Pet Health: What You Need to Know

Signs You Need to Take Your Sick Dog to the Emergency Vet

13 April 2020

Connor Hawkins

If your dog is sick, you may find yourself wondering what you can and should do for them to help them overcome their illness. Many people follow the "wait and see" approach to dealing with illness in pets, hoping that the bug or issue that is causing the illness will resolve itself on its own. However, there are times where this approach may not be the best option. Get to know some of the signs that your sick dog may need emergency pet care. Then, you can be sure to get to the emergency vet as soon as you notice signs of trouble. 

Your Dog Has Been Vomiting or Had Diarrhea for Several Days

When you have a sick dog, vomiting and/or diarrhea are often serious symptoms. If your dog vomits a few times in a day or has diarrhea for a day or two but then it resolves, you most likely do not need to seek out veterinary care.

However, if your dog has been vomiting or had diarrhea for more than 48 hours, you need to seek out veterinary care immediately. Your dog can easily get dehydrated from vomiting and diarrhea which can become dangerous if the issue not dealt with right away. At the vet, your dog can get medications to stop the vomiting and/or diarrhea and can receive IV fluids to ensure they do not become overly dehydrated. 

Your Dog Stops Eating and Drinking Entirely

If your dog is ill, it is understandable that they might not be as enthusiastic as usual about their food or about water. However, they should be at least trying to drink water regularly and possibly trying to eat. Should your dog go more than a day without doing one or the other of these things, it is time to head to the vet. 

Your dog needs water to stay hydrated. They need food to nourish their body and give it the energy to fight off whatever illness they have come down with. A refusal to do either or both is a sign that the illness or issue may be more serious and require medications or other interventions to be resolved.

You Notice Blood in Vomit, