15 Signs Your Puppy Needs Emergency Care

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As a proud puppy parent, you know your little furball can get into all sorts of trouble. But some signs are more than just puppy mischief—they could be a serious red flag that your pup needs emergency care. Check out these 15 signs that your dog might need immediate attention and why each one’s worth is taken seriously.

Difficulty Breathing

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If your puppy seems like they’re struggling to catch their breath, panting excessively, or even gasping for air, it’s not something you should ignore. Puppies can develop respiratory issues just like humans do, and problems like pneumonia or heart conditions can affect their ability to breathe normally. Now, this could be life-threatening, so don’t wait—head to the vet!

Excessive Vomiting or Diarrhea

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Puppies are curious, and somehow, they always eat things they shouldn’t, which could lead to an upset stomach. But when vomiting or diarrhea becomes excessive, especially if there’s blood in it, it can quickly lead to dehydration—a very dangerous condition for puppies. If this continues for more than a few hours, it’s time to get help.

Severe Lethargy

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Puppies are typically full of energy, so if your pup is suddenly more sluggish than usual, it could be a big sign of a health issue. A drop in energy could be a sign of a fever, infection, or something more serious like anemia. If your puppy is unusually tired or unresponsive, a vet visit is a must.

Bloated or Swollen Belly

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A bloated belly is not something you should take lightly. It could be a sign of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) (you may know it as bloat). This happens when the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow, which can lead to shock. If your puppy’s belly is swollen or seems uncomfortable or in pain, don’t waste time—head to the emergency vet.

Severe Pain

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Puppies are tougher than we often give them credit for when it comes to pain. But if you start hearing your pup whining, yelping, or even growling when you touch them, it’s usually a sign that something’s causing them a lot of discomfort. It could be anything from a bone fracture to an internal issue. If you notice any of these signs, it’s always a good idea to get them checked out by a vet. 

Seizures

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Watching your puppy have a seizure can be super scary. It might look like they’re shaking or having random muscle twitches. But why does this happen? Seizures can be triggered by infections, toxins, or some issues with the brain. If your puppy’s seizure lasts longer than a few minutes or happens more than once, that’s a major red flag. 

Uncontrolled Bleeding

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Puppies love to explore by chewing, biting, and playing rough. But if your pup gets a cut that won’t stop bleeding, it’s time to take action. Even small cuts can get tricky if the bleeding doesn’t stop or if your puppy’s blood clotting isn’t working right. Stay calm, apply some pressure, and don’t just wait for it to heal on its own.

Sudden Collapse

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If your puppy suddenly falls over or collapses out of nowhere (like you never see it coming), it’s time to be concerned. This issue can be because of a heart problem, a serious infection, or even some kind of neurological issue. Some causes of collapse, like heart disease, can be life-threatening if your pup is not treated immediately, so don’t hesitate to rush them to the vet.

Not Eating or Drinking

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Puppies need to eat and drink regularly to stay healthy (because they’re growing, they need nutrients). Something could be wrong if your puppy refuses food and water for more than a day. It can be a sign of infection, any kind of stomach issues, or even kidney failure. Puppies can’t go long without nourishment, so it’s best to get them checked out if they’re avoiding meals.

Poisoning Symptoms

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Puppies are curious creatures, and unfortunately, that curiosity can lead to super dangerous situations. If your puppy has got into something they shouldn’t—like chocolate, plants, cleaning products, or even human medications—they may show signs of poisoning like drooling, vomiting, or seizures. If you suspect poisoning, act fast and get them to an emergency vet.

Abnormal Gait or Lameness

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You know your puppy’s usual bounce, so if they suddenly start limping, stumbling, or just can’t walk right, it could mean they’re hurt or dealing with something more serious, like a slipped disc or hip dysplasia. Puppies are still growing, so their joints and bones are pretty delicate, and they might have hidden injuries that need attention fast.

Excessive Drooling or Foaming at the Mouth

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While some drooling is normal (especially when food’s involved!), excessive drooling or foaming at your pup’s mouth can be a sign of something very serious. This could be a sign of poisoning, rabies, or even heatstroke, so don’t just chalk it up to “puppy quirks.” If your pup is drooling more than usual, it’s time for a checkup.

Constant Scratching or Licking

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If your puppy is scratching, licking, or biting the same spot repeatedly, it’s not just a sign of a minor itch. This could indicate an allergy, any skin infection, or even an embedded foreign object. Puppies can get seriously irritated by allergies or infections, so a trip to the vet could help them feel better.

Abnormal Urination or Difficulty Urinating

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If your puppy’s having trouble peeing, straining, or seems to be in pain while doing it, it could be a urinary tract infection (aka UTI), a bladder stone, or even a blockage. If you let it go, these things can cause some serious problems, like kidney damage. Don’t wait around—if your puppy’s struggling in the bathroom, get them to emergency care ASAP.

Visible Eye Problems

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A change in your puppy’s eyes can be more than just a “puppy face.” Redness, cloudiness, or squinting can be signs of eye injuries, infections, or some serious conditions like glaucoma. Puppies are prone to eye problems, and untreated eye conditions can lead to blindness, so make sure to get them checked out.

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