There are instances when your dog is experiencing an emergency (e.g., being hit by a car) and other times when your dog is experiencing an emergency that requires immediate attention. If possible, contact a veterinary hospital beforehand to let them know what kind of emergency you’re having and if you’ll need help getting into the building, as well as your E.T.A.
Emergencies are incredibly stressful, so do your best to maintain your composure. You need to speak in a soothing tone while driving to the hospital to calm your dog. A list of emergencies has been compiled to assist you in determining whether or not your dog requires emergency care.
Dog Emergencies
1. Difficulty Breathing
If not treated quickly, hypoxia (low oxygen levels) and the following events can result in respiratory arrest and death. This may be the most deadly of all non-trauma-induced ailments. Furthermore, your dog is suffering and terrified when this occurs. Breathing problems are a medical emergency. It might appear gradually or suddenly.
Regardless, if you detect any of these signs, your dog is in trouble and requires medical attention. Labored breathing (this can be minor, but it appears that your dog’s chest is moving faster and more prominent when breathing), making startling noises, or puffing the lips are all symptoms. If you notice or suspect these signs in your dog, get emergency care right once.
2. Restlessness
Simply put, restlessness occurs when your dog is unable to relax. Restlessness is a symptom of a variety of urgent or emergencies. Some of the symptoms are excessive panting, inability to lie down comfortably, stomach distension, and unsuccessful vomiting. Restlessness is a common symptom of GVD.
3. GVD and Bloat
These are the two of the most life-threatening circumstances that a dog can encounter. It is most commonly seen in large breed dogs with a deep chest, such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Standard Poodles. A veterinary hospital like Mooresville vet will give you additional details.
4. Seizures
Although a single seizure may not be life-threatening, attacks frequently occur in groups and escalate. Seizures can be caused by various factors, including consuming a poisonous drug or prescription. If your dog has never had a stroke and is not already being treated for a seizure problem by a veterinarian, we urge obtaining medical help right away.
5. Collapse or Profound Weakness
Internal bleeding, anaphylactic shock, toxins, an endocrine disorder, and various types of organ failure can all cause these symptoms. If your dog collapses or appears unusually weak, get emergency care at an emergency animal hospital right away, regardless of the cause.
6. Coughing
Coughing excessively and repeatedly could signify kennel cough or insect bait consumption. When in doubt, a veterinary visit is the best course of action. Click here to get additional information.
7. Major Trauma
If you suspect bleeding, or if your dog has fallen, been hit by a car, or become involved in a dogfight, you must get medical help right away. Remember that some dogs hide their injuries as a natural defense mechanism, so if something has happened that leads you to believe your dog has suffered severe damage, seek medical help right away.
8. Severe Pain
This is always a situation that requires immediate attention. Don’t let your dog suffer if they are restless, hiding, vocalizing, panting, profoundly limping, or exhibiting other signs of pain. Instead, seek immediate emergency dog care.