Pet Emergency Trends

Uncovering Patterns and Insights in Global and Regional Pet Health Crises

Dr. Irtwange N.B

2025-05-09

Introduction
Business task
Analysis
Key insights summary
Recommendations
Conclusion

About The Vet Vortex

Founded: 2024 by Dr Irtwange N.B
Focus: Making animal care easy to understand, highlighting zoonotic implications, and promoting overall pet well-being.
Global Presence: Global Virtual Reach.

Key Products:

Educational Blog Series: Improve pet health literacy with engaging, research-backed contents.
Pet Health Trackers (Digital & Printable).
Data-Driven Reports: Showcases data analytics expertise + pet health insights.
Social Media Campaigns: Educational reels/carousels. Hashtags like #TheVetVortex.
Newsletter: Free subscription to build a community and drive traffic.

Business tasks

Identify global and regional trends in pet emergency-related searches.
Determine seasonal or species-specific spikes in public concern.
Apply findings to improve SEO, content relevance, and public education campaigns on The Vet Vortex.

Methodology

Data Duration

Time Period: 2015–2025

Data Collection

Source: Google Trends
Keywords: 75 pet emergency-related search terms (e.g., “dog seizures,” “pet vomiting,” “emergency vet”)
Regions Analyzed: Global vs. Nigeria

Data Processing & Cleaning (ROCC)

Raw Data

Processing Steps

Normalization
Categorization
Time-frame Alignment
Consistency Check (ROCC)

Analysis

Methods Used:

Trend Analysis
Comparative Analysis
Seasonal Trend Analysis
Species-Specific Analysis

Analysis Tools

Tools Used: R and Tableau

Limitations

Relative Interest, Not Absolute Counts
Geographic Bias
Language Bias
Search Intent Ambiguity
Data Gaps
Keyword Selection Bias
Temporal Bias
Absence of demographic information in the dataset

Relative Interest, Not Absolute Counts – Google Trends provides normalized data, not total search volumes.
Geographic Bias – Internet usage patterns may skew representation, especially in under-connected regions.
Language Bias – Non-English searches may be underrepresented; keywords were English-only.
Search Intent Ambiguity – Search phrases may not always imply emergency context.
Data Gaps – Low-interest terms in some regions may show incomplete data.
Keyword Selection Bias - Keyword lists were curated manually, which may have excluded relevant but less obvious emergency terms, especially in regional contexts.
Temporal Bias - The analysis is limited to a specific time frame, which may not capture all seasonal trends or emerging issues. External events (viral videos, pet safety campaigns, etc.) may artificially inflate search interest unrelated to true incident rates. 8 Incomplete or Sparse Keyword Batches - Batches 13 and 14, containing keywords like “reptile constipation” and “guinea pig not eating”, returned valid data but showed consistently zero search interest over the entire 10-year span. This indicates extremely low or nonexistent public interest in these specific pet emergencies within Nigeria.
Absence of demographic information in the dataset This would have provided additional context on the types of pet owners searching for these terms. Additionally, the analysis does not account for external factors, such as public health campaigns or events (e.g., COVID-19), that may have influenced search behavior during certain periods. Notably, COVID-19 was frequently referenced during the analysis as a potential driver of increased search volumes, likely due to heightened health awareness, lockdown-induced pet ownership spikes, and limited access to veterinary services during certain periods.

Why This Matters

Pet emergencies are rising, but public awareness isn’t evenly distributed.

Google search data offers a powerful lens into what pet owners fear most and when.

1. What pet emergencies are most frequently searched?

2. Are there seasonal spikes in pet emergency searches?

Both global and Nigerian pet emergency searches exhibit seasonal trends. Globally, spikes are typically tied to heat-related emergencies in summer months, as well as trauma and respiratory issues during peak travel or vacation times. These seasonal patterns highlight periods when pet owners are more likely to encounter health issues tied to temperature extremes or changes in routine.
In Nigeria, searches peak around festive seasons, with notable increases in pet health concerns during the pandemic years (2020–2022). However, there are also dips in search interest during low-activity months like January to March, possibly due to socio-economic factors that limit veterinary care access and general awareness. These trends underline the importance of proactive outreach during high-risk periods and suggest opportunities to target educational campaigns in underactive months.

Global Pet Emergency Trends (2015–2025):

Gastrointestinal emergencies are the most searched, reflecting common pet health issues.
Pandemic impact: Surge in awareness during the pandemic, with lasting effects on pet health awareness.
Seasonal trends: Peaks in trauma, heat/cold, respiratory, and reproductive emergencies.
Emerging concerns: Growing recognition of cardiovascular and skin issues due to changing pet demographics.
Under-recognized emergencies: Urinary and dental issues remain overlooked.
Shift to proactive care: Increasing awareness and understanding of preventive pet health care.
Data anomaly in 2025: A dip in search interest that doesn’t reflect actual decline in concern.

Nigerian Pet Emergency Trends (2015–2025):

Reactive care culture: Gaps in proactive care, with many searches based on vague symptoms.
Under-recognition: Lack of interest in critical categories like dental, urinary, and cardiovascular health.
Pandemic surge: Highlighted the potential for crisis-driven education in pet health.
Seasonal patterns: Certain emergencies spike during specific seasons, creating opportunities for timely outreach.
Low-activity months: January to March show reduced searches, indicating a key window for proactive education and early intervention.
Opportunity for The Vet Vortex: The blog can bridge knowledge gaps and shift the culture toward preventive care through accessible, timely, and relatable content.

Which emergencies are gaining or losing public interest over time?

The decade-long analysis of pet emergency searches reveals significant shifts in public interest:

Globally: Gastrointestinal issues, particularly vomiting and diarrhea, have remained consistently high in search interest, reflecting their commonality and visibility. Newer concerns, such as cardiovascular and skin issues, are gaining attention as public awareness improves. On the other hand, some serious conditions, like urinary and dental emergencies, are still under-recognized, despite their growing importance.
Nigeria Trends: There’s a notable gap in awareness regarding internal/systemic conditions such as seizures and urinary blockages. Searches in Nigeria often focus on more visible crises like trauma or collapse, suggesting that pet owners are primarily reactive in their health-seeking behavior. This presents a key opportunity to raise awareness about critical but less visible emergencies.
The 2025 dip in global interest is seen as a data anomaly rather than a real decline in concern, and global shifts toward proactive care continue to gain traction, suggesting growing awareness and better pet health literacy.

Globally, dogs and cats lead search interest for pet emergencies, indicating their prominence as household pets and the corresponding concern for their health. The focus on these two species shows a deep-rooted awareness among pet owners about the well-being of their primary companions.
In contrast, Nigeria presents a unique situation where the search interest is not only dominated by dogs and cats but also significantly influenced by the “Other” category. This category includes general terms like “pet emergency” and “animal hospital,” suggesting a broader, less specific search pattern. Notably, rabbits rank second in Nigeria’s pet emergency-related searches, which points to an emerging trend in rabbit ownership and health concerns. However, birds, small mammals, and reptiles show very little interest in emergency searches, which may reflect lower ownership rates or reduced awareness about their health.

1. What is the global trend in pet emergency search interest by species over the past decade?

Over the past decade, global search interest in pet emergencies has steadily increased, with dogs leading the search interest, followed by cats. Other species like small mammals, rabbits, and birds have also shown significant interest, suggesting a broadening of pet care awareness beyond traditional pets. The highest spike in search interest occurred in 2024, likely influenced by climate-related health concerns, a rise in pet ownership during the pandemic, and increased availability of digital health resources.

2. How does pet emergency search interest in Nigeria compare to global trends?

In Nigeria, the search interest for pet emergencies has risen sharply since 2020, with the most significant spike in 2023. Unlike global trends where dogs and cats dominate search interest, Nigeria shows a unique pattern: the “Other” category (including terms like “pet emergency,” “animal hospital,” and “emergency vet”) leads the search interest. This suggests a broader concern for animal health but less specificity regarding individual species. While rabbits rank second in Nigeria for emergency searches, dogs and cats follow closely behind, but their search interest is lower than expected compared to global trends.

3. What unique patterns of pet emergency search interest are observed in Nigeria compared to global data?

“Other” Category Leads: In Nigeria, the “Other” category, including general terms like “pet emergency,” leads search interest, indicating a less specific focus on particular species and possibly driven by panic-driven or less informed queries.
Rabbits’ Unexpected Popularity: Rabbits rank second in Nigeria for emergency-related searches, which is surprising given their lower prominence in global trends. This may reflect growing interest in rabbit ownership, possibly for both companionship and meat production.
Lower Search Interest for Dogs and Cats: While dogs and cats are still popular in Nigeria, their search interest for emergencies is considerably lower compared to global trends, potentially due to factors like limited veterinary access and lower awareness of pet health concerns.

4. What factors might be influencing these trends in both global and Nigerian pet emergency search interest?

Global Influences:
- Pandemic Impact: The rise in pet ownership during the pandemic likely drove increased awareness and search interest in pet health, including emergencies.
- Climate-Related Concerns: As climate-related health issues became more visible, there was a corresponding spike in searches, especially in 2024.
- Better Access to Information: Increased availability of digital resources has contributed to a broader understanding of pet health and emergencies.
Nigerian Influences:
- Limited Veterinary Access: The relatively lower search interest for specific species, like dogs and cats, may be attributed to limited access to veterinary care or a lack of awareness about pet health emergencies.
- Lack of Specific Knowledge: The high interest in general terms like “pet emergency” and “animal hospital” suggests a lack of familiarity with specific species’ health needs or a more panic-driven approach to pet care.
- Cultural Trends: The growing popularity of rabbit ownership in Nigeria could explain the higher search interest for rabbit-related emergencies.
These insights reveal how pet emergency awareness differs regionally, with Nigeria showing specific challenges in terms of veterinary education, access, and species-specific concerns.

Objectives Met?

Identify global and regional trends in pet emergency-related searches.

Global Trends:

High Awareness & Proactive Behavior
Dominant Emergencies
Species Focus
Evolving Interest

Nigerian Trends:

Reactive Search Behavior
Underrepresented Emergencies
Species Interest
Infrastructure Gap

Nigerian Trends:

Reactive Search Behavior: Most queries are vague or crisis-level (e.g., “pet emergency,” “rabbit sick”), reflecting low public health literacy.

Underrepresented Emergencies: Critical internal conditions (like urinary blockage, neurological issues, and dental problems) are rarely searched.

Species Interest: Rabbits surprisingly rank high, possibly due to increased pet ownership and dual-purpose use (meat & pet). “Other” category searches dominate, showing general rather than species-specific concerns.

Infrastructure Gap: Limited diagnostics and vet access may explain the lack of detailed emergency-related searches.
Determine seasonal or species-specific spikes in public concern

a. Seasonal Spikes:

Global:

Summer
Winter
Holidays/Festive Seasons

Nigeria:

Hot Season (Feb–April)
Post-festive periods
Pandemic Surge (2020–2022)

b. Species-Specific Spikes:

Dogs
Cats
Rabbits
Small mammals & birds

Apply findings to improve SEO, content relevance, and public education campaigns on The Vet Vortex

SEO Improvements
Content Strategy
Educational Campaigns

Recommendations

Raising Awareness on Pet Health.
Broadening Public Understanding of Pet Emergencies.
Promoting Proactive Health Approaches.
Using Clear, Accessible Language.
Acknowledging Regional Health Trends.

Raising Awareness on Pet Health:

As I’ve noticed from the data, many pet owners are still unfamiliar with some of the more subtle signs of emergencies in their pets. I believe it’s crucial to help them understand both the common and more obscure symptoms, so they can spot potential issues before they become serious problems.

Broadening Public Understanding of Pet Emergencies:

It’s clear that there’s a need to expand people’s knowledge about the different types of emergencies pets can face. By shining a light on both external and internal health concerns, we can make sure pet owners aren’t just prepared for visible injuries, but also know what to do if something more internal, like a urinary blockage, occurs.

Promoting Proactive Health Approaches:

One thing I’ve observed is that many people seem to react only when a crisis hits, rather than taking preventative measures beforehand. Shifting the focus towards routine health check-ups, vaccinations, and understanding their pets’ needs before something goes wrong could drastically reduce emergencies down the line.

Using Clear, Accessible Language:

The language used to describe pet health issues plays a big role in how people react. It seems that simplifying medical terms and using language that pet owners can easily grasp might help bridge the knowledge gap. By breaking things down in a way that’s both clear and relatable, we can empower people to act quickly and confidently in case of emergencies.

Acknowledging Regional Health Trends:

There’s a noticeable difference in pet health concerns based on geography. Different regions, including Nigeria, show varying levels of awareness and access to resources. Tailoring information to reflect these regional nuances could make the difference in how well we address local challenges.

Pet Emergency Trends

Contents

About The Vet Vortex

Business tasks

Methodology

Limitations

Why This Matters

1. What pet emergencies are most frequently searched?

2. Are there seasonal spikes in pet emergency searches?

Objectives Met?

Recommendations

Conclusion

Q & A SESSION

Pet Emergency Trends

Contents

About The Vet Vortex

Business tasks

Methodology

Limitations

Why This Matters

1. What pet emergencies are most frequently searched?

2. Are there seasonal spikes in pet emergency searches?

3. Which Species Show Higher Emergency-Related Interest?

Objectives Met?

Recommendations

Conclusion

Q & A SESSION