When a pet lover sees a problem with their pet, they commonly want to determine if it is an emergency or a "nothing serious". When do you take your dog or cat to the emergency vet or wait until the next day or after the weekend?
Below we will review common signs of a dog emergency.
1. Trouble Breathing. Any pet that has difficulty breathing or labored respiration is in distress and this constitutes a true emergency.
2. Trouble Urinating. Any dog that is having frequent attempts to urinate or a cat that is going in and out of the litter box or having prolonged time in the box is having a urinary problem that can be an emergency. Some pets can have bladder infections while others can have bladders stones or a life-threatening urinary obstruction. If your pet appears to be having trouble urinating, call your vet or visit your closest veterinary emergency clinic.
3. Bleeding. Bleeding can be a serious emergency. Although some bleeding may be minor such as from a small abrasion, some bleeding can be serious. Don't risk it. See your vet.
4. Trauma. There are many causes of trauma and some can be life-threatening. What you see on the outside may not always be what is happening in the inside. Bleeding and internal swelling can develop causing trouble bleeding, blood loss and death.
5. Lethargy. You know your dog or cat best. If they seem uncharacteristically lethargic, this can be a sign of a serious problem.
6. Lack of Appetite. A decreased or loss of appetite can often be the first sign of a problem in many pets. You can try offering some of their favorite foods and treats and if they still don't eat, it is best to call your vet.
7. Vomiting. Vomiting can be caused by many different problems ranging from eating something not digestible, also known as a foreign body, dietary indiscretion, a food change or a serious metabolic problem such as kidney disease or diabetes. If your dog or cat vomits once or twice then acts normal, it may be no problem. If your pet has other signs such as not eating, diarrhea, lethargy and continues to vomit, this is an emergency.
8. Diarrhea. Loose stool can be an emergency, especially when blood is present or combined with other symptoms such as vomiting, not eating or lethargy. Watch your pet carefully and call your vet if you are worried.
9. Coughing. There are many causes for coughing including asthma in cats or respiratory infections or heart disease in dogs. If your pet also has trouble breathing, lethargy, or you are worried, call your vet immediately.
A dog or cat emergency is best defined as any problems you are worried about in your pet. When in doubt, call your vet or your closest veterinary emergency clinic.
