Emergencies & First Aid · Kinship

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Emergencies & First Aid

Learn who to call for pet emergencies, how to know when a pet injury is an emergency, and other emergency care advice to help in a pinch.

a vet's hand hold a small black and tan dog on a bed in the vet office

Doggy admin may be tough, but it’s important

redhead holding a packet of pills with a dog on her lap

It’s what we humans turn to during hay fever season, but what about your beloved pup?

picture of a woman holding a cat while a man puts up a Christmas wreath

It’s the most wonderful time of the year... for you. Your cat feels otherwise

Cat in the snow

Winter brings hidden dangers for pets – find out how to keep them safe

A human hand dangles a treat over a cat's head as the cat looks up

Work with your cat and not against them

a picture of a Fila Brasileiro

It’s not just the XL Bully that the government has banned

a picture of a white poodle wearing a plastic recovery cone

If your pet is recovering from surgery and hates wearing a cone, don’t panic

A woman with tattoos hugging her white cat in a cluttered, art-filled room

Thanks to your neighbour’s treats, your kitty’s over-the-fence visits are starting to become uncomfortably regular...

Close-up of a Merle coated Greyhound dog laying in the lap of their pet parent on the bed

This dangerous disease has been spotted a number of times in the UK. Here’s how to recognise if your dog has symptoms

a fluffy dog lies on the grass surrounded by autumn leaves

Hours of fun for you, less so for your dog

A woman with cropped grey hair hugs a black dog. They are surrounded by rubble

From the dog that detected a deadly hair treatment to the search and rescue hero from the Turkish earthquake, meet the pups who gave humans a second chance at life

applying first aid to a burn on a dog

Learn essential steps to treat pet burns , from first aid to when to seek veterinary care

man holding dog lead and collar

It might not be something you ever want to think about, but planning ahead will be a help when the time comes

Person walking dog on lead

Ways to keep your dog safe that you’ve never thought of 



woman dresses a great dane's paw with an orange bandage

Get your kit sorted now so you’re ready in an emergency

woman pouring tea while cat comes close

Can you feed your cat nuts? Learn more about the benefits and risks of feeding your kitty human foods

cat lying on windowsill looking sad

With automatic feeders and self-cleaning litter trays, your cat could technically look after themselves... but should they?

Uncomfortable looking gray cat sitting on a window sill

Here are six good reasons to haul tail to A&E

Confused dog lying in a field a green

The charity has seen an influx of marijuana poisoning cases in recent years



A cat sitting in a tall grassy area.

Two vets’ pro tips for preventing your cat from picking up ticks (and how to remove them if it’s too late for that)

a woman with curly hair smiles down at her daschund

We got our paws on a calculator and did the research so you don’t have to

a woman hugging her cat with blonde hair

Not sure if you can afford to bankroll a new cat for the rest of its life? Check out our comprehensive guide for all the costs involved

Blinking white and tan cat looks at the camera

Two veterinarians explain how to properly administer cat eye medication

A small white and brown dog stands in a veterinary clinic with a red bandage on his front leg.

Poorly pets often need blood transfusions – here’s how you and your pet can help

Woman with her dog relaxing in living room.

Look out for these warnings signs so you know when to call the vet

woman with black curly hair sleeping in bed with her long hair daschund

Is there anything better than snuggling up to your pup all night? Here’s how to do it safely

Young modern woman with tattoos and orange hair sitting cross-legged on her bed with her cat

Cats can be hard to read. Especially when they’re sick. Or… not sick? We asked a veterinarian how to tell

Labrador sitting in the grass coughing

Whether it’s socks, stones or an affair partner’s underpants (true story), a vet weighs in on how what to do when your dog swallows something that wasn’t on the menu

Man with glasses on the phone with dog on his lap

So Fido has been in your chocolate stash... here’s what to do

Cat eating out of metal bowl

Sharing isn’t always caring. Keep your cat safe by keeping these human snack staples to yourself

Siamese cat coughing

You thought it was a hairball, but nothing’s coming up

corgi puppy hiding under table afraid

The emotional road to recovery can be a long one. Here’s what you can do

vet smiling at dog

As a vet working in emergency practice, I often see cases where these bills could be reduced or avoided altogether

vet smiling at dog

As a vet working in emergency practice, I often see cases where these bills could be reduced or avoided altogether

black and white dog looking ill laying on couch

Trust me, I’m a vet

Close up photo of Corgi dog staring up at a flying bee

From how to get the stinger out at home to when it’s time to go to the vet

shy dog frightened in the arms of the owner. this brown mixed-breed hound puppy has a sweet gaze. the female owner has a wool sweater

A vet explains why the weather isn’t always to blame

kitten lying on the floor breathing through his mouth

“Cats don’t pant to cool off like dogs do.” Unless your pet is catching their breath after doing the zoomies, Dr Gary Weitzman says panting could be cause for concern

A dog sneezing near a blossoming tree.

And what can I (or should I) do when my dog keeps sneezing?

A dog laying on the floor

The goo in that green-and-orange bottle can cause serious harm – get your dog to the vet ASAP

bandaging dog's bleeding paw

Don’t freak out. Emergency room veterinarian Dr Shea Cox will walk you through what to do

grey and white cat with tongue sticking out

Here’s when you should worry if your cat is throwing up

Red-haired woman holding sleeping dog in her lap on the bed

And how to help them feel better fast

White-and-brown cat sitting on a side table by a lamp with their mouth open, gagging

It’s not always an emergency – but it could be

An orange cat holding its paw up

When it’s no big deal and when you should worry

Ginger adult cat sits in flowering summer garden on pavement.

It’s not always as simple as scraping out the stinger. Find out everything you need to know

Wooden table of autumn fruits and grapes, with a woman and a cute dog seated at it.

The answer is no, no, no and here’s why

Dalmatian and Great Dane mixed dog at the vet being checked on by a nurse in bright green scrubs

Consider it the mother of all dog emergencies – if your dog has it, take them to the vet ASAP. Learn how to spot the condition and how it’s treated

Woman taking temperature of her brown dog.

Spoiler: there are more ways than the one you’d rather avoid

A dog with its eyes closed and mouth open sitting on a hardwood floor.

Learn about the causes and what to do for a choking dog

Veterinarian examining a dog

Certain symptoms could mean your dog is battling a potentially fatal condition called haemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE). Here’s everything you need to know

A woman in a bright yellow-orange sweater holding a striped kitten in one hand and a credit card in the other while using her laptop in front of her

When the bills rack up, these resources have your back.

uh-oh kit for dogs

Just in case.

Black cat with white spots on its fur laying on a light blue blanket while wearing a con around its head

Lay the groundwork for quick, low-stress treatment.

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