severe bad breath | Consult your vet |
| Significant changes in drinking habits | Vet advice recommended |
| Extended loss of appetite | Contact your vet |
Responsibly caring for your pet means being vigilant and proactive. This guide aims to empower you with the knowledge to recognise important health warning signs.
Remember, when in doubt, always reach out to your veterinary professional for advice or reassurance. Your pet’s safety and happiness depend on your attentiveness and care.
