What to Do If Your Pet Gets Sick in Horsham: Emergency Steps Every Owner Should Know
When your pet seems unwell, it is natural to feel worried and unsure what to do next. Whether you are in Horsham, Southwater, Ockley, Crawley, Cranleigh, East Grinstead or Worthing, knowing a few simple emergency steps can help you stay calm and get your pet the right care quickly.
At Arthur Lodge Vets, we know that pets can become poorly without much warning. Dogs, cats and small pets often hide signs of illness, so early action can make a real difference. This guide explains what to look out for, what you can do at home in the first few moments, and when to contact a vet urgently.
This article is intended for general guidance only. If your pet is unwell or showing concerning symptoms, please contact your vet for professional advice.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
If your pet gets sick, your first step is to stay as calm as possible. Pets can pick up on our stress, and a calm approach helps you think clearly.
Take a moment to look for the most important signs:
- Are they breathing normally?
- Are they responsive and aware of their surroundings?
- Can they stand or move normally?
- Are they bleeding, shaking, or showing signs of pain?
- Have they been vomiting, having diarrhoea, or collapsed?
If your pet is unconscious, struggling to breathe, having a seizure, collapses, or has suffered a serious injury, this should be treated as an emergency. Please contact our Emergency service straight away.
Signs Your Pet Needs Urgent Veterinary Attention
Some symptoms should never be ignored. Contact a vet urgently if your pet shows any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
- Collapse, weakness, or inability to stand
- Repeated vomiting or severe diarrhoea
- Seizures or uncontrolled shaking
- Swollen abdomen or signs of severe pain
- Bleeding that does not stop
- Suspected poisoning
- Trouble passing urine, especially in cats
- Sudden paralysis or severe limping
- Extreme lethargy or unresponsiveness
In many cases, pets become more unwell quickly, so it is always better to seek advice sooner rather than later. If you are unsure, please contact us for guidance.
Immediate First Steps at Home
Keep Your Pet Safe and Quiet
Move your pet to a calm, quiet space away from noise, other animals and household activity. If they are frightened or in pain, they may react differently than usual, so handle them gently.
For small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs or hamsters, keep them warm and minimise stress as much as possible. If they stop eating or seem unusually quiet, this can be serious and should be checked promptly.
Do Not Give Human Medicines
One of the most important things to remember is not to give your pet human medication unless a vet has specifically told you to do so. Many common medicines, including paracetamol and ibuprofen, can be very dangerous for pets.
Remove Access to Food if They Are Vomiting
If your dog or cat has vomited, it may help to remove food briefly while you speak to a vet. Always make sure fresh water is available unless you have been advised otherwise. Do not force food or water if your pet seems distressed.
Check for Possible Toxins or Injuries
If you think your pet may have eaten something harmful, try to identify what it was and how much they may have had. Keep the packaging if possible. This is especially helpful in cases involving chocolate, grapes, xylitol, medication, toxic plants or household chemicals.
If there is a wound, keep your pet still and apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth if there is bleeding. Avoid trying home treatments that may delay proper care.
When Vomiting or Diarrhoea Becomes an Emergency
An upset stomach is common in pets, but sometimes it can signal something more serious. You should call a vet urgently if your pet has:
- Vomited several times in a short period
- Blood in vomit or diarrhoea
- Diarrhoea with weakness or dehydration
- A swollen tummy
- Vomiting alongside collapse, pain or shaking
Young puppies and kittens, older pets, and small pets can become dehydrated more quickly, so prompt advice is especially important for them.
Breathing Problems: Act Quickly
If your pet is breathing heavily, breathing with their mouth open when they normally would not, or seems distressed while breathing, this needs urgent attention.
Try to keep them calm and avoid unnecessary movement. Do not wrap them tightly or crowd them. Contact our 24-hour emergency vet care team as soon as possible.
What to Do If You Suspect Poisoning
Poisoning can happen very quickly and is not always obvious at first. Common household dangers include:
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions and garlic
- Human medicines
- Cleaning products
- Slug pellets
- Certain flowers and plants, including lilies for cats
If you suspect poisoning, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Contact a vet immediately. If possible, note:
- What your pet may have eaten or touched
- How much
- When it happened
- Any symptoms you have noticed
This information helps us assess the situation more quickly.
Travel Safely to the Vet
If you need to bring your pet in urgently, transport them as safely as possible.
- Use a secure cat carrier for cats
- Keep dogs on a lead and support them if they are weak
- Use a towel or blanket to gently wrap small pets for warmth and security
- Keep the car quiet and well ventilated
If your pet is in pain, frightened or unable to move normally, avoid unnecessary handling. Call ahead so the team can prepare for your arrival.
When It Is Better to Book a Prompt Appointment
Not every illness is an emergency, but many signs still need a veterinary check as soon as possible. Arrange an appointment if your pet has:
- Reduced appetite for more than a day
- Mild vomiting or diarrhoea that continues
- Changes in drinking or urination
- Persistent scratching, licking or skin problems
- Coughing, sneezing or eye discharge
- A new lump or swelling
- Behaviour changes, such as hiding or irritability
If your pet is showing early signs of illness, a timely examination can often prevent things from becoming more serious. You can arrange a visit through our online booking page.
Preventing Future Emergencies
While not every illness can be avoided, preventative care can reduce the risk of unexpected problems. Regular check-ups help us spot issues early, often before they become more serious or more costly to treat.
Our health checks and clinics support pet owners with routine monitoring, and our preventative healthcare services can help keep vaccinations, parasite control and general wellbeing on track.
For ongoing value and routine care support, many owners also find our VIP Health Plan helpful.
Local Veterinary Support for Pet Owners in Horsham and Nearby Areas
As a trusted local veterinary practice, we are proud to support pets and owners across Horsham, Southwater, Ockley, Crawley, Cranleigh, East Grinstead and Worthing. Whether your pet needs urgent help, a routine check, or ongoing support, our team is here to offer practical, compassionate care.
If you are new to us, you can register your pet online. You can also learn more about Arthur Lodge Vets and the services we provide for dogs, cats and small pets.
Final Thoughts
It can be upsetting when your pet is sick, but knowing what to do in those first few moments can help you respond confidently. Stay calm, look for urgent warning signs, avoid home remedies unless advised by a vet, and seek professional help when needed.
If your pet is showing worrying symptoms or you are not sure what to do next, please contact Arthur Lodge Vets. For urgent concerns, visit our Emergency page straight away. We are here to help you and your pet when you need us most.
Arthur Lodge Vets – trusted veterinary care for pets in Horsham and the surrounding areas.
