What to Do If Your Pet Gets Sick in Canterbury
Quick Answer: If your pet gets sick, keep them calm, check for urgent warning signs, remove food if they are vomiting, and contact a vet for advice as soon as possible. If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure, has eaten something toxic, or is in severe pain, contact a vet immediately.
Introduction
When a pet seems unwell, it is natural to feel worried and unsure what to do next. The best first step is to stay calm, observe your pet closely, and get the right advice promptly. At Canterbury Vets we regularly help dogs, cats, rabbits and small pets with everything from mild stomach upsets to more urgent problems, and we know that quick, sensible action can make a real difference.
Our experienced veterinary team supports pets across Canterbury and East Kent, including St Dunstan’s, Wincheap, Sturry, Blean, Harbledown, Bridge, Chartham, Whitstable, Herne Bay and Faversham. If you need guidance, you can find Canterbury Vets on Northgate, book an appointment online, or register your pet with our local veterinary team.
Main Content
Start by checking how your pet seems
If your pet gets sick, take a moment to look at their overall condition. Our veterinary team often advises owners to focus on a few simple questions:
- Are they bright and responsive, or unusually quiet and withdrawn?
- Are they breathing normally?
- Have they eaten, drunk, urinated or passed faeces as normal?
- Are they vomiting or having diarrhoea?
- Do they seem uncomfortable, swollen, wobbly or distressed?
- Could they have eaten something they should not?
These observations can help a vet decide how urgent the problem may be. In our experience supporting pets across Canterbury and East Kent, owners often feel they need to have all the answers before they call, but that is not the case. Even a short description of what you have noticed is helpful.
Keep them calm and safe
If your dog, cat, rabbit or small pet seems unwell, move them somewhere quiet, warm and comfortable. Avoid too much handling, especially if they may be in pain. Make sure they have fresh water available unless a vet advises otherwise.
If your pet is vomiting, has diarrhoea, or seems tired, keeping them rested while you seek advice is often sensible. If they are able to travel safely, a prompt consultation can be arranged through our veterinary services or by using our online booking system.
Do not give human medicines
One of the most important things not to do is give your pet medication from your own medicine cabinet. Painkillers and cold remedies made for people can be dangerous for animals, even in small amounts. We commonly see pets made more poorly by well-meant home treatment.
If you are unsure whether your pet needs to be seen, speak to a veterinary professional first rather than trying medicines, supplements or internet remedies on your own.
If poisoning is possible, act quickly
Many local pet owners ask us what to do if they think their pet has eaten something harmful. Common examples include chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol sweetener, some human medicines, certain plants, slug pellets and household chemicals.
If possible, note what your pet may have eaten, how much, and when. Keep any packaging and contact a vet straight away. Do not try to make your pet sick unless a veterinary professional specifically advises this. If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure, has eaten something toxic, or is in severe pain, contact a vet immediately. If you need urgent help reaching us, use our Find Us page for emergency directions and contact details.
Supportive care matters too
Not every illness is an emergency, but many still benefit from timely assessment. Pets can hide signs of illness well, particularly cats, rabbits and small pets. At Canterbury Vets we regularly help with concerns such as reduced appetite, repeated vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, itching, limping, sore ears, urinary problems and changes in behaviour.
For some pets, regular check-ups help us spot problems earlier. Our health checks and clinics and preventative healthcare support are designed to help local pet owners keep their pets well throughout life.
What We Commonly See at Canterbury Vets
At Canterbury Vets we regularly help owners who are unsure whether a problem is minor or whether it needs urgent attention. One of the most common concerns we hear is, “My pet is just a bit off colour, should I wait?” In some cases a short period of monitoring is appropriate, but a pet that is not eating, is very lethargic, is repeatedly sick, or seems uncomfortable should be checked sooner rather than later.
A common misunderstanding is that a wagging tail or a purr always means a pet is fine. In reality, pets may still be unwell while trying to behave normally. Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps local pet owners recognise subtle signs such as hiding, restlessness, reduced grooming, changes in drinking, or sitting in an unusual position.
