It’s not always easy to know if a dog needs an emergency visit to the vet. While some dogs will act out or be quite vocal about their problem, other dogs will suffer in silence or simply withdraw. Listed below are some of the symptoms that could indicate an emergency situation.
* Difficulty Breathing – This is the most serious sign of a critical emergency. A dog cannot go longer than three minutes without breathing. Head to the vet if you hear frightening noises when he/she tries to breathe or if the dog puffs lips when breathing.
* Check Your Dog’s Gums – It’s a good idea to get in the habit of checking your dog’s gums regularly, as the gums are a good indicator of a problem. The gums should be moist and pink; if gently pressed, that part of the gum should quickly turn white and then pink. It’s a sign of trouble if the gums are blue, gray, pale or red.
* Abdominal “Bloat” – Gastric dilatation with volvulus (“bloat”) is life threatening. Symptoms include a distended abdomen, trying to vomit, can’t lie down comfortably and panting.
* Multiple Seizures – When a dog has multiple seizures, one possible cause could be poisoning.
* Profound Weakness or Collapse – These could be signs of internal bleeding, a heart problem, poisoning, anaphylactic shock, organ failure or Addison’s disease.
* Repeated Diarrhea or Vomiting – If the liquid is bloody, it’s an emergency. A single incident will not normally need treatment, but it’s serious if repeated.
* Paralysis of the Rear Legs – Either partial or complete paralysis can indicate a spinal cord injury. This is especially common to dogs with short legs and long backs, such as Dachshunds. The dog is usually experiencing severe pain; the outcome is better when treated quickly.
* Severe Pain – Severe pain is an emergency. The dog may be panting, limping badly or crying, all symptoms of extreme pain.
* Poisoning – If you believe that the dog has been poisoned, head to the vet. Some of the most common dog poisons are rodent or snail bait, chocolate, raisins or grapes and many medications.
Pet owners who need an emergency Veterinarian in Millersville, MD will find complete pet care at Gambrills Veterinary Center. If surgery is necessary, they have a fully equipped surgery and ICU, using the latest minimally invasive procedures. To learn more about the services offered by this experienced Veterinarian in Millersville, visit website.
