When To Get To The Vet

Signs of an emergency - By Staff Writer on Tuesday, November 30, 2010 - 14:43

Dogs are always getting into something.  If they are not eating scraps off the street they are trying to grab chicken bones from empty plates.  So how does a dog owner know when a symptom is something to rush to the vet over or something that they should just keep an eye on?   Well we asked a few vets and compiled a list of a few signs are tell tale signs that you need to get to the vet immediately.
 
Any sudden Impact
Clearly if your dog is hit by a car you need to immediately get it to the vet.  (Read our article on what to do if your dog is hit by a car)  But you should also bring your dog in if it has an unexpected fall from jumping out of second story windows, feats of acrobatics off balconies or anything of that nature.  Large sudden impacts could damage internal organs and even if your dog appears ok it could have trauma that will show later when it is too late. 
 
Severe Bleeding
Small cuts and scratches from scuffles with other dogs are one thing but anything that looks like it may need stitches probably does.  Deep wounds or anything that is ragged needs to be treated by the vet.  Make sure you stop the bleeding before transportation if there is a gushing wound as it could lead to a major loss of blood.
 
Difficult breathing
Any labored breathing is an instant sign that something is wrong. If you see your dog gasping for air or even having severe changes in breathing patterns get your dog immediately to the vet it could be choking or have an illness causing lung problems.
 
Lethargy
This was the symptom my dog was experiencing when she at the nickel that made the vet tell me to get in immediately.  Any change in mood or the onset of lethargy and excessive sleeping could be a sign that something is seriously wrong.  Just like we get tired when we are very sick your dog will show signs of being tired.
 
Distended Stomach
Particularly in large breeds a large distended stomach could be the sign of a life threatening illness called bloatAlso known as gastric dialation-volvulus is the distension or enlargement of the stomach by expanding gas. If it is accompanies by torsion or twisting the stomach becomes blocked and the trauma to the system can be fatal. . 
 
Severe Diarrhea or Vomiting
Dogs and particularly puppies that are experiencing sever diarrhea or vomiting is losing fluids.  If your dog is very sick it could get to the point where it becomes dehydrated leading to other complications.  It may be necessary for your dog to have an IV and this is something your vet needs to determine.
 
Difficulty Urinating
Any sign that your dog is straining to urinate or the appearance of blood in the urine are indications that your dog needs to see a vet.  Even if it is something small like a UTI this can lead quickly to kidney infections and other issues and is just down right painful.
 
Eye Change
If you notice any immediate change in your dogs eyes get them to the vet.  Clouding could be a sign of glaucoma that can lead to blindness.  Also if the eyes look red it could be an infection or a chemical burn, depending on what they got into lately, and it needs to be taken care of to prevent further problems. 
 
Pale Gums
The loss of blood can lead to pale gums but also anemiaAnemia is the reduction of red blood cells or hemoglobin in a dog's blood. The protein hemoglobin bonds oxygen to the red blood cells allowing for transportation of oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Reduced red blood cell count or decreased hemoglobin will result in low levels of oxygen causing weakness, abnormal heart rate, lethargy among other symptoms. and other illnesses.  The sign of pale gums should be checked out by a vet and if it is in combination with any of the above symptoms get them there ASAP.
 
These are just a few of the main signs but there are others.  If you see your dog eating something poisonous or with any other symptoms that seem very extreme it is safer just to get them to the vet and get checked out.