If this is your first time owning a dog, it can be tricky to know when your dog should go to the emergency vet. If you notice your dog exhibiting any of the symptoms below, you shouldn't wait for your regular vet to be open, you should take you dog straight to your local emergency vet.
Discolored Gums
Discolored gums are generally a sign that something is up internally with your dog. It is one of the few outward signs that your dog may give you that something is just not right. If your dog's gums turn blue, white or just look extremely pale, you need to take them in right away to figure out what is really going on.
Discolored gums are a sign your dog is suffering from an internal health issue, which can range from internal bleeding to shock.
A Drastic Change In Body Temperature
Your dog's body temperature normally should be right around 101 to 102.5. Just like with people, your dog's temperature changes when it is fighting off something inside of itself. It could be a sign that your dog ate something that is toxic, that it has an infection, or that it has caught some type of virus.
Your dog's temperature should not change, so if you see a difference, take them to the vet so they can figure out what is really going on with your dog. It could be something simple, but it could be a sign of something more serious.
Non-Stop Coughing
It's not unusual for a dog to cough every once in a while; a random cough one day followed by another cough later in the week is nothing to be concerned about. However, your dog should not be coughing a lot without stopping. If your dog is coughing continually throughout the day, and having coughing sessions that last for a couple of minutes at a time, they need to see a vet right away. Another sign you need to go see a vet right away is if your dog is wheezing or having trouble breathing after they cough.
A serious cough can be a sign that your dog either has a respiratory infection or has some heart issues going on, both of which can be very serious.
Difficulty Breathing
After going for a run or on a hot summer day, it is not strange to see your dog panting. Panting is how your dog cools down. However, if your dog is just chilling and lounging around your house, they should not be breathing heavily. If they are, this is a sign that your dog may be suffering from anything as varied as respiratory problems to heart problems to something as simple as overheating.
If your dog exhibits any of the signs above, even though they may not seem like that much, they can all be warning signs of something much deeper going on. So if you are in doubt, make that trip to the emergency vet and get your dog checked out. It is your job to pay attention to what your dog is trying to tell you and get them the help they need.
For professional veterinary care, visit a pet hospital such as Gwynedd Veterinary Hospital.
