Emergency & 24-Hour Vets in Dubai — What to Do (2026)

Some situations need a vet within minutes, not hours. Call an emergency or 24-hour clinic straight away if your pet has: difficulty breathing or non-stop panting that won't settle; collapse, seizures or loss of consciousness; suspected heatstroke (very common in Dubai — bright red gums, heavy panting, wobbliness after heat); a swollen, hard belly (especially in large dogs); bleeding that won't stop; a suspected poisoning; inability to urinate (a blocked cat is a true emergency); repeated vomiting or bloody diarrhoea; a road accident or major trauma; or eye injuries and severe pain.

If you are unsure, treat it as urgent and call — a good clinic will triage you over the phone and tell you whether to come in now or watch at home. It is always better to make the call than to wait and see.

Stay calm — your pet reads your panic. Then:

1. Call ahead. Phone the clinic before you drive so their team is ready and can guide you. Put the number in your phone now, before you ever need it.

2. Keep them cool and still. In Dubai's heat, move your pet into air conditioning or shade immediately. For suspected heatstroke, wet the fur with cool (not ice-cold) water and aim a fan while you head to the clinic.

3. Don't give human medicine. Painkillers like paracetamol/acetaminophen and ibuprofen are toxic to dogs and cats. Never medicate without a vet's instruction.

4. Handle carefully. A hurting animal may bite. Use a towel or blanket to lift, and for a car trip keep them secured and supported.

5. Bring information. Note when symptoms started, anything they may have eaten, and bring the packaging if poisoning is possible.

Not every clinic is open around the clock, and after-hours cover varies. The safest move is to identify an emergency-capable clinic near you before an emergency happens, and save its number.

On OnePass Pet you can browse reviewed veterinary clinics across Dubai, see their location and contact details, and message or call them directly. Look for clinics that advertise 24-hour, out-of-hours or emergency services, and confirm by phone — hours change, especially on weekends and public holidays. If you live in Sharjah or the northern emirates, note your nearest option too, since travel time matters in an emergency.

Do this today: open your area, pick the closest emergency-capable clinic, and add its number to your phone favourites.

Heatstroke. Dubai summers are dangerous for pets. Heavy panting, drooling, bright red gums, vomiting, staggering or collapse after any time in the heat is a medical emergency. Move to A/C, wet with cool water, offer small sips, and get to a vet immediately — heatstroke can damage organs even after the pet seems to recover. Never leave a pet in a parked car, and walk dogs only in the early morning or late evening when pavement is cool to your hand.

Poisoning. Common household dangers include chocolate, xylitol (sugar-free gum and sweets), grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, human painkillers, rodent bait, and some houseplants. If you suspect poisoning, call a vet at once with the substance and amount; do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to, as it can make some poisonings worse.

Act fast — the first hours matter most. Search the immediate area calmly, calling their name, and bring their favourite treat or a squeaky toy. Ask neighbours and nearby shops, and check shaded, hidden spots where a scared animal might hide.

Call the microchip registry to flag your pet as missing and confirm your contact details are current — this is the single most important reason to keep microchip info updated. Contact nearby vet clinics and animal shelters (a found pet is often taken to the closest one), and post clear, recent photos in local community and neighbourhood groups. In Sharjah and the northern emirates, animal welfare centres and shelters are the key places to notify.

Keep a current photo, your microchip number and your vet's contact saved on your phone now, so you are ready if the worst happens.