My clinic is closed. Who do I call?

Call a 24-hour hospital from our emergency page. Describe the signs and where you are, and they will tell you whether to come in and where to go.

My dog is vomiting but still walking. Is that an emergency?

One vomit in a bright, alert dog can usually wait for a call to your clinic. Repeated vomiting, blood, a swollen belly, collapse or a known poison should be seen sooner. If you are unsure, call the hospital and let them help you decide.

Can I give paracetamol or another human painkiller?

Please don’t. Several human painkillers are toxic to dogs and cats, even in small amounts. Your vet can give safe pain relief, and it helps to keep your own medicines out of reach.

When to take your pet to an emergency vet

By PetBuddy.sg TeamPublished 3 October 2026

Pet owner calmly checking on a dog at home in the evening

If one of these is happening now, call a 24-hour vet before you set off.

Call a 24-hour vet

A friendly note first: this is general information, not a diagnosis. If you think your pet is in danger, please call a vet straight away. Vets would always rather hear from you early.

Not sure when to take your pet to an emergency vet? Your usual clinic is perfect for an itchy ear on a Thursday morning. If your pet is struggling to breathe at 11pm, though, a 24-hour hospital is the right call. Singapore has several, and our emergency page lists them with phone numbers. Calling ahead helps the team prepare, and they can confirm which branch is open overnight.

Go now, or call on the way

Difficulty breathing, gasping, blue or pale gums, or a cat that is panting.
Collapse, a seizure, or not being able to stand.
Bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure, or a deep wound to the chest or belly.
A swollen, tight belly with retching, especially in a deep-chested dog.
Straining to pee with little or nothing coming out, especially in a male cat. This can be a blocked bladder.
Eating something toxic, such as chocolate, grapes, xylitol, rat bait or human medicine. Call before you try to make them vomit.
Signs of heatstroke, such as collapse or nonstop panting after heat or time in a car.
A fall or a road accident, even if they seem fine afterwards. Internal injuries are not always visible.
A birth that has stalled, or a puppy or kitten that seems stuck.

Same day, but not a midnight dash

Vomiting or diarrhoea in a pet that is still bright, a limp, a suddenly closed eye, or a cat that has not eaten for a day can usually wait for your clinic to open. Give them a call and describe what you see. If they suggest a hospital instead, go with their advice. If anything on the list above appears, it is time to go.

What helps the vet

It helps to share your pet’s weight and age, when the problem started, the packaging of anything they ate, and whether they have peed. A pet in pain may nip, so a towel or a carrier can help. A muzzle is fine for a scared dog only if they can still pant comfortably. Never muzzle a pet that is struggling to breathe.