30 Times You Should Absolutely Call the Vet for Your Dog

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Dogs can’t tell us when something is wrong, so it’s up to us to notice changes in their behavior, appetite, or health. Some issues might seem minor at first but could quickly escalate into serious problems. Acting quickly can save your dog’s life. Here are 30 times when calling the vet is absolutely necessary.

Sudden Loss of Appetite

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Dogs love food, so when they refuse to eat for more than a day, it’s a red flag. This could signal a range of issues, from dental pain and digestive upset to kidney disease or infections. If they also seem lethargic or disinterested, it’s crucial to consult your vet immediately.

Excessive Vomiting

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Vomiting once after eating something unusual may not be alarming, but repeated vomiting—especially if it contains blood or is accompanied by diarrhea—could indicate poisoning, an intestinal blockage, or even pancreatitis. Excessive vomiting leads to dehydration, which can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.

Uncontrollable Diarrhea

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While occasional loose stools happen, ongoing diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours or includes blood or mucus can indicate infections, parasites, or serious gastrointestinal issues. Persistent diarrhea can dehydrate your dog rapidly, making prompt veterinary care essential to prevent complications.

Breathing Problems

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Labored breathing, wheezing, or coughing is always a concern. It can stem from allergies, respiratory infections, or serious conditions like heart disease. If your dog is struggling to breathe, shows pale or blue gums, or collapses, it’s an emergency that requires immediate vet attention.

Sudden Weight Loss

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Unexplained weight loss can point to serious underlying health problems such as diabetes, cancer, or thyroid issues. A noticeable drop in weight without changes to diet or exercise should never be ignored. Combined with lethargy or appetite loss, it warrants a vet visit right away.

Persistent Lethargy

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If your dog suddenly becomes uninterested in play, walks, or food, and this lasts more than 24 hours, it could signal pain, infection, or even organ failure. While occasional tiredness is normal, ongoing lethargy often points to deeper health problems that need a vet’s diagnosis.

Limping or Difficulty Walking

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A limp could be caused by something simple like a sprained muscle or something severe like a torn ligament or hip dysplasia. If your dog refuses to bear weight on a limb, shows swelling, or cries out in pain, consult your vet. Ignoring it could worsen the injury.

Swollen Belly

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A bloated or hard abdomen can indicate a life-threatening condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), where the stomach twists. Symptoms include restlessness, retching without vomiting, and heavy breathing. GDV requires emergency surgery, so contact your vet immediately if you notice these signs.

Seizures

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Seizures can range from mild twitching to full-body convulsions and are terrifying to witness. Causes include epilepsy, poisoning, or head injuries. If your dog has a seizure, record the duration and call your vet immediately. Multiple seizures in a short time are an emergency.

Bloody Urine or Stool

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Blood in your dog’s waste is a serious warning sign. In urine, it may indicate infections, bladder stones, or kidney issues. In stool, it could be from parasites, gastrointestinal bleeding, or even cancer. A vet visit is essential to diagnose and treat the underlying cause.

Unusual Lumps or Bumps

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Finding a new lump on your dog can be unsettling. While some are harmless, like fatty tumors, others may be cancerous. Have any new or growing lumps checked by your vet. Early detection and testing, such as a biopsy, are key to determining the right treatment.

Eye Issues

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Red, swollen, or watery eyes could mean anything from an allergic reaction to a corneal injury or glaucoma. Left untreated, these issues can lead to chronic pain or blindness. If your dog shows discomfort, squinting, or discharge, call your vet promptly for an examination.

Persistent Scratching or Chewing

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Photo by Mai Phuong Bui on Unsplash

Excessive itching or biting at their skin can indicate fleas, allergies, or skin infections. Over time, this behavior can lead to open wounds and secondary infections. If regular grooming or flea prevention doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s time for a vet to assess the problem.

Changes in Drinking Habits

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Increased water consumption can signal diabetes, kidney disease, or Cushing’s disease, while decreased drinking might indicate dehydration or pain. Sudden changes in hydration habits are always a reason to call your vet, as they often point to systemic health issues.

