Common After Hours Pet Emergencies in Adelaide (And What We Can Do)

We have reviewed the data on our first 1000 consults, and here are out top presentations to the walk in clinic.

At Adelaide Veterinary Walk In Clinic, we’ve now supported over 1000 pets and their families during unexpected, after-hours health concerns. While we wish pets never get sick, we're proud to be a trusted option when your regular vet is closed.

Ingesting Something They Shouldn’t Have

Whether it’s toxic food (like chocolate or grapes), human medications, or foreign objects like dental floss, toys, or bones, foreign ingestion is a top reason for after hours vet visits. Linear objects (e.g., string, tinsel, hair ties) are especially dangerous for cats and can cause serious intestinal damage.

What to do:

• Try to determine what and how much was ingested

• Don’t induce vomiting at home, home remedies for vomiting are often toxic themselves and can make the situation worse

• Head to your nearest urgent care vet clinic, early intervention matters to increase the chance of successfully emptying the stomach

Check out the most common poisons here: https://www.animalpoisons.com.au/common-poisons

Vomiting or Diarrhoea

Sudden onset vomiting or diarrhoea can be a sign of gastroenteritis, intestinal obstruction, toxicity, or illness elsewhere in the body. Pets can quickly succumb to dehydration if left untreated.

What to do:

• Monitor for frequency and volume of fluid loss

• Check the house and environment to see if anything has been inadvertently ingested

• Visit us if your pet is vomiting repeatedly, is lethargic, has large bouts of diarrhoea or is very young/old

Allergic Reactions

Pets can have mild to severe allergic reactions, just like us. Most commonly, allergic reactions are to flying insects like bees and wasps. Facial swelling, hives, itchiness, vomiting and diarrhoea, collapse or even trouble breathing are all common clinical signs.

What to do:

• Monitor breathing and behaviour closely

• Anaphylaxis is a life threatening emergency - if your pet is having vomiting or diarrhoea, collapse or lethargy, or breathing difficulties, present to your closest veterinary clinic

• Present urgently if swelling or hives are worsening or your pet seems distressed

• Do not give human antihistamines unless directed by a veterinarian

  
  

Skin or Eye Irritation

We frequently see pets with red or swollen eyes, skin rashes, or ear inflammation that can worsen quickly and cause discomfort.

What to do:

• Avoid applying any creams or ointments from home

• Prevent your pet from rubbing or scratching the area

• Have a vet assess it before it progresses, particularly with eyes where they can get worse quickly and lead to vision loss

  
  

Wounds or Bleeding

Whether it’s a torn nail, a cat fight wound, or a run in with something sharp, wounds need prompt attention to avoid infection and creating a bigger issue in the coming days.

What to do:

• Apply light pressure with a clean cloth if the wound or nail continues to bleed

• Keep your pet from rubbing or licking the area

• Bring them in to be cleaned, assessed, and possibly stitched, bandaged or medication provided

  
  

Limping or Sudden Lameness

If your pet starts limping or refuses to bear weight, they use this to tell us they are in pain. It may be due to a sprain, a bite wound, or a more serious injury.

What to do:

• Confine your pet to reduce movement

• Avoid giving human pain relief unless prescribed, as many over the counter medications can be toxic to our pets

• See a vet for an exam and pain relief. X-rays can be performed if required

  
  

When Your Pet’s Unwell After Hours, We're Here

These kinds of issues often arise outside normal clinic hours , and not all problems can wait until the next day. That’s why Adelaide Veterinary Walk-In Clinic is open, as an alternative to waiting in emergency, for these non-life-threatening problems:

Weeknights 7 PM – Midnight (delayed start Wednesdays 8.30pm)

Weekends 1 PM – 9 PM

Located @ 52 Main N Rd, Prospect. Inside Paws at Prospect clinic.

As we reach the milestone of helping 1000 pets through urgent concerns, we remain committed to making quality, after hours care more accessible and less stressful.

If your pet’s not quite right and you’re not sure what to do, you can walk in without an appointment, or call and speak to one of our friendly and experienced nurses.

Ph (08) 7123 2996