Go to the Vet

Ten Immediate Reasons for a Vet visit


Inevitably an illness may afflict your dog but you may be uncertain as to whether or when it requires an actual visit to a vet. Here is a brief list of conditions commonly seen by vets that may help you as a pet care provider.

1. Trauma
Dog sitters should be alert on any traumatic conditions in pets. Whether it is from dog fights, automobile hit, or whatever, even if he appears okay nonetheless you should have a vet check him because deeper unseen consequences or infections may arise.

2. Breathing Difficulty
Wheezing or choking is serious. If a foreign object is suspected do not attempt removal as you may lodge it deeper.  Also there are a wide range of causes that could be responsible. Substance allergic to cats or poison from fruit bat droppings, spiders, and many more animals can infect pets.

3. Neurological Conditions
Disorientation and lethargy all the way to coma can be the symptoms. Accurate diagnosis is critical as some conditions may or may not have their root in the brain.
       
4. Seizures
These are most common in dogs. Multiple seizures in a 24 hour period warrants an immediate visit to a vet.
       
5. Suspected or Known Toxic Exposure
Fertilizer or rat poison ingestion for example are reasons to call the SPCA or your vet. Keep a bottle of hydrogen peroxide handy in case you have to induce vomiting in case the dog has ingested a snake.

6. Vomiting and Diarrhea
Not uncommon in dogs and unless it lasts for more than 24 hours it is usually not serious. Longer than that and with blood evident then it is time for the vet.       

7. Swollen Abdomen or Abdominal Pain   
If this is accompanied by dry heaving and evident pain then this is cause for a vet visit. Labored breathing, retching, lack of strength or collapse can have a range of causes- but one of them is 'bloat' which can be life threatening.
        
8.  Ocular Problems
Eye problems in dogs can rapidly deteriorate faster than other areas. Seepage, redness, squinting or abundant tearing and pawing at the eye are reasons to see a vet.
       
9.  Urinary Problems
No urine production from your dog is reason to visit a vet. Urinary blockage can be life threatening. Urinary stones can be the culprit and difficulty in urinating or blood in the urine are  indicators of this condition.
  
10.  Whelping Problems
Straining for over 30 minutes with no puppies produced, or two hours between puppies then your dog may be experiencing dystocia. A call to your veterinarian would be your best course of action as they would suggest immediate steps you may take.

This is not a definitive list by any means, but it is a working base from which you may proceed. Keep your vets contact information, poison control, 24 emergency clinic easily available.

Your dogs life and caring for the pets are in your hands and that well placed call, regardless of how embarrassing the situation might be may save your pets life.