Watching your pet struggle to breathe can be terrifying for both you and your pet. If your pet is having difficulty breathing, it means there is something going on and it definitely can be classified as an emergency. Breathing problems can be caused by a wide range of things, such as heart failure, an allergic reaction, a blockage in their lung and a variety of other serious problems. In this situation, you should seek emergency pet services immediately.

If your pet has had seizures in the past or if they have just had their first seizure, you need to take them to an animal hospital for emergency veterinary services as quickly as you can. Seizures occur as a result of abnormal electrical activity in their brain. Seizures can sometimes be isolated, whereas other times they occur in groups, but either way, there are a number of things that may cause your pet to have seizures, so it’s critical that you seek medical attention for them as soon as possible.

There are many types of trauma that your pet can experience. If your pet has experienced any type of strike or blow, such as being hit by a car, that causes injury or damage to any part of their body, they should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Unsure of how to transport your pet to the animal hospital following trauma? Or do you have questions about what to do during transportation, such as covering a wound or bracing a broken bone? Please contact your veterinarian for recommendations while you are on route or just prior to going to the emergency room.

If you notice your pet acting differently or exhibiting strange behaviours, such as withdrawing from you or suddenly fatigued, it is important you take them for an examination as soon as possible. Many injuries and illnesses will not show symptoms right away. For example, if your pet has eaten something toxic, the safest thing to do is to take them in for an exam at the first sign of anything different in their behaviour.

Pets eat the weirdest things. Unfortunately, often these things may cause obstructions (blockages) in the intestinal tract. When this occurs, it is life-threatening and emergency care should be sought right away. Common symptoms include (but are not limited to): acute vomiting, straining to defecate, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

As an Australian pet owner, you can also contact the Animal Poisons Helpline for FREE on 1300 869 738.

Bladder stones, kidney stones, internal lesions and other obstacles in the urinary tract may cause dangerous urinary blockages, causing toxins to build up in the blood. Catheterization to remove the blockage, combined with fluids to dilute the toxins, can save your pet’s life.