4 Instances When Your Dog Needs Emergency Veterinary Care
Posted on: 29 March 2016
If you own a dog, you probably go to great measures to ensure that your pet stays in optimal health. Still, some pet owners may not know when their dog is experiencing a health emergency. Here are a few instances in which you should take your canine friend to the vet as soon as possible:
A Seizure
If your pet seems to be making sporadic movements that would indicate a possible seizure, it is best to promptly take the dog to the veterinarian. Many times, a seizure may not be life-threatening. However, because this condition sometimes occurs in groups, the severity of the seizures can increase. If a seizure becomes serious enough, your pet's life could be threatened. In addition, the seizure may actually be a symptom of another condition, such as the ingestion of a poison.
Inability to Urinate
If your dog is unable to urinate or cannot produce urine in the normal quantity or frequency that it normally does, it should be taken for an examination. The inability to urinate is often associated with a urinary tract infection. The infection may not cost your pets its life. However, it can cause your dog to be extremely uncomfortable.
Treatment is usually the application of antibiotics. The sooner that the dog receives needed care, the faster its discomfort will be alleviated.
In addition, lack of urination is sometimes associated with a blockage. This type of blockage is usually caused by bladder stones, which are associated with a greater degree of discomfort and may require surgical removal.
Breathing Problems
If your dog appears to be having problems breathing, you should take the animal to the veterinarian as soon as possible. A dog can become unconscious and die after only minutes without oxygen. If you notice that your dog seems to be panting strangely or if a sound accompanies its inhalation or exhalation, it needs to be seen by a veterinary professional. There may be an object blocking the animal's airway or another issue, such as an allergic reaction, could be causing the labored breathing.
Repeated Episodes of Vomiting
If your dog vomits once, you may not need to take it to receive veterinary care. However, if the dog vomits repeatedly, the animal could become dehydrated. This dehydration could cause other organs to start shutting down. In addition, repeated episodes of vomiting are sometimes associated with other life-threatening conditions, such as distemper or parvovirus.
If you believe that your dog is is suffering a medical emergency, contact a veterinary clinic in your area as soon as possible.
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