Emergency Warning Signs Every Pet Owner in Nepal Must Know

Pets
The Buzz Nepal
January 29 , 2026

Pets are family but unlike humans, they cannot tell us when something is seriously wrong. Dogs and cats often hide pain and illness until their condition becomes critical. As a result, many pet emergencies are recognized too late. Knowing the warning signs and acting quickly can save your pet’s life.

This guide explains when you should seek immediate veterinary care for your dog or cat, and why early action matters.

1. Difficulty Breathing

If your pet is struggling to breathe, it is an emergency. You may notice fast or noisy breathing, open-mouth breathing (very dangerous in cats), or blue or pale gums. Some pets stretch their neck forward to get more air.

Breathing problems can be caused by heart disease, lung infections, heatstroke, choking, allergic reactions, or injuries. Do not wait, just go to the vet right away.

2. Severe Bleeding or Major Trauma

Any uncontrolled bleeding or serious injury requires urgent veterinary care. Such as being hit by a vehicle, deep cuts or bite wounds, broken bones, or heavy bleeding from the nose, mouth, or open wounds.

What to do: Apply gentle pressure to control bleeding if possible and rush your pet to the nearest veterinary hospital.

3. Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea

Vomiting once may not be serious, but repeated vomiting or diarrhea is dangerous.

If it lasts more than one day, contains blood, or your pet becomes weak or dehydrated, it is an emergency. Puppies and kittens can become very sick very quickly.

Early treatment can prevent serious complications.

4. Collapse, Seizures, or Sudden Weakness

If your pet suddenly collapses or cannot stand, something is seriously wrong.

Seizures, fainting, confusion, or sudden weakness may be caused by poisoning, infections, low blood sugar, or brain problems.

These signs always require immediate veterinary attention.

5. Suspected Poisoning

Poisoning is sadly common in Nepal due to easy access to toxic substances.

Pets may eat harmful substances like insecticides, human medicines (such as paracetamol), chocolate, onions, grapes, or cleaning products.

Warning signs:

Excessive drooling
Vomiting or tremors
Seizures
Sudden weakness

Do not try home remedies or make your pet vomit. Take them to the vet immediately with details of what they may have eaten.

6. Difficulty Urinating or No Urine

This is especially dangerous in male cats and dogs and can become fatal within hours. You may see repeated attempts, crying in pain, very little urine, or blood in the urine.

This is a life-threatening emergency. Seek veterinary care immediately.

7. High Fever or Very Low Body Temperature

A very high fever or very low body temperature is dangerous. For dogs the normal temperature is from 38.8°C to 39.2°C and for cats it’s from 38.1°C to 39.2°C.

If your pet’s temperature is above 40°C or below 37.5°C, or if they are very weak, shivering, or collapsed, seek veterinary care urgently.

8. Severe Pain or Constant Crying

Pets in pain may cry, whimper, become restless, or refuse to be touched. Some pets become aggressive, hide, or sit in a hunched position. Pain is not normal and should never be ignored.

If your pet appears to be in constant pain, take them to the vet as soon as possible.

9. Eye Injuries or Sudden Blindness

Eye problems can get worse very quickly.

Signs include red, swollen, cloudy eyes, squinting, discharge, or sudden blindness. Eye injuries can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated early.

Eye problems need same-day veterinary care.

10. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation–Volvulus) in Dogs

Bloat mostly affects large-breed dogs and is life-threatening.

The dog’s stomach fills with gas and twists. Signs include a swollen belly, restlessness, rapid breathing, and trying to vomit without success.

This condition can kill a dog within hours. Immediate veterinary treatment is critical.

Important Advice for Pet Owners in Nepal

Always know the location and contact number of the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital
Keep a basic pet first-aid kit at home
Never give human medicines to pets without veterinary advice
When in doubt, it is better to visit the vet early than too late

Your quick response can make the difference between life and death for your pet. Trust your instincts, and if something feels wrong, don’t wait. Immediate veterinary care saves lives.

Because our pets depend on us when they need us the most.

About The Author

Dr. Subash Rimal-veterinarian, academic, and animal welfare advocate is a trusted name in Nepal’s veterinary field. An Assistant Professor at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Tribhuvan University. He also serves as a practicing clinician at Lifeline Veterinary Hospital & Research Centre, Lalitpur, where he blends science and compassion in his approach to animal care.

Contact Details:
Lifeline Veterinary Hospital And Research Centre
Location: Sanepa, Lalitpur
Instagram: lifelinevet_hospital