No pet owner wants to imagine their beloved companion in an emergency, but knowing what to do and where to go in a crisis can be life-saving. Pet emergencies can happen at any time, day or night. In Singapore, several veterinary clinics offer urgent and 24-hour care. This guide will help you recognise common pet emergencies, understand the initial steps to take, and provide information on where to find emergency veterinary services in Singapore, connecting you with vital resources through Mygnon.

Recognising a Pet Emergency

Time is critical in pet emergencies. Knowing the signs that warrant immediate veterinary attention can make a significant difference. Seek urgent care if your pet exhibits any of the following:

Signs Requiring Immediate Veterinary Care

• Difficulty Breathing: Labored breathing, gasping, choking, or persistent coughing.
• Severe Vomiting or Diarrhoea: Especially if persistent, contains blood, or is accompanied by lethargy.
• Collapse or Loss of Consciousness: Sudden weakness, inability to stand, or unresponsiveness.
• Seizures: Uncontrolled shaking, muscle spasms, or loss of awareness.
• Severe Bleeding: From a wound, nose, mouth, or other orifice.
• Trauma: After being hit by a car, falling from a height, or sustaining a deep wound.
• Ingestion of Toxins: Suspected consumption of poisonous plants, chemicals, medications, or human foods.
• Extreme Pain: Whimpering, yelping, reluctance to move, or aggression when touched.
• Bloated Abdomen: A swollen or distended belly, especially if hard to the touch (can indicate bloat, a life-threatening condition in dogs).
• Urinary Issues: Straining to urinate, inability to urinate, or blood in urine (especially critical for male cats).
• Eye Injuries: Sudden redness, swelling, discharge, or squinting.
• Heatstroke: Excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, red gums, or collapse in hot weather.

First Steps in a Pet Emergency

• Stay Calm: While difficult, panicking will hinder your ability to help your pet.
• Assess the Situation: Safely assess your pet's condition. If there's active bleeding, apply gentle pressure. If your pet is choking, attempt to clear their airway only if it's safe to do so.
• Contact an Emergency Vet Immediately: Call ahead to inform them you are coming and describe your pet's symptoms so they can prepare.
• Safe Transport: Transport your pet carefully. Use a sturdy carrier for small animals, or a blanket/stretcher for larger, injured pets to minimise movement and further injury.
• Gather Information: If possible, note what happened, when symptoms started, current medications, and medical history. If a toxin was ingested, bring the packaging or a sample.

Emergency Veterinary Clinics in Singapore

Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Always call ahead for current availability and exact location. This list is not exhaustive and availability can change.

• Landon Veterinary Specialists: Known for specialist care and often provides 24-hour emergency services. (Always call their emergency line.)
• Paws N' Claws Veterinary Surgery: Offers extended operating hours and handles a range of emergency cases. (Check specific branch hours.)
• Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital (VES Hospital): Often equipped for critical care and emergencies.
• Mount Pleasant Veterinary Group (Selected Branches): Some branches may have extended or emergency hours.

How Mygnon Helps You Prepare

While Mygnon doesn't handle emergencies directly, our platform can be a valuable tool for preparedness:

• Locate Nearby Vets: Find regular veterinary clinics in your area for non-emergencies and routine check-ups.
• Save Important Contacts: Keep a list of emergency vet numbers saved on your phone and accessible through Mygnon’s provider profiles.
• Access Pet Records (Coming Soon): Future features may allow quick access to your pet’s medical history during emergencies.

Conclusion

Being prepared for a pet emergency can save your pet's life. Familiarise yourself with the signs of a crisis and know the emergency veterinary clinics in Singapore. While we hope you never need them, these resources provide crucial peace of mind for all pet owners.

Explore Mygnon.com to find trusted vets for your pet's regular care and keep essential emergency contacts handy!