One of the biggest challenges a dog owner has to face is taking care of a sick pet. While a bout of diarrhea or lack of appetite can be scary, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you should take him to the vet right away. But if the problem persists for more than a day, it’s probably wise to give the doctor a call. Is my dog’s condition serious or am I just panicking? Knowing when to bring your furry friend to get checked out can be confusing especially to new pet owners.
Here are 5 signs that you should bring your dog to the vet:
Abdominal pain or distension
Abdominal pain is a warning sign of a medical emergency and your pet must be brought to the vet right away. When you feel your furry friend’s abdomen and he shows signs of pain, it may mean that he has a twisted stomach which has complete obstruction. It is called gastric dilation-volvolus or more commonly referred to as bloat. Fluid distension from heart disease and internal bleeding due to ruptured spleen may also cause abdominal pain in dogs.
Collapse or lethargy
There are days that your dog may seem lazy and lethargic but if this goes on for 24 to 48 hours, it’s time to take him to the vet. If you observe your dog to have prolonged periods of sleep, disinterest in interacting or playing, hiding in unusual places and no desire for your daily walk, he may be experiencing collapse. This is usually caused by anaphylactic shock, allergic response, hypoglycemia, internal bleeding, dehydration, metabolic distress and even Addison’s disease.
Leg paralysis
If you observe your furry friend suddenly having difficulty using one or more of his legs, this is most probably herniation in a part of his spinal cord. This is generally a medical emergency in dogs. If left untreated, it can lead to changes in your dog’s mental state.
Eye problems
Red eyes, bulging eyes as well as extreme swelling and tearing are considered eye emergencies in pets and they should be brought to the vet at the soonest time possible. When left untreated, eye problems will worsen and can lead to blindness.
Seizures
A seizure, especially when experienced in clusters, indicate a medical emergency. It may be caused by serious underlying conditions such as a brain mass, electrolyte imbalance, toxin ingestion or epilepsy. Have your pet checked by your vet right away.
If you observe any of these 5 signs on your pet dog, don’t hesitate to seek the help of your vet at the soonest time possible.
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