Emergency Vet Help at 2am in Dubai — What Are Your Options?
Pet care
14/05/2026 12:22
Your pet is unwell at 2am. You're in Dubai and you don't know whether this is an emergency or something that can wait until morning. This guide explains exactly what to do — and when.
Author:
Petville Team
What to Do While You Decide
While you assess the situation or wait for a connection:
• Keep your pet calm and in a quiet, comfortable space.
• Do not give human medications — paracetamol, ibuprofen, and many common drugs are toxic to pets.
• Do not force water or food if your pet is vomiting or unresponsive.
• Keep your pet warm — wrap in a light blanket if they seem cold or are shivering.
• Note the time symptoms started and any recent changes in food, environment, or behaviour — the vet will ask.
Step 1: Assess the Situation
Not every late-night concern requires an emergency clinic visit. Knowing the difference can save you time, stress, and money.
Go to an emergency clinic immediately if your pet shows:
• Difficulty breathing, choking, or blue-tinged gums.
• Uncontrolled or heavy bleeding.
• Suspected poisoning — from plants, food, household chemicals, or medications.
• Seizures lasting more than two minutes.
• Collapse, loss of consciousness, or inability to stand.
• Suspected broken bones or severe injury after an accident.
• Bloated, hard abdomen — especially in dogs (can be life-threatening).
• Inability to urinate, especially in male cats (medical emergency).
Consider an online vet first if your pet has:
• Mild lethargy or reduced energy with no other alarming symptoms.
• Slightly reduced appetite for less than 24 hours.
• One or two episodes of vomiting with no blood and is otherwise alert.
• Soft stool or mild diarrhoea with no blood.
• Mild sneezing or eye discharge without fever or breathing issues.
You are unsure whether the situation is serious and need professional guidance.
Option 1: Emergency Veterinary Clinics in Dubai
Several veterinary clinics in Dubai operate 24 hours or with extended evening hours. If your pet is showing any of the emergency signs listed above, call ahead and go immediately.
When calling, briefly describe the main symptom and your pet's species and approximate age — this helps the clinic prepare. Keep your pet calm and warm during transport. If your pet is in pain, avoid touching the injured area unnecessarily.
Option 2: Online Vet Consultation — Available at Night
For situations that are urgent but not life-threatening, an online vet on Petville can help you right now. You don't need to get dressed, find a taxi, or sit in a waiting room at 2am.
An online vet can:
• Assess symptoms and advise whether you need to go to a clinic tonight or can wait until morning.
• Guide you through first aid steps while you wait for a clinic to open.
• Review your pet's health history and previous consultations from their Petville passport.
• Provide a written conclusion you can show to a clinic vet later.
This is especially valuable in Dubai, where getting to a 24-hour clinic can involve a significant drive depending on your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a 24-hour vet in Dubai?
Yes, several veterinary clinics in Dubai operate 24 hours. For non-critical situations outside clinic hours, online vets on Petville are also available according to each vet's schedule.
Can an online vet help in a real emergency?
An online vet can give immediate guidance and help assess severity — but for true emergencies (difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding, collapse, poisoning), go to a physical clinic immediately. The online vet can help you stay calm and take the right steps on the way.
My cat hasn't eaten since yesterday — is this an emergency?
In cats, refusing food for 24–48 hours can become a serious issue, especially combined with lethargy or hiding behaviour. An online vet can quickly assess the situation and advise whether urgent clinical care is needed.
What if I can't get to a clinic at 2am in Dubai?
If transport is a problem and the situation is not immediately life-threatening, start with an online vet consultation. They can assess whether the situation requires urgent transport and advise on first-aid steps in the meantime. For genuine emergencies, call the clinic — some may advise on next steps by phone.
Talk to an online vet now on Petville — no travel, no waiting room, available at night.