As a pet parent, there’s nothing scarier than seeing your dog in distress. Dog medical emergencies can happen at any time. Knowing what to look for and how to respond can help protect your dog’s health. Whether you find yourself dealing with an injury, an illness, or something unexpected, being prepared is the best thing you can do for your dog’s safety.

Common Dog Emergencies

Dogs can have various types of emergencies. Some of the most common ones include:

·         Eating something toxic (chocolate, grapes, household cleaners, xylitol)

·         Difficulty breathing

·         Choking

·         Seizures

·         Severe diarrhea or vomiting

·         Injuries (open wounds, broken bones, trauma after being hit by a car)

·         Sudden collapse, weakness, or loss of the ability to walk

·         Overheating/heat stroke

·         Swelling or bloating

Dog Emergency Warning Signs

Dogs can’t tell you when they are in pain or uncomfortable. You will need to watch for symptoms that require immediate attention and prompt veterinary care. If you notice any of these dog health warning signs, call your vet immediately.

·         Bleeding that won’t stop

·         Noisy, rapid, or labored breathing

·         Pale, blue, or gray gums

·         Dramatic changes in behavior (confusion, extreme lethargy, unresponsiveness)

·         Seizors that happen repeatedly or that last more than just a few minutes

·         Diarrhea or vomiting that continues for longer than 24 hours

·         Swollen or painful abdomen

·         Fainting, collapse, sudden loss of consciousness

Time matters if your dog shows any of these signs!

What to Do In a Dog Medical Emergency

Stay Calm

Dogs are great at reading their human’s emotions. Remaining calm and steady will help you think more clearly and will help keep your dog from becoming more stressed.

Assess your Dog

Check your dog’s breathing and alertness. Look for any visible injuries. This will help you give the vet accurate information when you call for help.

Call your Vet

Reach out to your pet’s veterinarian for immediate guidance. They will know how to walk you through what you need to do to care for your dog.

Follow your Vet’s Instructions

In some instances, your vet may give you some first aid instructions while you are on the phone with them. They can tell you how to stop bleeding or how to move your dog safely.

Transport Your Dog

Carefully move your dog, following any instructions your vet offered. Large dogs may need to be placed on a towel or blanket, which can act as a stretcher. Keep your dog as still and secure as possible while moving them.

Avoid Human Medications

You may be tempted to give your dog medications designed for humans. DON’T DO IT! Some over-the-counter drugs are toxic to dogs and can make the dog emergency even worse.

Bring Key Information

If you dog ate something toxic or harmful, bring the packaging or at least the name of the product. This will help you vet know how to treat your dog quickly and accurately.

About the Author: Hazel

Hazel is the head engineer at Pawer Lab. He develops and tests the latest pup-focused inventions for Pawer Lab. He is passionate about enjoying the small things in life. The border collie’s hobbies include riding in the car, stalking the mailman, and fetching tennis balls.