Emergencies
What to do if your pet is hurt or suddenly unwell, day or night.
If your pet is unwell out of hours
Call before you set off. Our out-of-hours vets answer every night, Sundays and holidays, and tell you whether to come in and where (sample).
Call straight away if your pet
- Has trouble breathing, or its gums look pale or blue
- Collapses, or has a fit that lasts more than a few minutes
- Has eaten something poisonous: chocolate, grapes, rat bait, lilies for cats
- Strains and cannot pass urine
- Has a swollen, hard belly and tries to be sick
- Has been hit by a car, even if it seems fine
This list is not complete. If you are worried, call.
On the way to the vet
After the call, a few things help the vet see your pet quickly.
1
Call first
The vet may give advice on the phone or tell you which door to use.
2
Keep warm and still
Use a blanket or towel as a stretcher for a dog that cannot walk.
3
Bring the packet
If your pet ate something, bring the wrapper or a photo of it.
4
Two people
One drives, one keeps the pet calm, if you can.
Book a visit at Larkfield Vets
Appointments every weekday and on Saturday mornings (sample). Call reception or send a request; we reply the same working day.