Emergency veterinarian at home or at the clinic
When your pet suddenly becomes ill or injured, it's natural to feel anxious. Emergency care means your pet needs immediate care to prevent the condition from getting worse. Instead of rushing to a waiting room, our fully equipped veterinarian will come to your door. We'll help you quickly assess the situation, begin treatment, and determine the next steps.
Are you unsure whether it is an emergency? Never hesitate to contact us for guidance. We will guide you in the right direction when looking for an emergency veterinary emergency.
Quick help without a route
Expertise where you need it
Emergency veterinary care
Related terms
Emergency veterinarian, emergency home visit veterinarian, emergency veterinarian on call, quick veterinary help at home.
What is emergency veterinary care?
Emergency care, or triage, is about quickly assessing and managing conditions that have arisen suddenly or have worsened drastically. This can be anything from wounds and intense itching to sudden stomach problems. The goal of an emergency home visit is to quickly relieve pain, stabilize the animal, and provide a clear medical assessment of whether the condition can be managed at home or if referral is required.
Acute conditions in dogs
Dogs often suffer from acute wounds or stomach problems. Be extra vigilant for sudden fatigue, repeated vomiting, diarrhea, breathing problems, impaired general condition or sudden collapse.
Emergency care for cats
Cats tend to hide pain, which means that life-threatening problems such as urinary retention or respiratory distress are often detected late. Since cats are extremely sensitive to stress, a calm home visit is often the safest option for an initial assessment.
Care guide: How to choose the right form of care for emergency veterinary care
Because we offer care through home visits, at our veterinary clinics (Arken Zoo) and at our fully equipped animal clinic in Östermalm, you can always get the right kind of help. Here is a guide to make your choice easier when the accident occurs.
Home visit
A home visit is optimal for sudden stomach upsets, minor wounds that do not require surgery, lameness, or when the animal's general condition is mildly impaired and you want to avoid transport. It is particularly well suited for cats and stress-sensitive dogs. We can examine, take blood samples and provide rapid pain relief in an environment where the animal feels completely safe.
Veterinary clinic
Our clinics connected to Arken Zoo (in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Uppsala, among others) are perfect for those of you who can quickly get away from home and need help with minor acute but uncomplicated ailments. You should turn to us for minor emergencies that do not require diagnostic imaging, surgery or extensive care.
Animal clinic
When the acute condition is more serious or difficult to assess, our clinic in Östermalm is the safest choice. Unlike a home visit, we have access to advanced imaging diagnostics (X-rays and ultrasound) and an operating room with anesthetic gas. This makes the clinic best suited for suspected swallowed objects, major wounds, affected general condition, or conditions that need to be investigated further.
What can Vetathome do when your animal needs emergency care?
Regardless of whether we perform the initial visit at home, at a clinic or at one of our veterinary practices, the handling of emergency cases is very similar. This provides increased security for your animal and flexibility for you as the owner in a time of anxiety.
Identify
We perform a thorough clinical examination of the entire animal. We listen to the heart and lungs, feel the abdomen and the entire body. If necessary, we proceed with diagnostics such as rapid blood tests to check infection values and the status of internal organs.
Treat
Our goal is to quickly stabilize, relieve pain, and treat your animal. If we determine that the condition is life-threatening, we will stabilize the patient and immediately write a referral to an animal hospital.
Prevent
Once the emergency situation is under control, we will help you avoid a relapse. This may include advice on a gentle diet for stomach problems, adapting walking routines for lameness, or how to childproof your home after your pet has swallowed something inappropriate.
This is how the examination goes during an emergency visit to
We know that an emergency situation is stressful. Our goal is to confirm your concerns but not to reassure you, and the examination is completely tailored to the animal's daily routine to keep it stress-free.
1. Booking and quick assessment
You simply contact us and we will make an initial assessment over the phone. If the situation allows, we will schedule a home visit or schedule a visit to one of our veterinary practices or clinics.
2. We meet you in peace and quiet
Whether we land at your home or receive you at the clinic, we let the animal sniff us at its own pace. We avoid coercion and often examine the animal in its favorite place.
3. Clinical examination
We examine the acute symptoms carefully but gently. We feel for swelling, check mucous membranes and assess breathing where the animal is resting.
4. On-site action and sampling
We take any samples and provide immediate treatment, such as an injection for pain or nausea.
5. Plan and possible referral
We will create a plan. If your pet needs more advanced care, such as X-rays or surgery, we will ensure that you receive the care you need, either from us or at a nearby animal hospital.
Do you have more questions?
Contact our customer service and we will help you further.
When is a home visit not enough?
