When Should You Take Your Pet to a Vet?
By Dr. Stephen Kimani, BVM · Westlands Paws Veterinary Clinic, Nairobi
One of the most common questions we receive from pet owners in Nairobi is: "Is this serious enough to bring my pet in?" Pets can't tell you when something is wrong, and their instincts often lead them to hide pain or discomfort. This guide helps you know the difference.
🚨 Symptoms That Require Emergency Vet Care — Call Immediately
If you see any of these, call Westlands Paws on 0700 762 529 — our emergency line is open 24 hours a day.
- Difficulty breathing, gasping, or open-mouth breathing in cats
- Collapse or sudden inability to stand
- Seizures or uncontrolled tremors
- Suspected poisoning — rat poison, chocolate, medication, plants
- Pale, white, blue, or yellow gums
- Bloated, hard, or distended abdomen — especially in large breeds
- Severe bleeding that won't stop within 5 minutes
- Straining to urinate with no output — especially in male cats
- Road accident or trauma — even if the pet appears uninjured
- Severe, continuous vomiting or diarrhoea with blood
⚠️ Symptoms That Need a Vet Within 24 Hours
- Vomiting or diarrhoea more than twice in 24 hours
- Not eating for more than 24 hours (12 hours for puppies or kittens)
- Limping or reluctance to bear weight on a limb
- Significant swelling anywhere on the body
- Discharge from eyes or ears
- Persistent scratching, hair loss, or skin lesions
- Excessive thirst and urination (can indicate diabetes or kidney disease)
- Notable change in behaviour — hiding, aggression, or unusual lethargy
📅 When to Book a Routine Appointment
- Annual wellness checks and vaccinations — every 12 months minimum
- Weight concerns — over or underweight
- Bad breath or gradual changes in eating habits
- Before travelling internationally with your pet
- Before getting a second pet — health check to protect your existing animals
When in Doubt, Call
Our veterinary team at Westlands Paws is just a phone call or WhatsApp away. We would rather reassure you that something is fine than have an animal come in too late. Early intervention is almost always less expensive and more likely to succeed than waiting.
Emergency line (24/7): 0700 762 529
WhatsApp: Message us now
Location: 09 Mayfair Maisonattes B2, Mpaka Road, Westlands, Nairobi
Need a Vet in Westlands, Nairobi?
Book an appointment at Westlands Paws — expert, compassionate care for your pet.