If you own a dog in Millersville, it’s important to understand that some symptoms of sickness in your dog are so urgent that they can’t wait for a scheduled vet appointment. In these instances, it’s important to take your pooch to an Emergency Veterinarian Hospital in Millersville. But how can you tell the difference between a normal sickness and a potentially life-threatening situation? If your dog is sick or hurt, keep reading to learn the warning signs you should never ignore.
Unproductive Retching or a Bloated Stomach
If your dog is retching but no food is coming up, or his stomach is bulging or swollen, it’s important to seek medical care right away. These are both common symptoms of “bloat”, a condition that causes the stomach to twist or flip. Primarily seen in older, large-breed dogs, this ailment can be very dangerous and will need prompt treatment.
Pale or Blue Gums
In dogs, gums that have paled or taken on a bluish tint could indicate an unhealthy drop in blood pressure. Although this can be caused by many things, the most common offenders are an infection somewhere in the body or a case of severe dehydration or heat stroke. In any case, take your pooch to the Emergency Veterinarian Hospital in Millersville right away to find the cause of the problem.
Symptoms of Poisoning
There are a lot of things around the house that are toxic to dogs, so if you even suspect your dog has been poisoned, don’t hesitate to take him to the hospital. Common items like antifreeze, rock salt, grapes and chocolate can all be potentially life-threatening to dogs if ingested. Signs of poisoning to look out for include confusion, lethargy, excessive vomiting, drooling and diarrhea.
Seizures
As in humans, seizures are fairly common in dogs, and they can strike suddenly without warning. If your dog exhibits the signs of a seizure like violent shaking or trembling, sudden urination, or loss of consciousness, seek medical help right away. Canine seizures can be caused by everything from low blood sugar to brain tumors, and sometimes the seizure itself can be life-threatening.
When it comes to your dog, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you notice any of these warning signs of a potentially life-threatening illness or ailment, seek immediate help at an emergency animal hospital like Gambrill’s Veterinary Center.
