12 Critical Dog Emergency Signs Every Pet Owner Must Know

Allie Christoff -

All pet owners understand that dogs cannot express in words what is bothering them. Therefore, the responsibility lies on our side to know when they are in trouble. Some issues might be less critical, but some can make the situation really critical, and the pet should be taken to a veterinary clinic as quickly as possible. It could be literally a lifesaving measure if only we would make an effort to learn the emergency signs to look out for in a dog.

In this article, we'll outline 12 critical signs that could indicate a serious issue. If you see any of these occurrences don't wait – rush off to a veterinarian with the dog's inuring.

1. Breathing Problems

Amidst the many signs that are apparent in looking into your dog's appearance and behavior is the write-up breathing problems, especially with your dog, which would make it a life-threatening though temporary situation for your canine companion. It could be hard or fast breathing, wheezing or propane, and vacant impresses. All these situations could be very many suggestions for heart disease, allergic reaction(s), and or a foreign body in their throat.

What to Do:

  • Seek attention to your canine as fast as possible.
  • Keep an eye on your dog for other symptoms, for example, pale gums, coughing, wheezing, etc.

Breathing problems can lead to death if they are not managed in time; hence, consider this one an emergency.

2. Collapse Or Inability To Stand

Should your dog appear to collapse at any point or you find it unable to stand, a host of problems may be in play, including dehydration, heatstroke, heart problems, and even internal bleeding. Weakness or collapse should never be ignored and should always be handled medically at once.

What to Do:

  • Firstly, avoid any advanced actions. Only help keep your dog calm and carefully carry them to the closest vet.
  • Please do not give them food or water until they have been professionally checked.

3. Uncontrolled Bleeding

Bleeding is the loss of fluid, particularly blood, from the vascular system. Severe, it occurs sometimes – so much that you can collect no more than a couple minutes and each time redo all of that within a few days after. Internal bleeding or Wound bleeding that doesn't stop, even after several minutes, is a serious situation. Blood or bright red blood coming from the nose, along with blood in the urine, is also a concern as both are cases of uncontrollable bleeding of some or all forms.

What to Do:

  • Use a clean cloth or dress the Wound properly; apply pressure on the Wound for a few minutes and avoid changing the cloth or bandage for at least 1 hour.
  • Straight away, obtain medical care for your dog – excessive blood loss may cause shock or even death if nothing is done.

4. Persistent Vomiting Or Diarrhea

It is common to observe vomiting and diarrhea in dogs; however, when such behavior persists, it is indicative that a very serious complication is present. These patients often suffer from continuous vomiting and diarrhea, and even a mild about causes dehydration. Gastric poisoning, an infection, pancreatitis, or an intestinal blockage all cause constant vomiting and diarrhea.

What to Do:

  • Keep an eye out for any bleeding in the mouth, vomit, or stool. If blood is noticed, there may be internal bleeding.
  • Try and keep the animal away from eating and drinking until you are at the vet's office, although do reach the vet clinic at your earliest convenience to avoid serious complications.

5. Seizures

Seizures often arise from epilepsy, toxins, brain tumors, or certain types of liver disease, among other causes. In case your dog happens to have a seizure, regardless of it lasting for a few seconds, it is important to contact a vet without any other delay.

What to Do:

  • Clear nearby articles that could injure your dog in the course of seizures.
  • Regardless of the seizure, after the seizure, I suggest that you remain calm and take your dog to the vet.

If a dog experiences seizure after seizure without any medical assistance, chances are there that the dog may suffer neurological deficits or even worse medical consequences.

6. Swollen or Bloated Abdomen

Feeling a very bloated stomach, particularly a hard stomach there, can be serious as this may be indicative of the dangerous Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), more commonly known as bloat. A bloat takes place when a dog's stomach twists, creating a vacuum whereby no gas or fluid can escape. It is important to note that GDV is life-threatening and requires the dog to undergo emergency surgery, where if there is no action taken within several hours, it will lead to death.

What to Do:

  • As stated, the only course of action is to see a vet, which should be an obvious step if there is a bulging or swollen abdomen.
  • Look for more signs, including restlessness, drooling more than usual, and later attempts to vomit.

7. Pale or Blue Gums

Your dog's gums are one of the aspects of your pet's health without the need for any surgical procedure. Pale, white, or blue gums are warning signs of oxygen starvation, shock, bleeding, or heart failure. Normally, the gums should be pink, and any change should be viewed with suspicion.

