Signs Your Dog Needs Urgent Care

Have you ever had to bring your pup in for an emergency visit? This can be extremely stressful, and even traumatic, both for your canine buddy and for you. Just like any other animal, Fido is vulnerable to illness and injuries. Some things, such as a clearly visible limp or wound, are obvious signs that a dog needs urgent care. However, other signs can be much more subtle. A local Brooklyn, NY vet lists some of the warning signs that your dog needs immediate care in this article.

Changes In Appetite/Thirst

Fido usually has a very healthy appetite. (Actually, that’s putting it mildly: many of our canine companions will eat pretty much anything and everything they can get their paws on.) It’s almost always a sign of trouble when a pooch just isn’t interested in his dinner. Significant and unexplainable changes in your canine buddy’s food and/or water intake are a definite red flag.

Restlessness

In this context, we don’t mean restlessness such as Fido would display if he wants to go for a walk or is feeling playful. That sort of excitement is not only normal, but healthy. The red flag would be if your furry friend seems to have a hard time settling down or getting comfortable. He may also pace to ease pain or discomfort.

Respiratory Distress

It’s normal for dogs to pant after a vigorous round of Fetch or Tag, or when it’s really hot out. However, if your canine pal just can’t seem to catch his breath, and you aren’t sure why, contact your vet right away.

Staggering

Staggering, stumbling, and lurching are all signs that a dog is experiencing some form of a medical emergency. This is not something you’d want to wait and see on!

Vomiting/Diarrhea

It’s not unusual for dogs to have the occasional bout of vomiting or diarrhea … especially after eating something rich or greasy. However, ongoing issues are a different story, and definitely warrant a full exam.

These are just a few red flags. Others include fever, elevated pulse, discolored gums, unusual behavior or vocalization, grumpiness, lethargy, and withdrawal. Unusual discharge from the eyes, nose, ears, mouth, or nether regions is also a warning sign.

If you notice any of these things in your canine buddy, contact us, your Brooklyn, NY animal clinic, immediately. We are always here to help!