SOS

Emergency with your pet?

Don't wait for an appointment. Call an open clinic now and set off. While you're on the way, see below what to do.

Open now

We can't find an open clinic on the platform right now. See all 24-hour vets

All 24-hour vets →

Until you get there

Ate something toxic

Don’t make it vomit unless a vet tells you to: with some substances it causes more harm.
Bring the packaging or a sample of what it ate (medicine, bait, plant, chocolate).
Call the clinic on the way so they are ready for you.

Move it to shade or a cool place right away.
Wet it with cool, not ice-cold, water (belly, neck, paws) and fan it.
Let it drink a little water if it can, and go to a vet even if it seems to recover.

Bleeding

Press firmly with clean gauze or cloth for several minutes, without lifting it to check.
If it soaks through, add more on top; don’t remove the first layer.
Go to a vet straight away, keeping the pressure on.

Hit by a car or a fall

Mind your own safety first: an animal in pain may bite.
Move it on a board, blanket or box, keeping its back as straight as possible.
Even if it walks, it needs a check-up: internal injuries show up later.

Seizures

Don’t put your hand in its mouth.
Move objects away from it and dim lights and noise.
Time the seizure. Over 5 minutes, or a second seizure: it’s an emergency.

Swollen belly

It retches without bringing anything up and its belly swells: possible stomach twist.
Don’t give it food or water.
Don’t wait until morning: go to a 24-hour clinic now.

Keep it calm and cool; don’t force it to lie down.
If you see something in its mouth and it comes out easily, remove it carefully. Don’t pull anything lodged deep.
A cat breathing with its mouth open, or blue gums: it’s an emergency.

Found an injured stray?

Most 24-hour clinics also take strays. If the animal is on a busy road and people are at risk, call 112. For follow-up care, find a vet with stray slots.

Stray slots

This advice is general and does not replace a vet. If in doubt, call.