If you’re wondering when to send your dog to an emergency vet, these warning signs may help. Your dog is a family member: they ‘re your best friend, they ‘re enjoying your leftovers, and they’re joining you for walks in the morning. But your dog is unable to speak so how do you know when to seek medical assistance? How can you say if the slump means a sprain, or sneeze needs an antibiotic?
Learn how to identify warning signs which indicate when you should take your dog to the emergency vet. Or have the emergency vet come to you!
1. Strange food habits
It’s not out of the ordinary for your dog to miss one or two meals, particularly if it’s hot outside, but it should be a red flag that something is wrong. Two days without eating is a clear sign your dog needs to have an exam.
Some conditions lead dogs to develop irregular eating habits. If your dog is normally well-behaved but starts raiding the garbage or pantry, you can take them for a check-up.
2. Excessive Thirst
It’s important that you know how much water your dog drinks every day. A dog that drinks more water than normal may develop diabetes or kidney disease. If you have to refill the water bowl more than usual, or if they have an excessive amount of urine, need to go out more frequently, or have accidents in the building, you can tell if your dog is drinking too much water.
3. A Dry Or Rough Coat
The coat of a dog should be thick, glittery, and soft. A coat that is dull, rough, dry, or has bald patches may mean something is wrong. The culprit may be the wrong sort of food, an allergy or a skin condition. Anyway, for a dubious coat a ride to the vet is a must.
4. Looks sluggish and tired
Lethargy is a sign your dog may be disturbed by something. A lethargic dog may not be interested in playing, going for a walk or taking part in activities that they normally enjoy. Sometimes normal fatigue or sore muscles can be due to high temperatures, but if symptoms persist for more than two days you should see a vet. If you’re wondering when to send your dog to an emergency vet, these warning signs may help.
5. Vomit
It’s not uncommon for dogs to vomit sometimes. Animals may vomit to get rid of something they don’t agree with. But that should concern you with some vomiting. For eg, you should call the vet immediately if your dog:
- Vomits frequently or several times in a row
- Vomits blood
- Has a fever
Severe vomiting can also cause dehydration or diarrhea so seek early treatment.
6. Unusual Stool
A dog’s poop is a good measure of physical well being. A healthy dog has short, firm, moist stools. Clean, hard stools may be a symptom of sickness, eating problems or dehydration. If you’re wondering when to send your dog to an emergency vet, these warning signs may help. If they have any of those signs, take your dog to the vet:
- Noted worms in stool
- Diarrhea lasted more than 24 hours
- Tension
- Blood or mucous stubble
7. Sudden Weight Loss
If your dog shows any signs of sudden weight loss which is unexplained, you should be advised to phone an emergency vet. Rapid and sudden weight loss may be an sign of a serious health problem. If your dog declines by 10 per cent in weight, bring it to the attention of your vet. This may be as little as a 1-pound weight reduction in small dogs.
8. Cloudy or Red Eyes
Infection or injury could be indicated by cloudy or red eyes, squinting, or excessive discharge from your dog’s eyes. Make sure you have your dog straight away for a checkup. Diseases affecting the eyes can progress rapidly and cause blindness. Drug can be used to treat an infection or to relieve clinical symptoms.
9. Dragging Their Rear
If your dog scoots or drags its back on the floor, he/she might have bacteria, swollen or contaminated anal glands, infection with the urinary tract, or diarrhea.
10. Urgent signs
If your dog exhibits any of the following signs, call the vet or an emergency medical clinic:
- Open wounds or even fractured bones, such as when struck by a vehicle or other injuries
- Stops breathing or a loss of consciousness
- Vomiting or vomiting blood repeatedly
- Sudden collapse or shortness of breath
- Their mouth, nose or eyes bleed
- Might be killed by eating something poisonous
- Extreme pain, seen to whine or shake
- Severe and inflamed abdomen
Because of the survival instinct of a dog, they will try to maintain a good outward appearance. If you’re wondering when to send your dog to an emergency vet, these warning signs may help. Being an observant and conscious of the subtlest changes is vital as a pet owner. You know your dog better than anyone else so call the emergency vet for a check-up if anything is wrong. Need medical care for your dog? Call us today and we will come directly to your home with our convenient, state of the art mobile veterinary clinic.
