Would You be Able to Recognize a Dog Emergency?
Dog lovers are used to taking a dog to the vets for routine care and shots but are dog lovers prepared to recognize a dog emergency and to act responsibly? Here are some tips for being able to recognize a real dog emergency and the steps you need to take to care for the dog.
A dog emergency can consist of acute abdominal pain, uncontrolled bleeding, broken bones, vehicle accidents, heat related injuries and convulsions/seizures.
In order to be prepared for a dog emergency, the owner should know in advance where to take the dog at different times of the day and night. Not all vet offices are open during off hours and not all vets are associated with an animal hospital. Ask your vet for the emergency contact number if your dog should become seriously ill or injured. Some vets offer 24 hours emergency service.
Common emergency situations for your dog might include:
An acute abdominal situation where your dog is experiencing abdominal pain such as tenderness when you touch the area, arching of the back, or a refusing to eat his/her dog food. The dog may also vomit, cry or whine, shake or show difficulty breathing. Large, deep chested dogs are especially prone to “Gastric Torsion” which can have similar symptoms. Other causes for abdominal pain in a dog may be kidney or liver disease, constipation, and a stomachache from eating something that the dog should not have eaten.
A dog can develop uncontrollable bleeding as a result of a vehicle accident, or an injury from a fight with another animal or as a result of an assault. It is important to control the bleeding by applying direct pressure with a clean bandage. Take the dog to the vet for possible stitches after the bleeding is controlled. Any bleeding from the chest area or bleeding that does not stop after 20 minutes needs to be seen by a vet.
A dog can suffer a broken bone just like a human can. Call your vet if you suspect that your dog may have a broken bone. The vet will examine the dog, take x-rays and determine the best course of action.
Another dog emergency is breathing difficulties. Most reasons for breathing difficulties are serious in nature so anytime your dog exhibits difficulty breathing take the dog to the vets immediately.
Vehicular accidents can result in internal damage so any dog struck by a car must be seen even if the dog seems to be fine. To prevent shock wraps the dog in a blanket and transport the dog to the vets. A dog that is in pain may bite, so stay away from the mouth of the dog just in case.
Any heat related injury such as suspected heat stroke or exhaustion or convulsions or seizures should be seen by a vet as soon as possible as these can be dangerous situations.
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