Many pet owners find it hard to imagine life without their dogs. Having them around makes our houses feel more like home. They bring a sense of coziness to our homes, and without them, they feel empty. This is why we know something is wrong when our dogs suddenly become sick, lazy, or unwilling to eat or play.
Even though some cases may not be as serious and can wait until your next visit to the vet, some subtle signs may be more serious and can be life-threatening when ignored, according to most veterinarians.
Dog Emergency Symptoms to Be Aware of
In this post, we’ll go through some more serious indications that your dog is experiencing an emergency and needs to be taken to the vet or emergency room immediately.
Signs of Pain
Being able to tell when an animal is in pain is a crucial part of responsible animal husbandry. Some symptoms of discomfort include anxiousness or restlessness; others include crying out in pain or sudden jerking movements when you touch specific parts of the body (e.g., limbs, stomach, and back). Other dogs can clearly not move or walk and can be observed hobbling or dragging their hind legs.
Seizures in Dogs
Uncontrollable bursts of activity in your dog’s brain result in tremors or seizures. It can be described as a minute-long muscle twitch or uncontrollable shaking. Other symptoms include collapsing, muscle twitching, stiffness, drooling, tongue chewing, frothing at the mouth, and losing consciousness. Poisoning, liver or kidney disease, brain injuries, strokes, or cancer are among the leading causes of seizures. Learn more information right here.
Breathing Problems
Seeing your dog panting after a long run may be quite normal. However, a dog’s breathing difficulties can soon turn deadly. Breathing problems are usually the result of lung or respiratory issues, but they can also be an indication of other health issues, such as obesity, heartworms, tumors, heart issues, allergies, or even injury or trauma. Fast, labored breaths, a wide-open mouth, and an extended tongue are all signs that your dog is having trouble breathing. You may also notice your dog panting or coughing up foamy, frothy saliva and pale or bluish gums.
Coughing, Vomiting, and Diarrhea
Something is wrong when your dog can’t sleep through the night and is continuously coughing. Your dog’s upper respiratory system can be infected by bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which can cause pneumonia or bronchitis. Coughing can also be an indication of heart disease.
Dogs’ most common causes of diarrhea are parasites, food allergies, intolerances, and stress. Recurrences of vomiting more than two or three times can indicate that your dog has ingested toxic materials or has an undiagnosed underlying medical condition, and you should seek immediate medical attention.
Do not wait more than 12 hours before taking your puppy to the vet for diarrhea or vomiting that doesn’t go away or worsens. They can dehydrate quickly, causing severe harm to vital organs. For proper pet care, dog and cat checkups may be necessary.
Inability to Urinate or Defecate
Your dog’s swollen abdomen could indicate a urinary obstruction, which can be life-threatening if it’s squatting or straining to urinate and generating little or no urine. When a dog cannot urinate, harmful and deadly levels of waste build up in its body. Bladder stones, urethral stones, and cancer are dogs’ most common causes of urinary blockages. You must seek immediate medical attention. To learn more about this, visit Cedar Animal Medical Center.
Conclusion
Schedule an appointment with a veterinarian if you notice any abnormalities in your dog’s health. When caring for a pet, it’s crucial to be mindful of even the most minor changes. Write down as much information about your observations as you can, including the date, time, frequency, and conditions. An accurate diagnosis and treatment plan will be provided for your dog if your veterinarian has this information.
