If your dog gets sick or hurt, it’s natural to feel helpless and panic. Your pet can’t talk-they can’t tell you when they’re in pain, and they can’t tell you what they need. You must work this out for yourself. Thankfully, there are things you can look for to know the best course of action for your beloved pet.
There is no doubt about it: dogs are man’s best friend. A dog’s unconditional love, loyalty, and companionship are just a few of the many reasons people fall in love with canines. They really are so loyal and faithful. Many take their dogs for walks or run with them, or when the dog is older, take the dog for rides in the car.
The key signs that your dog needs emergency veterinary care are:
- Uncontrolled bleeding
Dog emergencies are rare, but they can be quite serious when they do occur. One of the most serious dog emergencies is uncontrolled bleeding, which can occur from things like a twisted stomach, a broken limb, or internal bleeding. For external bleeding, you can apply firm pressure over a compress to aid clotting. Medical help should be sought as soon as possible to assess and treat the trauma.
- Blood in diarrhea or vomiting
If your dog has diarrhea or vomits, his first instinct may be to gulp some water, but this is a bad idea. Instead, call your vet immediately. Vomiting or diarrhea is an emergency, and it is important to treat it as soon as possible. Dogs are fed using the principle of “eat, poop, eat, poop,” so diarrhea or vomiting can cause dehydration. Dehydration can lead to serious, potentially deadly complications.
- Lameness or inability to walk
Dogs don’t often get sick, but they get sick fast when they do. Usually, a puppy or dog that has suddenly fallen ill or is not feeling well will not be able to stand or walk on its own. This sudden fall from physical health to physical inability is rare, but it is one of a dog’s emergency signs. Recognizing these critical signals means you will be able to help your dog get healthy and stay safe until you can get to the vet.
- Swollen, painful, or bloated abdomen
Dogs are just like people. They can get sick. Just like people, sometimes their symptoms can mimic those of other, more serious conditions. Bloating, for example, can be a sign of several different conditions in dogs, including pancreatitis, intestinal blockage, and intestinal parasites. So, it is important to be aware of the signs of an emergency in your furry friend so you can take your pet to the vet as soon as possible.
- Skin infections
Your dog’s dry, flaky skin can be caused by parasites that cause mange, such as cheyletiellosis and Demodex mites. When you see your dog has red patches of skin or if they appear to have a skin infection, take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. This is because they might be at risk of developing puppy pyoderma (skin peeling disease). Taking them to a veterinarian ensures that they can be treated and the infected areas of their skin can heal. It is much more difficult for dogs to deal with dry skin due to their high level of hair. Therefore, you should consider resolving the problem as soon as possible.
- Seizures
Seizures in dogs can be scary and can cause panic in their owners, but it is more important to remember: not all seizures in dogs are dangerous. Not all seizures in people, either. The important thing to remember is that seizures are something you should talk about with your veterinarian.
- Unable to deliver puppies
Dogs usually give birth on their own, but as with humans, some assistance can be needed. By 10 weeks, most puppies will be ready to begin their new life, and by 12 weeks, they will likely be completely weaned. If a dog goes into labor after 12 weeks, it is a sign that she is pregnant again or has complications from a previous litter. In either of these cases, an emergency veterinarian should be contacted immediately.
- Sudden blindness, stumbling, or staggering
A dog’s eyesight is one of the most important senses they have, and sudden loss of sight can be a sign of an emergency. There are many causes of blindness in dogs, including cataracts, glaucoma, retinal atrophy, and more. A dog’s retina is the light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye; it helps them see. Certain breeds, such as golden retrievers, are more prone to retinal atrophy since they are so prone to certain eye conditions. Even the best pet insurance will not cover every emergency, so it’s always good to be prepared. Fortunately, this is a rare event, and dogs tend to recover fully.