Does Your Dog Need to Go to the Vet?

There are times when your dog may be feeling a little under the weather and a little TLC is all that is needed to get him through it. Then there are times when your dog may be seriously ill and need to see the vet right away. The problem is that it can often be difficult to tell the difference. You might go back and forth between trying to decide whether he needs to go to the vet or not. If he is seriously ill then waiting could cause him unnecessary pain and suffering, but if he is not seriously ill then the vet bill could be a needless expense. So, how can you tell if your dog needs to go the vet? There are some signs that you can look out for to answer this question.

What Does He Look Like?

One of the first things to look at is your dog’s appearance. You can tell a lot just by looking over your dog’s general appearance. A sick dog will look thin, have low energy and have an odd coloring to him. His gums may be white, blue or yellow. He will seem different than usually with far less energy and not have interest in things that usually interest him. If you dog just doesn’t look normal then something serious is likely going on.

What Are His Vital Signs?

Your dog should have a normal temperature of around 100.5 to 102.5 degree Fahrenheit. If it is below or above this range then this is a sign of illness. Heart rate can also be checked. A puppy or small dog’s heart rate will be about 180 beats per minute and an adult’s heart rate is around 60 to 160 beats per minute. Vital signs that are not normal are a sign something is wrong.

Does He Have Any Symptoms?

If your dog is really sick then you may notice symptoms and signs of illness. These can include pain, drooling, panting or moving slowly. Any changes in bathroom or eating habits can also signal a problem. Lying around and not moving are also signs that you need to get to the vet right away. You should keep a record of symptoms and how they progress so you can provide them to the vet when you visit. Any symptoms should be a clear signal to head to the vet.

It is important that you know what your dog is like when he is healthy. This will help you to notice if something is wrong. You should check your dog’s gums, ask the vet about his normal heart rate, watch his eating and bathroom habits and generally just know what is normal for your dog. This should not be too difficult for the average dog owner. When you notice something is not right it is usually the best idea to go to the vet. It is a case of better safe than sorry. You don’t want to wait because if something really is seriously wrong then waiting can be the worst thing to do.

Author Bio: Kelly Marshall is a popular contributor at www.ohmydogsupplies.com – where you can find dog beds, dog steps, orthopedic beds for dogs, and more unique dog gear that you’ll never find at your local pet store.

Category: Pets
Keywords: dogs,veterinarian,dog health,dog checkup,sick dogs,dog vet