Help for Heart Worms

Seven Signs That You Should Take Your Pet To The Vet

If you are a pet owner, it may be difficult to ascertain what constitutes a veterinary emergency and when you should seek help for your dog or cat. There are some symptoms that should not be overlooked, and prompt medical attention is integral.

Seven symptoms that should not be ignored are:

1. Vomiting. Any pet will vomit if they eat something bad or have a sour stomach, but persistent vomiting could be a sign of something much worse. This will also cause your pet to become lethargic and dehydrated, and they may even have seizures over the course of time. Play it safe and call your vet.
2. Lethargy. Changes in behavior, such as energetic pets becoming lethargic or lazy, are signs that should not be overlooked. Your companion could be experiencing pain, an intestinal blockage, or pet-related illness, such as parvo or kennel-cough.
3. Tremors or seizures. If you notice your pet shaking uncontrollably or having what you think is a seizure, contact your vet. Some seizure conditions can be treated with prescription medication, usually steroids, which can reduce the frequency and severity of the episodes. This could also be a sign of a serious illness or symptom of poisoning.
4. Blue gums. If you notice that your pet's gums are bluish or purple in color, seek veterinary assistance. Blue gums can be a sign of respiratory distress or cyanosis, which should not be taken lightly. This could also be an indication of asthma, pneumonia, or trauma to the lung caused by injury, such as being hit by a car.
5. Rapid breathing or respiratory distress. Make sure to address pets' difficulty breathing, such as labored breath, shallow breathing, or chronic panting, with your veterinarian. This could be a sign of an acute allergy, heart, or lung condition that will require treatment.
6. Limping. Don't discount your pet's difficulty moving or mobility issues. Is it possible that they were in an accident or hit by a vehicle? Take your pet to the vet to ensure they don't have broken bones or internal injuries.
7. Difficulty relieving themselves. Take note if your pet displays difficulty in going to the bathroom. If you notice that they aren't eliminating themselves as usual, they could have a blockage that will require emergency treatment.

If your pet is experiencing these issues, seek advice from your veterinarian. Failure to do so may result in dehydration, toxicity, or even death, depending on the root-cause of your pet's distress. Watch your four-legged friend for these seven signs and visit your vet immediately!