In the United States, 85 million families own a pet. Whether that pet is a dog, cat, fish, hamster, or rabbit- just to name a few. However, there is one pet that can be found throughout many households in the United States. A dog. In fact, dog-owning households outnumber cat-owning households. So, it is evident- Americans must love dogs. Not only that, but puppies and dogs bring absolute joy to their owners. They become members of the family. They are cared for. They are loved. But, what does caring for a pet dog entail? Pet owners need to ensure that their dogs are healthy. They take them to veterinarians for checkups (puppies need vaccines every three to four weeks until they are sixteen weeks old), they take them to get groomed (baths and haircuts), and they make sure their puppies are performing to the best of their abilities. However, sometimes, dogs need to go to emergency animal hospitals. Here’s how emergency animal hospitals can help your dog.
When To Take Your Dog To Emergency Animal Hospitals
There are times where dog owners believe there is something wrong with their dog. They don’t know exactly what it is. But, there’s something wrong. Maybe their dog isn’t acting like his or her self. Maybe their dog isn’t eating or drinking. Maybe owners simply have this feeling that an emergency vet is needed. However, sometimes a trip at 12am, 2am, or 5am, isn’t actually necessary. Instead, the owners could have continued to sleep through the night. Their dog could have slept too! But, there are times when dogs need to get to emergency animal hospitals. Therese are signs of a pet emergency.
Difficulty Breathing: This may seem very broad, but difficulty breathing is one of the first signs your dog needs to get to emergency animal hospitals. If the difficulty breathing is accompanied by blue gums, coughing foamy, pink, frothy liquid, panting continuously, or stretching the head and neck out while breathing- your dog needs to go to emergency animal hospitals.
Pale Gums: If you notice your dog has pale gums (while brushing their teeth, barking, eating, and drinking- your dog needs to go to an animal hospital. Pale gums could be a sign of internal bleeding or anemia!
Crying Out In Pain: If your dog is constantly crying out or whimpering in pain, he or she needs to go to an animal hospital. The pain can be a sign of something serious.
Problems With The Abdomen: If your dog has a distended abdomen you need to get him or her to emergency animal hospitals ASAP! This is commonly referred to as “the mother of all emergencies.” A bloated abdomen can actually be untreated gastric dilatation and volvulus or GDV. This can be fatal to your dog within hours. GDV happens when the distended stomach rotates, trapping the gas inside, and blocking off the stomach’s blood supply. This is very serious and a trip to the hospital is imperative.
Anxiety or Restfulness: This can be a sign of pain. Sometimes dogs do not cry out in pain or whimper. Their pain causes them to engage in other behaviors, such as anxiety and restfulness. If your dog is anxious, restless, and he or she is not behaving how they normally do- take them to emergency animal hospitals right away. This can prevent the pain from getting worse, and you’ll be able to discover why your dog is in hidden pain.
Poisoning: Dogs will try to ingest everything. If your dogs has ingested something poisonous or something containing a toxin, get your dog to an animal hospital ASAP. The sooner they’re at a hospital, the sooner veterinarians can remove the toxins and poison from your dog’s stomach or intestines.
Bleeding: If your dog is bleeding a significant amount, and the bleeding is not ceasing, take them to emergency animal hospitals.
How Emergency Animal Hospitals Help
There are many serious reasons dog owners need to bring their dogs into emergency animal hospitals. Additionally, they want to save their pet’s life. Animal hospitals make you and your dog feel comfortable. Veterinarians work hard to save the life of your dog, and they really care.