Foul Smells

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A strong, unpleasant odor from your dog’s mouth, ears, or skin often signals infections. Bad breath could mean dental disease, while foul smells from the ears could indicate an ear infection. Prompt treatment can prevent these conditions from worsening or becoming painful.

Sudden Aggression

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If your normally friendly dog starts growling, snapping, or avoiding touch, it might be due to pain or fear. Conditions like arthritis, dental problems, or even neurological issues can cause sudden aggression. A vet visit can help rule out medical causes before addressing behavior.

Open Wounds

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Even small cuts can become infected if left untreated, while deep wounds may involve muscle or tissue damage. Clean minor wounds, but if bleeding doesn’t stop or if the wound is deep, swollen, or painful, take your dog to the vet for proper care.

Difficulty Urinating

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Photo by Faber Leonardo on Unsplash

Struggling to urinate or passing very small amounts of urine can indicate infections, bladder stones, or urinary blockages, which are particularly dangerous in male dogs. This condition is painful and potentially life-threatening, so immediate veterinary intervention is required.

Pale Gums

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Photo by Marina Zvada on Pexels

Gums that are pale, white, or blue can signal anemia, poor blood circulation, or shock. Healthy gums should be pink and moist. If you notice a color change, especially if accompanied by lethargy or breathing issues, seek immediate veterinary care.

Excessive Drooling

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While some breeds are naturally droolers, sudden or excessive drooling could mean nausea, oral pain, or even poisoning. Look for other signs like pawing at the mouth, bad breath, or difficulty eating, and call your vet to determine the cause.

Unexplained Shaking or Trembling

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Trembling might seem harmless, but frequent or unexplained shaking can indicate pain, poisoning, or neurological issues. If it happens alongside vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, it’s a sign of something serious that requires prompt veterinary attention.

Collapsed or Unconscious

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If your dog collapses or becomes unresponsive, it’s a life-threatening emergency. Causes range from heatstroke and dehydration to heart problems or severe trauma. Transport your dog to the nearest vet or emergency clinic immediately for evaluation and treatment.

Trouble Giving Birth

“Pregnant bitch mongrel Jan 2008 Shot in Jalandhar Punjab India by gopal1035 017” by Gopal Aggarwal from INDIA is licensed under CC BY 2.0

A pregnant dog straining for more than an hour without delivering a puppy may be experiencing dystocia (difficult labor). This condition is dangerous for both the mother and puppies and requires emergency intervention to prevent complications or fatalities.

Persistent Bad Breath

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Bad breath can mean more than just poor oral hygiene. It may signal gum disease, tooth decay, or infections in the mouth or throat. It could even point to serious issues like kidney or liver disease. Don’t ignore persistent foul odors—call your vet for an assessment.

Excessive Panting

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Photo by Jonathan Slater on Unsplash

While panting is normal after exercise, excessive panting in cool weather or when resting can indicate pain, respiratory problems, or overheating. If your dog’s panting is paired with lethargy or unusual behavior, it’s time to consult your vet.

Change in Coat or Skin

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Hair loss, redness, flaking, or scabs on your dog’s skin could be caused by allergies, parasites, or infections. Left untreated, these conditions can worsen and cause your dog significant discomfort. A vet can help identify and address the underlying issue.

Sudden Blindness

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If your dog begins bumping into furniture, hesitates to move, or seems disoriented, they may be experiencing vision loss. Sudden blindness can result from retinal detachment, glaucoma, or neurological conditions, all of which require prompt veterinary care.

Exposure to Toxins

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If your dog eats something harmful, such as chocolate, grapes, or household chemicals, call your vet or a poison control hotline immediately. Early treatment can prevent the toxin from causing severe damage or even death.

Constant Coughing

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Coughing that persists for more than a day or sounds harsh could indicate kennel cough, heartworm, or respiratory infections. These conditions can worsen without treatment, so don’t wait too long to have your vet check it out.

Unusual Behavior After Surgery

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After surgery, your dog should gradually return to normal. If they refuse to eat, seem excessively lethargic, or show signs of infection like redness, swelling, or discharge, contact your vet. Post-surgical complications can be serious if not addressed quickly.

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