Pet Emergencies
Emergencies do occur and happen unexpectedly. It’s important to always be prepared!
At Forrestdale Veterinary Hospital, we help your pet feel at ease in our family-owned emergency clinic using a caring, gentle approach. Our dedicated staff are passionate and avid animal lovers. We’re committed to treating your pet and consulting with you through a range of emergencies.
If you need emergency services for your pet, call us before you visit so our team is prepared to attend to your pet.
Emergency Vet Clinic Ready to Take Care of Your Pet
A pet emergency calls for calm hands, quick thinking, and a skilled team. Our purpose-built facility means we are ready before you arrive. Two fully equipped surgical theatres, digital X-ray, and in-house blood testing on site. No waiting for referrals or sending samples off. We assess, diagnose, and act.
Our team of passionate animal lovers understands the weight of these moments. From the second you walk through the door, your pet is met with the same gentle, considered care we bring to every appointment. Despite the urgency, our approach remains the same.
After Hours Emergency Vet Hospitals
Outside of staffed hours, on all Sundays and public holidays, we refer our emergencies to WAVES or Murdoch University. These dedicated Animal Emergency Centres are known for their exceptional after-hours service and friendly, specialist staff.
Here’s what happens after your pet has been seen by one of these trusted centres:
- Staff inform us about treatment details. They may direct you back to us for a follow-up.
- If your pet is very unwell, they may recommend referral for a specialist assessment. We recommend calling our team for assistance.
In case of an emergency outside of our normal consulting hours please contact either:
Emergency Vet Services When Your Pet Needs It
When your pet isn’t right, every minute feels long. Our caring team is here Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings, ready to act the moment you walk through the door. Call ahead, and we’ll be ready before you arrive.
In case of an emergency outside of our normal consulting hours please contact either:
WAVES – Western Australian Veterinary Emergency & Speciality
Phone: 9412 5700
Unit 1/640 Beelier Drive, Success WA 6164
Weekdays 6.00pm to 8.00am, Weekends and Public Holidays 24 Hours
MPEC (Murdoch Pet Emergency Centre) – Murdoch University Veterinary School
Phone: 1300 652 495
90 South St, Murdoch WA 6150
Open 24/7 for emergencies.
Pet Emergency Frequently Asked Questions
When your pet may need emergency vet services. Learn more by browsing our frequently asked questions below.
What Counts as a Pet Emergency?
A pet emergency is any situation where delay could cause permanent harm or death. Difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, suspected poisoning, and the inability to urinate all require immediate attention. When in doubt, call us and we can help you assess whether your pet needs to be seen straight away.
What Happens When I Bring My Pet in During Consulting Hours?
Our team will assess your pet’s condition as soon as you arrive, checking vital signs and determining the level of urgency. From there, we may run diagnostics such as blood tests, digital X-rays, to understand what’s happening internally. Treatment begins once we have a clear picture, and we’ll keep you informed throughout.
Should I Try to Treat My Pet at Home First?
In most cases, no. Giving your pet medications at home, including human medications, can complicate assessment and treatment when they arrive at the clinic. Keep your pet as calm and comfortable as possible, avoid unnecessary movement if trauma is involved, and get them to us or an emergency centre as quickly as you can.
What Do I Do if My Pet Has an Emergency Outside of Consulting Hours?
Outside of our consulting hours, on Sundays, and on public holidays, we refer all emergencies to dedicated after-hours animal emergency centres. WAVES (Western Australian Veterinary Emergency and Speciality) in Success is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 9412 5700. Murdoch University Emergency Centre is also available as an alternative.
What are the Signs My Pet Needs Emergency Services?
Some signs are obvious. Others are easy to miss. While there is a range of signs, here are the obvious indicators:
Breathing and Circulation:
- Difficulty Breathing: Laboured, rapid, or noisy breathing. In cats, any open-mouth breathing is a red flag.
- Pale, Blue, or White Gums: Gum colour is one of the fastest ways to spot serious distress. Healthy gums are pink and moist.
Neurological and Physical:
- Collapse or Sudden Weakness: If your pet can’t stand, right themselves, or loses balance without explanation, get them seen immediately.
- Seizures: Especially if your pet has never had one before or cannot come out of it within a few minutes.
- Sudden and Severe Pain: Vocalising, refusing to move, or reacting sharply to being touched are all signs that your pet is in serious pain.
Digestive and Urinary:
- Inability to Urinate: Straining with little or nothing passing is a medical emergency. Particularly common and serious in male cats.
- Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhoea: Especially with blood present, or if your pet is becoming lethargic alongside it.
External and Environmental:
- Uncontrolled Bleeding: Bleeding that doesn’t slow with gentle pressure needs urgent attention.
- Trauma: A fall from height, a car accident, or a bite from another animal can cause internal injuries that aren’t immediately visible.
- Suspected Poisoning or Toxic Ingestion: Household chemicals, certain plants, human medications, and some human foods can be life-threatening. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen.