07/08/2026
🐾 Do you know who provides your dog’s out-of-hours veterinary care? 🐾
Last night I came across a lady whose dog had slipped down an embankment. Thankfully, other members of the public had already stepped in to help by takin their dogs home and bringing their car to help transport her injured dog.
With my background of 14 years working in veterinary practice, alongside my work as a dog trainer and my up-to-date canine first aid training, I was able to help assess the dog and help the owner contact an emergency vet.
The dog was bright but she was unable to bear weight on either front leg, with one appearing to have an obvious fracture. She also had abrasions to the side of her face and her gums, suggesting she’d taken quite a knock during the fall.
As part of a basic first aid assessment, I checked her capillary refill time (CRT), which can provide useful information about circulation and may help identify signs of shock or internal bleeding. Thankfully, she was then able to receive the veterinary care she needed.
It got me thinking…
❓ Do you know who provides your dog’s out-of-hours veterinary care?
Many people don’t realise that although all veterinary practices must provide access to emergency out-of-hours care, it isn’t always at your usual practice. Most surgeries now use dedicated emergency providers, which can be quite a drive away.
I’d really encourage every dog owner to:
✔️ Save your vet’s emergency number in your phone.
✔️ Find out who their out-of-hours provider is.
✔️ Locate where the emergency clinic is and, if possible, make the journey once before you ever need it. In a real emergency, knowing exactly where you’re going can save valuable time and reduce stress.
I’d also encourage every dog owner to ask themselves…
❓ When did you last complete a canine first aid course?
Knowing what to do in those first few minutes before reaching a vet can make a real difference. While first aid is never a replacement for veterinary treatment, it can help you recognise emergencies, keep your dog as stable as possible and get them the help they need quickly.
I’m currently speaking with course providers about hosting an accredited Canine First Aid course in North Wales later this year. If you’d like to receive the details once everything is confirmed, send me a message and I’ll add you to the list.
If you’re based elsewhere, feel free to get in touch too. I’d be happy to point you towards accredited course providers in your area.
Have you ever had to use an emergency vet? I’d love to hear your experiences—it might help another dog owner be better prepared.
