If your dog is experiencing a seizure, do not touch or move the dog. Move any objects that might fall on or hurt the dog, but do not put your hands or body near its mouth. The dog may bite or injure you. If the dog has fainted, drape a blanket over the dog. When you take the dog to the vet, carry it out. Do not drag the dog.
A swollen stomach can be a sign of bloat, also known as gastric dilatation. Your dog may also try to vomit repeatedly, sometimes without luck. This is a serious problem that requires emergency attention. Internal bleeding can also cause the abdomen to swell. This can cause your dog to go into shock, which may be fatal if untreated. It’s also possible that the dog has eaten something it shouldn’t have, causing an obstruction.
Not being able to pass urine is a genuine emergency which requires immediate veterinary attention. Failing to do so could result in the bladder bursting, kidney failure, or even a heart attack.
Altered mental status can be difficult to assess, because you need to be able to recognize what is normal for your pet. Changes in normal behavior are usually signs of a medical condition.
Age, arthritis, pain, and circulatory problems are some of the reasons why your dog may be struggling to walk.
Coughing and wheezing can be signs of numerous illnesses. They may indicate a respiratory infection or show that your dog is struggling to breathe. If it appears your dog is coughing something up, gently place your fingers in its mouth to see if you can identify what is causing the choking. If you can’t find it, call your vet for advice. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Blood in vomit or diarrhea can be a sign of internal bleeding, parasites, or an internal obstruction. If your dog has diarrhea or vomiting, give it plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration.
The discharge may be clear, white, yellow, or green in color. If you see a clear, odorless discharge from your dog, it may not be a medical emergency, but you may still want to have your vet check it out.
Check its respiratory rate after it has been resting for at least 15-20 minutes. It is normal for your dog to have a higher respiratory rate after exercise or when it is excited. Dogs may also pant if they are happy, stressed, or hot. If the dog’s respiratory rate is between 34 and 60, keep an eye on it. Check it again after 15-20 minutes to see if it has gone down. If it is still raised, call your vet for advice.
To learn your dog’s baseline rate, take its pulse a few times while it is healthy. Larger dogs may have a heart rate of 60-100 beats per minute while smaller dogs may have a heart rate between 100-140 beats per minute.
Lethargy alone may not be a sign of a medical emergency, but it can indicate something is wrong. There are many reasons why lethargy and weakness may develop, from heart disease to running a fever.
If your dog is restless while breastfeeding, it may have hypocalcemia (also known as milk fever), a serious condition that needs immediate medical attention. If the dog is restless and vomiting, check the stomach for any swelling. If the dog has a swollen belly, see a vet immediately. The dog may have bloat.
Even if you just suspect that your dog has eaten something bad, get it to the vet just in case. Do not induce vomiting, unless your vet specifically tells you to. There are many plants that are dangerous for dogs. These include azaleas, lillies, and tulips. If you find your dog chewing or eating these plants, take it to the vet, even if it is not displaying signs of sickness. [17] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Signs of poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, nosebleeds, and lack of energy.
Even if the dog is able to walk, it is best to treat this as an emergency because pain can push a dog into shock, which can be life-threatening. Signs of shock include pale gums, cold paws and limbs, a weak pulse, and lethargy. These are signs that your dog needs immediate medical treatment.
Apply pressure to the wound for several minutes. Non-life-threatening bleeding stops when pressure is applied over the injury, and the bleeding does not resume when the pressure is removed. Any bleeding that resumes once pressure is removed should be treated as an emergency.
If it is outside of your vet’s normal hours, check their website to see if they have an emergency line. Call this number instead.
While you do not need an appointment, it is a good idea to call the emergency vet if possible to make sure that they have time to see your dog. Your vet can refer you to an emergency vet if they can’t treat your dog. In the U. S. , you can find a local one here: https://www. aaha. org/pet_owner/about_aaha/hospital_search/default. aspx
If the dog snaps, growls, or tries to bite you, try not to touch it as much as possible. Coax it into the dog carrier or car using a treat, toy, or leash. If needed, you can make a muzzle out of a belt, gauze, or pantyhose. Wrap it around its jaw, keeping its nose free to breathe.
Drape a blanket over the dog to keep it warm while you take it to the vet. If the dog is going into shock, its body temperature may drop. Once at the vet, hand the dog over to the veterinarian. They will treat your dog as soon as possible. You may wait in the lobby while the dog is being treated. If you don’t have someone there to help carry a larger dog, try to pick the dog up from around the chest. If you can’t lift the dog, ask a friend to come over or see if the vet will make a house call.
