If you're reading this because your pet is in trouble right now, call us straight away on +971 4 314 2438. Don't wait to see if things improve. Come back to the rest of this page later, if at all.
For everyone else: it helps to know what to do before you're in that moment, because panic makes it hard to think straight. Emergencies don't wait for convenient timing, and they rarely look the way you'd expect.
Why Acting Fast Actually Matters
Some conditions get worse by the hour, not the day. Breathing difficulties, poisoning, severe trauma, a blocked bladder, seizures, internal bleeding, these can all escalate quickly, and something that looks manageable in the morning can be critical by the afternoon.
The earlier we can stabilise your pet, the better their chances tend to be. That's not us being dramatic. It's just how these conditions behave.
If you're ever unsure whether what you're seeing counts as an emergency, call us. We'd genuinely rather talk you through it and find out it's nothing than have you wait at home wondering.
What Happens When You Bring Your Pet In
Your pet is assessed the moment you arrive, and treated according to how urgent their condition actually is, not in the order people walked through the door. If your pet's critically unwell, we'll start stabilising them straight away, sometimes before there's time for a full conversation with you first. We know how frightening that can feel, and we'll talk you through what's happening as soon as we're able to.
Depending on what your pet needs, that might mean:
Getting them stable
Oxygen, IV fluids, pain relief and emergency medication, whatever's needed to get your pet out of immediate danger.
Finding out what's actually wrong
Blood testing and diagnostics, done on site, so we're not waiting on results from elsewhere while your pet needs answers now.
Surgery, if it's needed
Some emergencies can only be resolved in theatre. If that's the case, we'll talk you through it as quickly as the situation allows.
Watching them closely
Pets who need ongoing observation stay with us, monitored continuously until they're through the worst of it.
Signs You Shouldn't Wait On
If you're asking yourself whether this counts as serious enough to call, it probably is. Trust that instinct.
Things that always warrant an immediate call:
Difficulty breathing, or laboured breathing
Collapse, or suddenly unable to stand
Suspected poisoning or eating something toxic
Seizures
Severe trauma, from an accident or an attack
Bleeding that won't stop
Repeated vomiting or retching without bringing anything up
Straining to urinate, or no urine at all
Pale, white or blue-tinged gums
Sudden, severe pain
Loss of consciousness
Extreme weakness or distress
If you're not sure, call anyway. Nobody minds the call that turns out to be nothing.
Why Owners Trust Us In An Emergency?
When something's gone badly wrong, you need people who know what they're doing and won't leave you guessing.
You'll find experienced vets and registered nurses working together here, with diagnostics, imaging, surgery, lab testing and hospitalisation all on site, so your pet can often go from arrival to treatment without being sent elsewhere. What that means in practice is fewer delays at exactly the moment delays matter most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep them as still as possible, even if they seem alright, internal injuries aren't always obvious straight away. Call us immediately and let us know you're on your way so we can be ready.
Call us straight away and tell us what they ate, how much, and when, if you know. Don't try to make your pet vomit unless we specifically tell you to. Some substances cause more damage coming back up.
Yes, treat it as an emergency. In larger breeds especially, that can be a sign of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), which is life-threatening and needs immediate attention.
Possibly, yes. Male cats in particular are prone to urinary blockages, which can become life-threatening fast. If your cat's straining repeatedly and not producing urine, call us immediately.
Watch for reluctance to move, odd posture, changed breathing, going off food, vocalising, snapping when touched, or just withdrawing from things they'd normally enjoy. If something feels off, it's always worth getting checked.
Contact Us In An Emergency
If your pet needs urgent veterinary attention, call British Veterinary Hospital immediately on +971 4 314 2438.