When to See a Veterinarian: Recognizing Urgent Health Issues

Part of responsible pet ownership is knowing the difference between a minor issue and a true emergency. While routine check-ups are for prevention, certain symptoms warrant an immediate trip to a veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital. Do not wait to “see what happens” if you observe any of the following signs, as they can indicate a life-threatening condition.

Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog exhibits:

Difficulty Breathing: This includes labored breathing, shallow or rapid breaths, wheezing, or gums and tongue that appear bluish or pale. This is always an emergency.

Sudden Collapse or Inability to Stand: A sudden loss of strength or consciousness can be a sign of a severe internal problem, such as internal bleeding, a heart condition, or a neurological event.

Repeated Vomiting or Dry Heaving: Especially in deep-chested breeds, unproductive retching or a bloated, hard abdomen can be a sign of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), or bloat, which is fatal without immediate surgical intervention.

Seizures: A seizure lasting more than a few minutes or multiple seizures in a row (cluster seizures) requires urgent medical attention.

Signs of Severe Pain: This can include vocalizing, constant panting, an unwillingness to move, a rigid posture, or aggression when touched.

Pale Gums: Press gently on your dog’s gums. The color should return to pink almost instantly. If the gums are white, pale, or gray, it can indicate shock or anemia and is a critical emergency.

Inability to Urinate: Straining to urinate with little or no success can signal a urinary blockage, which is a painful and life-threatening condition.

Always keep the phone number and address of your primary veterinarian and the nearest 24-hour emergency animal hospital in an accessible place. When in doubt, it is always safest to call and speak with a veterinary professional.