Part
of being a responsible puppy or dog owner is knowing when to call
the vet. So many people let things go and have a "wait and
see" attitude when their pet has something wrong. Sometimes,
"wait and see" is fine, other times it can be the difference
between life and death. With many things, the sooner caught, the
more effective and even less expensive treatment can be. Younger
dogs, older dogs or dogs with a condition that can affect how it
responds to illness can succumb faster than a young, healthy dog.
Age and overall health play a factor in how a dog will respond to
an illness, accident, etc.
Your
vet should be you first ally when concerning the health of your
dog. Try to use a vet willing to work with you and who seems generally
concerned about your pets. Just like with human doctors, there are
vets who are very dedicated to their profession and others who are
not. Having a good relationship with your vet is a key element in
the health and maintenance of your dog. If for some reason I have
to leave a clinic my pets are seen at (like when my family moved),
I will think nothing of interviewing various clinics to ensure my
pets will find someone as caring as the people we had to leave.
With
the Internet as popular as it is, many people go there for information
before the vet. Though the person may get advice, it may be totally
incorrect. Many conditions have similar symptoms. What if someone
says their dog had the same symptoms and was fine in a couple days
but your dog's symptoms are of something potentially deadly? Even
vets on line cannot see your dog to examine, runs tests, etc. These
are vital in proper diagnosis. Relying solely on information from
message board posts, etc., is not the best way to find out what
is wrong with your dog.
There
are quite a few instances when you should call your vet. He may
tell you to monitor the situation for a few days, give you an appointment
or refer you to an emergency clinic. Let us look at some:
Always call your vet should you think or
know a car has hit your pet. Even if you do not think the wheels
touched him, get him in! If your vet is not open, find the closest
emergency vet clinic.
Always call your vet should you suspect your
dog has eaten a toxin. Things like antifreeze can kill in tiny
amounts. Onions, chocolate, alcohol and many plants are toxic
in varying amounts. Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Ibuprofen can
be deadly, as can other human medicines.
Always call your vet if you suspect your
dog has had a seizure.
Always call your vet should you suspect your
dog has swallowed a foreign body.
Always call the vet if you pet has been in
a fight - especially if you suspect a wild animal or you do not
know what animal your pet tangled with. Even if you see no bite,
call. Rabies is always a concern as is infection from bites
Sudden weight gain or loss should be alerted
to your vet.
Sudden shifts in temperament – like going
from normally very sweet to aggressive – can be a sign of problems,
even medical.
Should you find any lumps or bumps when examining
your dog (you should examine your dog weekly when your groom)
call the vet.
If your dog has been off food, water or acting
lethargic for twenty-four hours or more, call the vet. A young
puppy or senior dog should be called in sooner. Though one missed
meal may not be an emergency – look for other signs of illness.
Should your dog be vomiting or have abdominal
tenderness or swelling, call the vet.
Should you notice lameness and limping -whether
or not there was an injury. If you notice lameness when getting
up, stiffness in moving, etc., call.
Ask your vet about the signs of bloat. Large
and giant breeds are more prone, but it can happen to any dog.
Indicators of bloat are abdominal swelling and discomfort. If
allowed to go on even for a few hours can be deadly.
Diarrhea for more than twenty-four hours
or diarrhea with blood should be an alert to call the vet.
Rashes, falling out fur, excessive shedding
or chewing at spots on the body should be brought to your vet's
attention.
Should the eyes look hazy or your dog seem
to have trouble seeing or there is an abnormal discharge from
the eye, call the vet.
Bad breath and yellow teeth indicate dental
issues – though not an emergency should be addressed. However,
if the breath smells sweet, there could be other problems. Pale
gums can be signs of a serious problem.
Bad odors, discharge and crud in the ear
could signal a problem.
Anything that seems out of the ordinary for
your dog should be cause for concern.
Know your dog and all his normal habits.
In my book, it is better to get the animal in and spend the money
to find out nothing is seriously wrong than to let sometime go
for days and turn into something very serious. Fast acting is
often the key in fast recoveries.
From Karen Peak of West Wind Dog Training, http://www.westwinddogtraining.com
