At Brooklands Family Vets, we know emergencies can happen at any time, that’s why we’re committed to helping you recognise when urgent care is needed, and to supporting you to act quickly. Below is a guide inspired by Emergency Home Vet’s approach, to help you understand when it’s time to call us and what we’ll do when you do.
Some emergencies happen outside typical opening hours — nights, weekends or public holidays. An at-clinic appointment may simply be too late.
A timely response can make all the difference: many serious conditions worsen rapidly if not treated promptly.
For some pets, a calm home environment reduces stress, making treatment or stabilization easier.
Pets — especially curious or older ones — can run into trouble for many reasons. Some of the most frequent emergency situations include:
Trauma / injuries — falls, road accidents, fights, bites or fractures. Fractures in particular (from accidents or falls) are among the most common emergencies affecting dogs and cats.
Soft-tissue injuries & lacerations — sprains, strained muscles, cuts, scratches, deep wounds or bites can require urgent care.
Toxic ingestion / poisoning — many household items, foods or plants are poisonous to pets (e.g. certain foods, chemicals, human medications, etc.), requiring immediate treatment.
Breathing difficulties or choking — any sign of laboured breathing, choking, open-mouth breathing (especially in cats), or respiratory distress should prompt urgent veterinary attention.
Neurological emergencies — sudden collapse, seizures, loss of consciousness, paralysis, disorientation or dramatic changes in behaviour / co-ordination are serious signs that require immediate intervention.
Gastrointestinal emergencies — severe or repeated vomiting, diarrhoea (especially with blood), or inability to keep water down — also potentially life-threatening, especially if dehydration sets in.
Urinary blockage / inability to urinate — especially in male cats but possible in other pets too; straining, pain, or blood in urine can indicate a serious blockage needing urgent care.
Sudden illness or collapse — pets can hide pain or illness until it becomes severe; a sudden change — collapse, severe lethargy, unresponsiveness — is always a red flag.
If you notice any of the signs above — or simply “something’s not right” and you’re worried — call us immediately. It’s always better to err on the side of caution.
We’ll first speak with you to assess your pet’s condition: our trained staff can advise you whether immediate attention is needed. Sometimes, we can stabilise your pet at home before referring you to a hospital if required.
If it’s urgent and we offer home-visiting emergency care, we will come equipped with emergency medical supplies (fluids, injectables, medication, wound-care tools, etc.), to start treatment right away.
If your pet’s condition is beyond what can be handled safely at home (for example needing surgery or intensive monitoring), we’ll organise safe transport to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital and coordinate care.
Early treatment of poisoning, urinary blockages, breathing issues or internal injuries greatly increases chances of recovery.
Delays can lead to complications like severe pain, irreversible damage, or worse.
Even apparently minor trauma (e.g. a limp after a fall) can hide fractures, internal bleeding or other serious injury.
For pets that roam outside, chase small animals, or chew things — accidents, poisoning, bites or foreign body ingestion can happen at any time.
Pets with known health conditions or older pets may deteriorate quickly.
Even if symptoms seem mild — like slight limping, soft-tissue injury, or early vomiting — what seems minor could escalate.
Having a plan and quick access to emergency care means you’re prepared — which can make a life-or-death difference.