As a mobile veterinary clinic, we can handle a wide range of emergency conditions, but we have our limitations. We do not perform advanced surgery that requires anesthetic gas and we cannot perform X-rays or ultrasounds in the home. Serious and acute symptoms require the resources that are only available at a larger clinic. Do not book a home visit if your animal is showing any of the following symptoms.
When clinic or animal hospital is better:
- Respiratory distress: The animal has difficulty breathing, coughs continuously or has bluish mucous membranes.
- Acute cramps: Seizures, severe neurological impact or sudden loss of consciousness.
- Ongoing bleeding: Major bleeding after accidents that cannot be stopped.
- Swollen abdomen: Attempts to vomit without result combined with a swollen and tense stomach.
- Inability to urinate: The animal (especially male cats) tries to urinate but nothing comes out.
Symptoms and early signs of emergency conditions in dogs
The most common first sign that a dog has suddenly become ill is a clear change in behavior. The dog may become very tired, refuse to eat, withdraw, or suddenly seem anxious and pacing back and forth.
How is it noticeable? If your dog has pain from the back or stomach, for example, they may whine when you pick them up or stand with their belly pulled in. Vomiting and diarrhea are clear symptoms of stomach illness.
Early signs: Panting (panting) at rest without being warm is a classic sign that the dog is in pain or experiencing severe discomfort. Another early sign is that the mucous membranes in the mouth change color and become pale.
When it gets worse: If the dog becomes unable to stand, loses contact with the surroundings or is bleeding heavily, the condition has become critical. Always contact an emergency veterinarian for a rapid assessment in case of new or worsening symptoms.
Acute conditions in cats, important differences
Cats are predators but also prey animals, which makes them masters at hiding signs of pain and illness. While a dog often whines, cats tend to hide under the bed or stop washing themselves. The course of urinary retention in male cats, for example, is extremely rapid and life-threatening. A cat that breathes with its mouth open is always in an acute and very serious condition and requires immediate care.
When should I contact a veterinarian and when is it an emergency?
A good rule of thumb is to always check in once too many times rather than once too few. If you are worried, you usually know your animal best.
In case of emergency care: If your animal exhibits heavy bleeding, difficulty breathing, seizures, inability to urinate, or if its general condition suddenly deteriorates, immediate care is required. Suspected poisoning is also always an emergency. The animal's quality of life is always the most important thing.
Diagnosis how do you know what is wrong?
A correct diagnosis in acute conditions is made by putting together a puzzle.
- Clinical examination: We assess breathing, circulation, temperature and feel through the body.
- Medical history (anamnesis): We listen carefully to your description of the process.
- Blood tests: To check internal organs and possible infections.
- Imaging diagnostics: If we suspect skeletal injuries or problems in the abdomen, we proceed with X-ray/ultrasound.
Emergency treatment at home
At home, we focus on quickly stabilizing the dog. Standard treatment often consists of pain relief via injection, possibly a drip under the skin in case of dehydration, and wound care for minor trauma. The goal of treatment is to break the cycle of pain, get the condition under control, and ensure that the dog can either recover at home or be transported safely to a veterinary clinic if, for example, an X-ray is needed.
The time afterwards – healing and follow-up
After our visit, rest is often the most important medicine. In the case of wounds, a collar is used to prevent the dog from licking the wound. You will receive clear instructions on how to give painkillers at home and what to watch out for during healing. We are happy to schedule a return visit or a telephone follow-up to ensure that your dog is feeling better.
Emergency treatment of a cat at home
For cats, emergency care at home is often very helpful as they quickly become stressed at the clinic. Treatment is similar to that for dogs, with a focus on pain relief, wound care and possible fluid therapy.
If a cat exhibits respiratory problems, we perform minimal interventions at home to avoid stress, and instead recommend rapid transport to an animal hospital.
Prognosis and expectations in acute cases of illness
It is natural to worry about the future when your beloved friend suddenly becomes seriously ill. The prognosis after an acute illness is always highly individual.
- Nature of the condition: A simple wound has an excellent prognosis, while internal bleeding is significantly more serious.
- How quickly care was provided: Time is often a critical factor. The right care at the right time can be crucial.
- General condition and age: A young and otherwise healthy animal often recovers more quickly from trauma or infections.
The prognosis for dogs
With quick intervention and proper care, the vast majority of dogs recover very well from acute conditions such as wounds, simple poisonings or minor stomach problems, and regain their full quality of life.
The prognosis for cat
For cats, the prognosis is also good for many conditions, provided they receive timely help. However, if a cat has stopped eating and drinking completely, the condition can quickly become life-threatening, so early detection and fluid therapy are crucial.
