Preparing for the unexpected in pet ownership
While having a pet can bring a lot of joy to our lives, it’s also easy to feel overwhelmed. Many of us worry about our pets daily, whether it’s about their health, safety or whereabouts. In fact, 21% of pet owners say they feel concerned about their pets every day. And on top of the emotional stress, the cost of pet care can add more pressure, with 71% of owners saying they find this stressful.
These are just some of the findings from new 69ÌÃ research, based on a survey of 2,002 UK pet owners aged 18 and over, carried out by Censuswide in March 2025. From everyday worries to the surprising things that can cause panic, the survey revealed plenty about what life with pets is really like. We’ll take a closer look at them throughout this article.
Common pet panic triggers
Some situations are more likely than others to cause panic for pet owners. The top triggers, or things that are most likely to make owners feel panicked in the moment, include pets eating something harmful (35%), showing signs of illness (32%) or acting out in strange ways (31%). In these moments, staying calm and knowing what to do is crucial.
We also asked pet owners to think back to times when they’ve actually had a pet-related panic. The most common reasons they gave were:
- Their pet’s sudden illness (29%)
- Signs of distress in their pet (19%)
- Pets going missing (19%)
Even with all the positives, pets can be a source of worry. Dogs, in particular, tend to cause the most concern, making up just over half of all pet-related panics (50%), followed by cats (30%). Because when our beloved pets suddenly behave differently, it can be a lot to handle. But with a little preparation, you can feel more confident in how to best respond and support your pet when something’s wrong.
What to do in a pet emergency
Here are a few simple steps to follow when your pet is in distress:
1. Stay calm
It’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed when your pet is hurt or unwell, but try your best to stay calm. This will help you think more clearly about what to do. Your pet can also pick up on your emotions, so staying relaxed can help keep them calm too.
2. Call your vet
If you’re worried or not sure what’s wrong, speak to your vet straight away. They’ll be able to guide you on what to do next and help keep your pet safe. It’s a good idea to save your vet’s number in your phone so you can reach them quickly if needed.
3. Check what’s happening
Try to work out what’s going on with your pet and look for anything unusual about their behaviour or body. Are they breathing normally? Are they responsive? This can give you a better idea of what needs to be done.
4. Make sure your pet is safe
If your pet has eaten something harmful or is in a dangerous situation, act quickly. This might involve removing the food or object if it’s safe to do so. The main thing is to protect your pet from further harm.
5. Avoid searching online
Although it might seem like a quick fix, try not to diagnose your pet using internet searches. It can often lead to more worry and confusion, and may not point you to the right solution. It’s always best to speak to your vet if you’re unsure.
What to know before looking up pet health advice online
When your pet is unwell or acting differently, it’s completely natural to want quick answers. Many people turn to the internet for help, with 88% of pet owners searching online if they’re worried.
The internet has plenty of information, but it can sometimes cause more confusion and stress, especially if you’re already feeling anxious about your pet.
Here’s why it's worth being careful with online advice:
1. Conflicting information
There's a lot of online pet advice out there, but it’s not always accurate. You might find different answers to the same question, and it's not always clear which ones to trust. Some websites might say your pet’s symptoms are nothing to worry about, while others might suggest something serious. This can leave you feeling unsure and anxious.
2. It can add to your worry
Pet symptoms can be vague and can mean different things. For example, if your dog is acting tired, it could be because they had a long walk. On the other hand, it could mean that they’re not feeling very well. Googling symptoms could make you think the worst, like your pet having a serious illness, even if it’s something small.
3. It might delay the right help
Trying to figure out what’s wrong by searching online can take up valuable time you could be spending talking to a vet. The sooner you talk to a professional, the sooner your pet can get the care that they need.
4. Not all advice is reliable
A lot of pet health advice isn’t written by vets, so it might not be accurate or right for your pet’s specific needs. Some websites could suggest things that are unhelpful or confusing. That’s why it’s always better to get advice from a trusted expert.
5. It can feel overwhelming
Scrolling through endless information can make things feel worse. Instead of feeling reassured, you might end up more anxious or unsure. It’s easy to start second-guessing yourself when there’s so much conflicting advice.
6. It’s not tailored to your pet
Every pet is different. Just like people, they have their own health needs. A vet will consider your pet’s age, breed and history when they give advice. Online searches can’t offer that personal care, and the advice you find might not work for your pet.
A better option: Talk to a professional
Instead of looking up answers online, the best thing to do is call a vet. If you have 69ÌÃ Pet Insurance, you can use our 69ÌÃ Petcall service. It’s a 24/7 vet advice line where you can speak to an online vet anytime about your pet’s health.
Getting expert advice when you need it most can help you feel more confident and calmer. Whether it’s just a question or a pet emergency, 69ÌÃ Petcall is there to help, day or night.
If you’re ever unsure, always talk to a vet. It’s the safest way to make sure your pet gets the care they need.
Key takeaways
- Many pet owners often experience stress about their pet’s health, safety and care costs, with the most common pet emergencies involving their pet’s sudden illness, distress or absence
- Knowing how to respond by staying calm, assessing the situation, and seeking professional help is crucial. It’s best not to look for answers online, as this can lead to misinformation and delays in proper care
- Pet insurance can help make sure your loyal sidekick gets the care they need if they’re ever hurt or unwell. Plus, it could help ease the cost of vet bills for you too