We also commonly see:
- Dogs with stomach upsets after scavenging on walks
- Cats that have stopped eating and need prompt assessment
- Rabbits eating less than usual, which can become serious quickly
- Small pets showing reduced activity or changes in droppings
- Older pets with gradual changes that owners were not sure were significant
In our experience supporting pets across Canterbury and East Kent, careful observation at home and early contact with a local veterinary team often leads to better reassurance and more timely care.
Practical Advice
What you can do while waiting for advice
- Keep your pet warm, quiet and comfortable.
- Offer access to fresh water unless you have been advised otherwise.
- Note when symptoms started and whether they are getting worse.
- Take photos or videos of unusual breathing, limping or episodes if safe to do so.
- Check for access to toxins, spoiled food, string, toys or other swallowed items.
- Keep rabbit and small pet droppings in mind, as changes can be important.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting too long when your pet is clearly worsening
- Giving human medication
- Forcing food or water into a reluctant pet
- Trying internet remedies without veterinary advice
- Assuming a pet is fine because symptoms improved briefly
Prevention can reduce future problems
Routine preventative care can help reduce the risk of some common illnesses and helps pick up others earlier. This includes vaccinations, parasite control, weight management, dental care and regular health checks. You can explore our VIP Health Plan, including our Dog VIP Plan, Cat VIP Plan and Bunny VIP Plan, if you would like ongoing support from Canterbury Vets.
For young pets, a good start matters too. Many families moving into Canterbury and surrounding parts of East Kent choose to use our free puppy and kitten health checks and kitten plan or puppy plan to build healthy routines early on.
When To Contact A Vet
You should contact a vet promptly if your pet:
- Is vomiting repeatedly or has ongoing diarrhoea
- Seems very lethargic or unusually quiet
- Will not eat or drink
- Has a swollen abdomen
- Is limping or reluctant to move
- Has a wound, bite or obvious injury
- Is straining to urinate or cannot pass urine
- Has sudden behaviour changes
- Is a rabbit or small pet that has stopped eating or produced fewer droppings
Urgent veterinary care is needed if your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure, has eaten something toxic, or is in severe pain, contact a vet immediately. Our local veterinary team is based in Northgate, Canterbury, and we encourage owners not to delay if they are worried.
If your pet is unwell but stable, you can book an appointment or speak to our team about the most appropriate next step. If you are new to Canterbury Vets, you can also register your pet in advance to make future visits simpler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I feed my pet if they are being sick?
This depends on the situation, your pet’s age, and how unwell they seem. Because vomiting can have many causes, it is best to contact a vet for advice rather than guessing. Always make sure fresh water is available unless you have been told otherwise.
How long should I wait before calling a vet?
If your pet seems mildly off colour but is otherwise comfortable, bright and drinking, brief monitoring may be appropriate. However, if symptoms are persistent, worsening, or your pet seems distressed, contact a vet promptly. With rabbits and small pets, delays can be more risky.
My cat is hiding and not eating. Is that serious?
It can be. Cats often show illness in subtle ways, and not eating can become a problem quite quickly. Our veterinary team often advises local pet owners to arrange an assessment sooner rather than later if a cat has stopped eating or is hiding more than usual.
What if my dog ate something on a walk in Canterbury?
Try to identify what was eaten and when. Watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, distress or unusual behaviour, and contact a vet for advice. If you think the item may be toxic, seek help straight away and use our Find Us page if you need urgent directions to Canterbury Vets.
Can regular check-ups help prevent emergency visits?
They can help with early detection and routine health support. Our preventative healthcare options and pet health checks are designed to support pets through every stage of life.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general guidance only. If your pet is unwell, showing concerning symptoms, or you are unsure what to do, please contact your vet for professional advice.
Need Veterinary Advice for a Sick Pet in Canterbury?
If you are worried about your pet, our experienced veterinary team at Canterbury Vets is here to help. You can book an appointment online, register your pet with Canterbury Vets, or find us on Northgate in Canterbury. We are proud to support local pet owners across Canterbury and East Kent with practical, personal veterinary care.