Quality of life always comes first
We understand that acute illness raises many heavy thoughts. For us, the well-being of the animal is always the central issue, and quality of life is above all else. In some cases, if the condition is incurable and age has taken its toll, we can help you with palliative (relief) care at home. And when the day comes when the suffering becomes too great, a peaceful euthanasia in your own home is the last and most gentle decision you can make out of pure love.
Pictures of acute injuries: How you can examine yourself at home
Often you want to google images of similar wounds or conditions to compare. Images on the internet can be helpful, but they are often misleading and never replace a veterinarian's assessment in real life. You are welcome to take a picture and email it to us if you are unsure. Films can also be of great help to the veterinarian during the actual visit, for example in the case of a cough or a condition that comes and goes. While waiting for the veterinarian, you can instead check yourself:
- Look at the mucous membranes: Lift the upper lip. The color should be a nice pink, not white, blue or dark red.
- Check capillary refill: Lightly press on the gums to make them white. The pink color should return in less than 2 seconds.
- Count your breaths: When the animal is sleeping or resting deeply, the respiratory rate should normally be below 30 breaths per minute.
- Assess consciousness: Does the animal respond when you call? Does it feel unusually limp?
Prevention – can the risk be reduced?
Accidents happen, and not everything can be prevented. But by being alert and having good routines, you can reduce the risk of many acute problems.
- Secure your home: Remove medications, rat poison, poisonous plants and small objects that the animal could swallow.
- Have the right equipment: Use reflectors and secure leashes when walking in the dark or in traffic.
- Follow up on small problems: Book a regular veterinary appointment for conditions such as recurring itching or ear problems, before they flare up and become acute pain conditions over a weekend.
Cost, insurance and compensation
We know that costs for acute illness can be a concern. The total cost of a home visit varies depending on whether we need to provide sedation, what medications are required and whether we need to take blood tests on site. However, we at Vetathome do not charge any extra emergency fees; you pay the same price for the consultation regardless of whether the appointment was booked in advance or on the same day. We also always help you contact your insurance company if you wish to receive direct settlement.
Diagnostics & Investigation
The visit itself and the clinical assessment with possible sampling or imaging.
Minor action
Possible sampling, injections and pain relief.
Major action / Referral
Should more advanced care be required, we will assist with referral to an animal hospital.
Price from:
1750/kr
Veterinary consultation home visit
2150 SEK
Nurse consultation
950 SEK
Veterinary consultation Animal Clinic Östermalm
1,750 SEK
Fee for extra parking assistance:
500 SEK
30+ years
experience
200k+
Visit
How do I know when to book an emergency vet appointment?
If your animal is clearly affected, has difficulty breathing, is in severe pain, is bleeding or is suspected of having been poisoned, you should contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. If in doubt, it is always best to call us for advice.
Do you charge an extra emergency fee?
No, we do not charge any specific emergency fees in addition to our fixed prices.
Does my insurance cover emergency veterinary care at home?
Yes, in most cases, insurance companies cover emergency home visits in exactly the same way as a visit to a stationary clinic. The deductible and terms depend on your specific insurance.
Can I get medication prescribed directly from you?
Yes, we can write e-prescriptions and we often offer the very first dose from our bag to quickly get started on pain relief, for example.
Can you stitch wounds at home during an emergency visit?
Yes, we can handle and suture many types of wounds and bite wounds safely at home under local anesthesia and/or light sedation.
Does the treatment hurt my animal?
We are very gentle and often provide effective, pain-relieving medication before examining an injury in more detail to ensure the visit is as gentle as possible.
Do I need to prepare anything before you arrive?
No, all you need to do is keep the animal indoors, preferably on a quiet surface, and gather any old medical records and insurance papers.
Do you accept all types of animals on an emergency basis?
As a mobile animal clinic, Vetathome primarily focuses on home visits for dogs and cats.
What happens if my animal needs surgery?
We do not perform surgery (other than wound care) in the home. Should we determine that your animal requires surgery, we will stabilize the patient and immediately refer the patient to an animal hospital.
What do I do if you can't come fast enough?
If the situation is urgent, for example in the event of severe cramps or shortness of breath, we always recommend that you go directly to the nearest open emergency room as every minute counts.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Here you can read some of the most common questions and answers that we often receive from our customers.
Personal animal care in safe environments – Home visits, clinic & reception
We cooperate with all insurance companies
VetAtHome offers both clinic visits, home visits and visits to our veterinary practices – what is best depends on your animal's needs and what feels most convenient for you. We work with all insurance companies, making it easy to get help regardless of your insurance coverage.
