Disease and injury wait for no one, thus if your pet starts showing signs that they need immediate medical care, it doesn’t matter if it’s 1 p.m. or 1 a.m., your pet needs to get to a vet. If you’re wondering what the signs are that your dog needs to be sent to a veterinary hospital in Norridge post-haste, read on for the answers.
#1. Discolored gums
If your gut tells you something is wrong with your dog, check their gums. You can tell a lot about an animal’s overall health via their gums, as they are one of the most easily visible muscles in the body. Because of this, you can discern much about the animal’s blood circulation, oxygenation, hemorrhage, and shock. At best, your pet’s gums should be light pink, flashing white when pressed on with your finger. If your dog’s gums are grey, blue, pale, or black, then your dog is in serious trouble. Check your dog’s gums regularly, as this is not an obvious sign, and should be actively looked for.
#2. Weakness to the point of collapsing
If your dog collapses often from weakness, then take them to the vet immediately. Your dog might be bleeding internally, suffering anaphylactic shock, been poisoned, or even had one of their organs give out on them. Either way, an animal hospital is needed, and it is needed now.
#3. Lack of eating and drinking
Many dogs pass on meals often, but many others are bottomless pits, thus any leftover food should be heavily scrutinized. If any pet goes one or more days without touching any food, then there is a serious problem. Doubly so since if they aren’t touching their food, they probably aren’t drinking enough water, and are becoming dehydrated. This is usually caused by intense sickness, which should be diagnosed and treated by a vet immediately.
#4. Protracted and/or bloody vomiting and defecating
If your pet only vomits or defecates loosely once, it’s typically just a sign that they need rest and bland food. But if they do it often, and if the vomit/feces has traces of blood in it, then it is a serious emergency that you have to get out in front of immediately. Not only does it mean that your pet is very sick, the constant vomiting and defecating are quickly dehydrating them. Take your pet to a veterinary hospital immediately. Contact Portage Park Animal Hospital & Dental Clinic.
