When to Go To the Vet

   Posted: January 7, 2009 | Comments: 0 | Views: 421 | Rating: Not Rated

Every dog gets sick from time to time, but when your pet gets really sick, you should go to the vet. How do you know when your dog needs to be seen by a professional? Just like a small child, your dog can’t tell you when something is wrong. You have to learn to interpret the symptoms.

Dogs all react differently to sickness or injury. Some classic signs of sickness can be normal characteristics of certain dogs. That’s why it takes careful observation to know when to go to the vet. If you know your dog’s usual behavior well, then you will immediately pick up on a change that signals something isn’t right.

Eating habits are one of the first indicators of sickness among dogs. If your dog suddenly stops eating, then something is probably wrong. If your dog refuses to eat for more than a day, head to the vet immediately. Even if your dog is just having an off day, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Some diseases can be treated if caught early enough.

Difficulty breathing is another sign that something is wrong with your dog. If your dog is breathing heavily or can’t seem to take a full breath, go the vet. Breathing problems usually indicate a major problem. This is a symptom that requires immediate medical care or your dog could die. Don’t wait and see if your dog feels better in the morning. Go to the vet immediately.

Fever is another sign of sickness. Detecting fevers in dogs can be a little tricky. But if you notice your pet’s skin is warmer than usual, that’s a good indicator of fever. You probably pet your dog often, without even noticing its normal body temperature. But when a fever is rising, you will usually be able to tell just by touching your dog’s skin. If you notice your dog is feverish, head to the vet.

Diarrhea can be another reason to take your dog to the vet. However, many dogs get frequent bouts of diarrhea just from eating the wrong diet. When your dog has diarrhea, make sure you provide plenty of water to keep him hydrated. If the diarrhea continues for more than a day, or if your dog has blood in its stool, go to the vet’s office for an exam.

Small dogs often suffer from seizure disorders. Seizures are serious and should not be treated lightly. If your dog has a seizure, take him to the vet immediately. This could be an indication of a major neurologic problem that requires immediate care.

You should also consider taking your dog to the vet if he falls a long distance or gets stepped on. Internal damage is sometimes hard to identify, but your vet will know exactly what to look for. If you are unsure if your dog needs to go in, call the vet and ask. Explain your dog’s symptoms and follow the doctor’s orders.

© 2009 CommonDogs.com