Pet health guide

What a problem is, how to recognise it, what to do now and when to call a vet. Every text is checked by a veterinarian before it is published.

Is any of this happening right now?

Struggling to breathe, breathing with the mouth open (cats, rabbits, small pets), or gums that are blue, grey or very pale
Collapsed, cannot stand, or very hard to wake
A seizure (fit) lasting more than 5 minutes, or several in a row
Belly swollen and tight, trying to vomit but nothing comes up
Straining to pee with little or nothing coming out
Bleeding that does not stop after 5 minutes of firm pressure
Hit by a car, a fall from a height, or a bite or deep wound
Ate, licked or touched something that may be poisonous
Overheated: heavy panting, drooling, wobbling or vomiting after heat or exercise
Giving birth and straining for 30 minutes without a baby, or very unwell after giving birth
A rabbit or guinea pig that has not eaten or passed droppings for 12 hours, or a bird sitting fluffed up on the cage floor

If you are not sure, treat it as an emergency: call a vet now.

The health guide is being prepared. Health texts are published only after a veterinarian has checked them, so there is nothing to show yet.

Meanwhile you can find a vet, check whether a food is toxic, or read the breed and species guides.