How to Tell When Your Dog Needs Veterinary Care
If you are like most pet owners, your dog is your friend, one with whom you spend a good deal of time. Many dog owners spend hours each day in the company of their canines, walking, tossing a ball, doing agility or nosework, traveling or just petting and cuddling on the couch at the end of the day. Dog owners tend to have a clear picture of what their dog is normally like, and are quick to notice if their furry pal doesn't appear to feel as well as usual. What is harder to judge, especially for those without a medical background, is the seriousness of various symptoms. Every dog owner needs to have a relationship with an established local animal hospital, and also, know what constitutes a genuine emergency.
If you are in doubt as to the seriousness of a symptom, it is a good idea to put in a call to the vet. Often, they are able to determine what's likely going on by asking a few questions, and will either ask you to bring the dog in to be seen, or make recommendations you can follow at home. Even if the symptoms are not serious, you will be reassured. Err on the side of caution and take your dog to an animal emergency clinic (such as aec-d.com) when any of these potentially life-threatening scenarios or symptoms occur.
Any kind of physical trauma such as being hit by a car
Snakebite or reaction to an insect bite or sting
Convulsions or seizure
Severe vomiting and/or diarrhea, especially when combined with listlessness and fever
Unexplained bleeding
Surface wounds such as those sustained in a dog fight
Abdominal swelling or pain
Difficulty breathing
Signs of shock, such as very pale gums; fainting
Sudden inability to walk or partial paralysis
Suspected ingestion of poison
When choosing an animal practice for your dog, spend some time thinking about what your needs might be in an emergency. You'll be ever so thankful that you chose an after hour pet hospital within minutes of your home should you ever need their services in a hurry. Cost and bedside manner are also important considerations. Consider any additional services the practice offers and compare them with the ones you might require. For example, some veterinary practices are all-inclusive, offering boarding, day-care, grooming and more. You may or may not need such services, but taking the time to carefully consider all of your pet's needs will do much to insuring that your canine child gets the best care possible!
