Signs That Your Dog Needs Immediate Veterinary Care

Can you tell when your dog needs veterinary care? Sometimes it can be very clear that that Fido needs to see the vet: injury, collapse, limping, or seizures, for instance, clearly warrant immediate veterinary care. However, sometimes the signs aren’t so obvious. In this article, a Castle Hills, TX vet lists some signs that your dog needs emergency care.

Respiratory Distress

If your dog is having trouble breathing, act immediately: bring your dog to emergency care right away. This is a serious red flag in our canine pals!

Vomiting/Diarrhea

We know, Fido has been known to throw up and then merrily go about his business as though nothing happened. However, while the occasional tummy upset isn’t unusual, repeated vomiting or diarrhea, or the presence of blood, could signify a serious emergency. Better safe than sorry: contact your vet if your pooch is having digestive issues. Even if Fido is still wagging his tail.

Trouble Urinating

There are many different reasons Fido could have trouble relieving himself, and they range from simple infections to life-threatening blockages. Don’t wait to see if the issue resolves naturally: call your vet immediately.

Failure To Eat/Drink

If there’s one thing we can say for sure about Fido, it’s that he has a healthy appetite. Any time a dog loses interest in food, it’s a red flag. A lack of thirst is also a warning sign.

Pain

Howling and/or barking, restlessness, uncharacteristic crankiness, panting, pacing, and limping are all warning signs that your pet needs care immediately. If Fido looks like he’s trying to vomit, but can’t; is pressing his head against the wall; or can’t seem to get comfortable, he could be seriously sick.

Toxin Exposure

If you know or suspect that your dog has eaten or been exposed to something toxic, don’t wait: take Fido to the vet right away!

Tips

These are just a few examples of times that Fido needs veterinary care. Ask your vet for more information on signs of illness in dogs. If you aren’t sure if your four-legged buddy is sick or not, call your vet and describe what’s going on. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Do you have questions or concerns about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your Castle Hills, TX animal clinic, anytime! We are here to serve all your pet’s veterinary care needs.