9 Moments When You Need to Call Your Dog’s Vet

A dog is one of the best family friends that one will ever have. It will accompany you on your evening or morning walks without complaints. As such, you will doubtless go to great lengths to make sure that your dog is healthy and happy all the time. But how do you know when you need to call your dog’s vet?

Unfortunately, it can prove difficult to determine the right moment when to call a vet. This is because a dog can’t communicate what it really feels. As such, you ought to understand when your downy friend needs immediate medical care and when you can provide care at home. Knowing what to look for can be a matter of life and death for your dog.

Here are some of the moments when you should call a vet.

1. Odd Eating Habits

It is unusual for your dog to exhibit odd eating habits like skipping a meal for about two days. Such behaviors are a clear indication that your pet needs an examination. Some illnesses can cause the dog to develop an odd eating habit. If your dog has been eating well and suddenly starts to avoid eating or raiding the garbage, you should call a vet.

2. Dry or Rough Coat

Your dog’s coat should be shiny, soft, and thick. If the coat is dull, dry, rough with bald patches, it may show that something is wrong. This may be as a result of an allergy or wrong kind of food. Either way, it is wise to call a vet in such instances.

3. Lethargy

Tiredness is an indication that something is not right with your dog. A lethargic dog may show disinterest in participating in usually jovial activities like playing or going for a walk with you. Normally, a dog can exhibit lethargy due to high temperatures but you need to call a vet if the signs of tiredness and sluggishness continue for more than two days.

4. Sudden Weight Loss

Sudden loss of weight and in an unexpected way might be a signal for a serious health problem, even in an overweight dog. Once your dog drops weight by more than 10 percent, get the attention of a vet.

5. Strange Stool

A dog’s stool is a good sign of their overall health condition. Healthy dogs usually have small, firm, and moist stools while dry and hard stools are a sign of diseases, dehydration, or dietary problems. Call a vet whenever you see a change in your dog’s toileting.

6. Red and Cloudy Eyes

Cloudy, squinting, or excessively teary eyes are a sign of injury or infection. Diseases affecting your dog’s eyes can rapidly progress to cause blindness. Ensure it has a checkup as soon as possible.

7. Vomiting and Diarrhea

Dogs may vomit to get out something that is not ok with them. However, some vomiting should worry you. For instance, call a vet if your dog vomits blood, vomits frequently or numerous times in succession. Equally, if your dog diarrheas, you should contact a vet because if left untreated, it might have serious effects on the health of your dog.

8. Limping

Change in walking style or limping of your dog can imply that it experiences pain when walking. Like humans who may have a painful joint, bone or muscle, your dog also may be experiencing the same. As such, call a vet once you see a change in walking or limping of your dog.

9. Excessive Thirst

A dog can drink a certain amount of water every day. But if your pet drinks more water than it usually does, it might suggest a developing kidney problem or diabetes. You can tell this if you have to refill your dog’s water bowl more than normal or excessive urination. Call a vet to have it checked up.

Conclusion

As a dog owner, be observant and get to know the subtlest changes of your pet. Owing to the dog’s survival instincts, it will tend to look healthy on the outside. So, whenever you see a slight change of behavior, it would be wise to call a vet.