What to Do:

  • Careful examination of your dog's gums for any changes in color should be done.
  • In case of any pale or blue coloration, the dog's health is in great danger, and you have to rush to the vet.

8. Lethargy or Unresponsiveness

Dogs can have off days just like humans, but if your dog is often extremely lethargic and lays down nor stands, delivering no expressive movement or sound at all, it can represent a severe problem. Lethargy can have many causes, from infections, poisoning, heart disease, or other internal diseases or metabolic disorders.

What to Do:

  • Observe them closely for any of the following additional signs: vomiting, diarrhea, or appetite loss.
  • Should your furry friend not show any signs of dodging the 'sloth' after a little while ask your vet for some professional advice without any hesitations.

9. Sudden Behavioral Changes

Suddenly become aggressive, fearful, or withdrawn? Suddenly is a definite no, dogs do not go through these sad, emotional conditions such as fear or resentment without reason. Changes in behavior may indicate pain and/or neurological problems. More serious conditions, such as tumors in the brain or even more minor injuries or infections, can make them miserable.

What to Do:

  • Observe and rule out any other health conditions that may result in the behavior being exhibited.
  • Professional help would be very beneficial for the person with behavioral problems in question.

10. Extreme Pain or Whining

Dogs are rather robust pets, but if they begin to whimper or scurry in pain or even start to limp or refuse to Run, then it's time to call for help. Pain can signal relatives with acute illnesses, such as painful joints or a tendency for an organ to burst.

What to Do:

  • Don't avoid too much the painful part as this may aggravate the pain.
  • Head to the vet, and if the pain is bad or associated with other symptoms and medical emergencies, ortho codes are also required.

11. Loss of Appetite or Water Refusal

It is usual for dogs to skip the feeding at times, but if you observe that your dog has not fed or taken water in the last 24 hours, that should raise concern. Appetite can be due to many conditions, from simple dental issues to serious cases such as infections, poisoning, or stomach tumors.

What to Do:

  • Watch for other signs of illness, such as vomiting, frustration, and diarrhea.
  • If your pet does not want to eat or drink anything in a day or more, take it to the vet.

12. Exposure to Toxins

Dogs will always find a way to get what they want, no matter the risks involved. Be it chocolate, antifreeze, chemical detergents, or particular plants, these dogs pose a very high risk of poisoning. They have seen many dog poisoning symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, bulimia, drooling, muscle tremors, and even seizures.

What to Do:

  • If poisoning is suspected, the vet should be surely phoned, or the animal poison control center should be contacted to know what steps to take.
  • If the substance that the dog ingested is known, it is advisable to conduct a faster treatment by bringing the container to the veterinary practice.

What to Do During a Dog-Dog Emergency

There are many dog emergencies, and whatever ca kind of panic you feel, it is essential to keep it at the very minimum level. There are many reasons why people might not appreciate panic. The same is true for dogs. Here's what you should do in the event of a dog emergency:

  1. Examine the Circumstances: Look out for any physical symptoms your dog is presenting. Are they doing any breathing at all? Does this person's heart appear to be beating regularly? How awake are they?
  2. Get in Touch with Your Vet: Communication of necessary medical advice in veterinary emergencies is important, and to follow instructions, ordinary dog owners must seek out a vet (usually a general practitioner). Clarify the symptoms shortly and whether you should come with your dog straight away.
  3. Give Preliminary First Aid (only if needed): If, for instance, there is a wound with blood spurting out that demands some form of first aid before access is granted to a vet, may this be the type of injury encountered? Regress to basic treatment quickly to avoid any breakdown that may complicate the injury.
  4. Carry Out Your Dog in the Correct Manner: Due to the need to treat the disease urgently, if the dog is indeed sick, relocate the animal in a manner that seeks to alleviate the discomfort they may be experiencing.

Understanding the emergency signs that should be paid attention to in dogs can be very important in regard to the well-being of your pet. Prompt response and notice of these signs can be lifesaving; it could be the reason you do not lose your dog. Always listen to your gut feelings; when in doubt, it is best to be on the safe side and contact an expert if one believes that something is not ambient. Fast action may help avert a situation that, even though treatable, may lead to a catastrophe.

Do not dismiss the signs, even if it is easier to ignore them, such as breathing issues, a sudden onset of different types of behaviors, or intermittent vomiting. Shields are useless when the war is on. However, your dog relies on you to know when and where things have gone terribly wrong and, therefore, know when to move and be fast about it if it becomes necessary.