🚨 24/7 Emergency Vet Care in Dubai - What Every Pet Parent Must Know
When your pet has an emergency at 2 AM, you need answers fast. Here's your complete guide to emergency vet care in Dubai - what qualifies as an emergency, where to go, and what to expect.
Dr. Sarah Ahmed
Emergency Veterinarian, Dubai Animal Hospital
🚨 Is This an Emergency? Act Now If:
- • Your pet is unconscious or not responding
- • Difficulty breathing or choking
- • Active bleeding that won't stop
- • Suspected poisoning (chocolate, grapes, lilies, etc.)
- • Can't stand up or sudden paralysis
- • Seizures lasting more than 2 minutes
It's 2 AM and your dog is vomiting blood. Or your cat ate something from the bin and won't move. These moments are terrifying - but knowing what to do ahead of time can save your pet's life.
🏥 24/7 Emergency Vet Clinics in Dubai
Not all vet clinics in Dubai operate 24 hours. During nights, weekends, and holidays, you'll need to know where to go. Here's what to look for:
Types of Emergency Services:
- 24/7 Hospitals: Full service around the clock with vets on-site. These are your best option for true emergencies.
- After-Hours Clinics: Extended hours (until 10-11 PM) but not overnight.
- On-Call Vets: Some clinics have vets on-call who can meet you for emergencies. Usually more expensive.
- Home Visit Emergency: Mobile vets who come to you. Good for transport-sensitive pets or when you can't drive.
See all 24/7 emergency clinics in Dubai →
⏱️ What Qualifies as a Pet Emergency?
Pet emergencies fall into different categories. Here's how to assess:
🔴 Go to Emergency NOW (Life-Threatening)
- • Unconscious or unresponsive
- • Difficulty breathing, blue gums, choking
- • Severe bleeding that won't stop with pressure
- • Known poisoning (chocolate, grapes, xylitol, medications, chemicals)
- • Can't urinate (especially male cats - this is deadly)
- • Hit by car or major trauma
- • Seizures lasting more than 2-3 minutes
- • Sudden collapse or inability to stand
- • Signs of heatstroke (heavy panting, bright red gums, disoriented)
- • Distended/bloated abdomen with retching (GDV in dogs)
- • Giving birth for 2+ hours without delivering puppy/kitten
🟡 Urgent - Same Day Vet Visit Needed
- • Vomiting or diarrhea more than 2-3 times
- • Not eating for 24+ hours
- • Limping badly or obvious pain
- • Eye injuries or sudden blindness
- • Allergic reaction (swelling, hives)
- • Deep wounds or bite injuries
- • High fever (hot ears, nose, lethargy)
🟢 Schedule Appointment Soon
- • Mild limping that's not getting worse
- • Single episode of vomiting, acting normal otherwise
- • Changes in eating or drinking habits
- • Skin issues, lumps, bumps
- • Behavioral changes
💰 Emergency Vet Costs in Dubai
Emergency care is more expensive than regular vet visits - be prepared for this reality.
Typical Emergency Visit Costs:
- Emergency consultation (after hours): 300-600 AED
- X-rays: 300-800 AED
- Blood tests: 400-1,000 AED
- IV fluids + hospitalization (per day): 500-1,500 AED
- Emergency surgery: 2,000-8,000+ AED
- Poisoning treatment: 1,000-3,000 AED
Most clinics accept credit cards. Some offer payment plans for major treatments.
📞 What to Do in a Pet Emergency
- 1. Stay calm - Your pet can sense your stress. Panicking makes everything harder.
- 2. Assess the situation - Is your pet breathing? Conscious? Any obvious injuries?
- 3. Call ahead - Call the emergency clinic before you leave. They can prepare and give you guidance during transport.
- 4. Transport safely - Use a carrier for cats/small dogs. Keep large dogs secure. Don't let them jump around the car.
- 5. Bring information - Your pet's weight, any medications, vaccination records if available, and what/when they last ate.
🚗 Getting to the Emergency Clinic
Dubai traffic can be challenging. Here are some tips:
- ✓ Know the location of your nearest 24/7 vet BEFORE an emergency happens
- ✓ Save the address and phone number in your phone
- ✓ If using a taxi, mention it's a pet emergency - most are understanding
- ✓ Some mobile vets can come to you for home emergencies
- ✓ Don't speed or drive dangerously - you won't help your pet by crashing
🐕 Common Dubai Pet Emergencies
Knowing what's common in Dubai helps you stay alert:
Dubai-Specific Risks:
- Heatstroke - Dubai's summer heat is deadly for pets. Never leave them in cars, and limit outdoor time during peak hours (10 AM - 4 PM).
- Chocolate/dates - Date chocolate boxes are common in Dubai. Keep them away from pets - chocolate and caffeine are toxic.
- Pool accidents - Many Dubai homes have pools. Not all dogs can swim. Supervise pool access.
- Ticks and fleas - Common in grassy areas. Can cause serious illness if left untreated.
- Lilies (cats) - Common in Dubai florist deliveries. All parts of lilies are extremely toxic to cats - even the pollen.
📱 Emergency Numbers to Save
Add these to your phone contacts now:
- Dubai Municipality Animal Control: 800-ANIMAL (264625)
- Your regular vet: [Add their number]
- Nearest 24/7 vet: [Add their number]
- Pet Poison Helpline: Save an international number or the ASPCA app
🛡️ Prevention is Best
Most pet emergencies are preventable. Here's how to reduce risk:
- ✓ Keep toxic foods secured (chocolate, grapes, onions, xylitol/sweeteners)
- ✓ Pet-proof your home (secure chemicals, medications, small objects)
- ✓ Never leave pets in cars - Dubai heat can kill in minutes
- ✓ Keep vaccinations current
- ✓ Regular vet checkups catch problems early
- ✓ Supervise pets around pools, balconies, and open windows
- ✓ Use tick/flea prevention year-round
💚 After the Emergency
Once the crisis is over:
- • Follow all discharge instructions carefully
- • Give medications on schedule
- • Schedule follow-up appointments
- • Keep your pet calm and rested
- • Watch for any new or returning symptoms
Find a vet for follow-up care →
We hope you never need this guide - but now you're prepared. Save it, share it, and keep your pets safe. 🐾❤️
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