| When
dogs are ill, it is often difficult to know if they should be
taken for emergency treatment. The first thing you should know
in the event of an emergency is where you should take your dog.
There are normally several veterinarians in any given area that
offer 24-hour emergency services. Ask your regular vet if this
service is offered and if not, locate an office near you where
you will be able to obtain 24 hour emergency services for your
pet and keep the information handy. Here
are some of the more common symptoms that may warrant an emergency
visit to your vet's office or you local emergency care provider.
Most veterinarians will advise you to call the closest emergency
provider and speak to a member of the staff. They will help
you assess the situation and in many cases will have you bring
your pet in for an examination. Emergency symptoms may include:
Extreme
abdominal pain. If the dog shows signs of acute abdominal pain
such as refusing food, standing with an arched back, and tenderness
to the touch, you should take the dog to the nearest emergency
clinic and have a full exam. Vomiting, difficulty breathing,
shaking, and crying are also signs of abdominal pain and could
be a symptom of Gastric Torsion. This condition can begin suddenly
and tend to affect larger dogs most often, but can certainly
affect any dog.
Bleeding
in the chest area or uncontrolled bleeding. If your dog has
a cut or deep scratch, apply pressure to the wound with a clean
bandage. If the bleeding does not stop within ten minutes or
if the bleeding is from the chest, go immediately to the closest
emergency clinic.
Broken
bones. If the dog has been in some kind of accident and you
think it may have broken bones, contact your vet's office or
emergency clinic and have the dog examined right away.
Breathing
difficulty. If your dog has trouble breathing, a professional
should treat him immediately. There are several serious conditions
that may cause breathing difficulties and could possibly be
life-threatening if not treated right away.
Automobile
accidents. If a car or other vehicle has hit your dog, seek
emergency care immediately. There could be serious internal
injuries that may not be noticeable right away. Be sure and
wrap the dog in a blanket and keep away from the dog's mouth.
Dogs in pain may bite, even if the dog never bit before.
Seizures
or convulsions. Any type of convulsions warrants emergency treatment.
This could be an indication of poisoning, tumors, or any number
of problems. Convulsions can be life threatening in many cases.
|
