When is the right time to call the vet, by Will Trewarman

Sometimes, though, emergencies present without warning — that’s how my team and I ended up operating at 9pm in a massive life-threatening bleed.

Despite being the end of a long day at the end of a long week during what feels like a very long 2026, there were no complaints, only rapid action, fine work, boundaries tested and a life saved.

I couldn’t be prouder.

Emergencies are part of life in general practice — traffic collisions, stick injuries (please don’t let your dog play with sticks), ruptured discs, heatstroke and poisoning, bites and breaks.

So how do you know if your pet needs a vet fast?

Think about traffic lights: Red (Emergency) - Immediate care required.

Severe injury, difficulty breathing, unresponsiveness, uncontrolled bleeding, potential toxic ingestion, seizures or paralysis.

Amber (Urgent) - Needs assessment within 15 to 30 minutes as patients may worsen rapidly. Repeated vomiting, significant wounds, severe weakness, difficulty giving birth or abdominal pain.

Green (Non-urgent) - Can wait for assessment. Skin conditions, mild lameness, mild diarrhoea and minor injuries.

If faced with an emergency:

Stay calm. Your pet will pick up on your emotions — panic may worsen their condition.

Stay safe. Any pet may bite or scratch in pain or fear. Wrap them in a blanket or use a muzzle if safe to do so.

Call ahead. This helps us to get ready for your arrival.

ABC. Check your pet can breathe through a clear airway and has a heartbeat.

Further first aid information can be found here.

If you’d like to know more then speak to your vet about good information sources such as the PDSA.

Remember if you’re unsure then call us.

We’d much rather have a false alarm than a delay in a life-threatening situation.

Our columnist Will Trewarman MRCVS is a senior veterinary surgeon at Vale Vets which is based in Kidderminster and Stourport.