How to get emergency pet care over Christmas

While the Christmas holidays are a great opportunity to enjoy quality time with your pet, unusual foods, visitors and decorations can also increase the chances of an accident.

If your cat, dog or rabbit needs emergency pet care over Christmas, it can be stressful. But knowing what to do in advance – and how to recognise when it’s an emergency – can help you feel more prepared. Small animal vet Catherine Henstridge, also known as Cat the Vet, offers her advice on what to do in a crisis.

If your pet has an accident, it’s natural to worry – but Cat recommends trying to stay calm and assess whether you’re dealing with an emergency. ‘The most important thing to do in a pet emergency is not panic,’ advises Cat. ‘This isn't always easy if your pet is really struggling, but staying calm and calling your vet immediately is key. They will be able to provide first aid advice over the phone and help you make your pet as comfortable as possible while you get to them.’

Situations that require immediate emergency pet care from a vet include:

● Burns
● Broken bones
● Allergic reactions
● Choking or difficulty breathing
● Road traffic accidents
● Collapsing, tremors or seizures
● Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
● Sudden paralysis or inability to move
● Struggling to urinate (especially in cats)
● Refusal to eat or drink (especially in rabbits)
● Deep wounds or severe bleeding that won’t stop
● Swollen abdomen or signs of bloat (especially for large dogs with deep chests)
● Eating toxic items including chocolate, raisins, antifreeze or any foods containing xylitol

You know your pet best, so if you notice any worrying signs – even if they’re not listed above – it’s always worth speaking to your vet.

If you require emergency pet care, ring your vet immediately and follow their advice. Depending on the situation, they may encourage you to keep your pet where they are and travel to you.

If your regular practice is closed – such as on Christmas Day – they'll provide an out-of-hours recorded message telling you where to find alternative emergency pet care. Similarly, if you’re away from home, you’ll also need to locate your nearest emergency clinic.

It's important to know some basic emergency first aid for dogs and cats for situations such as this, so you can administer potentially lifesaving treatment if your pet is bleeding, choking, has a broken bone, or has collapsed.

While most vet practices will have reduced opening hours over Christmas, you’ll always have access to out-of-hours support for a pet emergency.

‘Don’t be afraid to contact your vet if you are at all concerned over the festive period,’ advises Cat. ‘Even if they’re closed, there will be an emergency clinic on call that will be very happy to offer advice, even if you don’t need to be seen or aren’t sure if there's a problem. We'd much rather speak to you, help you and put your mind at rest – we never mind being disturbed!’

Ahead of the holidays, check when your vet clinic is closed. Save any alternative contact details – including the number for out-of-hours support or the location of an emergency practice – so you have these on hand if needed.

Not every accident is an emergency. Any of the issues below can usually wait until normal opening hours:

● Mild limping
● Coughs and sneezes
● Small cuts and scrapes
● New lumps and bumps
● Fleas, ticks or other parasites
● One-off incidences of vomiting or diarrhoea
● Signs of skin irritation, such as itching, heat or redness
● Cats and dogs not eating for fewer than 24 hours (but always take your rabbit to the vet if they’re not eating)

In some of these cases – such as with small cuts and scrapes – you might need to treat your pet at home. Be prepared by having a first aid kit and knowing how to treat common injuries for your cat and dog.

If you notice any problems that wouldn’t be classed as an emergency, call your vet during their normal opening hours. Remember that over the holidays, these might be different to their usual hours. If you’re a Petplan customer you can also log in to your My Petplan account for 24/7 access to Pet Expert Chat our free vet, behaviour and nutrition video chat service.

To keep your pets safe at Christmas, Cat advises: ‘Keep everything edible out of your pets' reach – mince pies on the side or left out for Santa are commonly snaffled by dogs!

‘Don’t let your pet have access to any decorations unless you’re with them. Baubles, tinsel and fairy lights are all very tempting to our pets, and if our backs are turned, they can easily get themselves into trouble by trying to play with them.

'Finally, don’t share too much of your Christmas dinner with your pets. It’s nice to include them in the festivities, but make sure anything you offer is nice and plain, so no gravy or anything fatty. Their tummies often find this too much and it can easily cause an upset.’

It also helps to keep the following in mind:

● Stick to your pet’s regular food and exercise routine to avoid stress and upset stomachs
● Secure your Christmas tree and tidy away loose cables from lights or other decorations
● Never leave pets unattended around open fires or candles
● Avoid bringing toxic plants, such as holly and mistletoe, into the home
● Ensure you have enough medication or prescription food to last through the holidays (if applicable)
● Keep a first aid kit to hand and ensure your pet first aid skills are up to scratch

By following these tips and understanding how to access emergency pet care, you can keep your pet safe during the holidays and minimise the chances of injury.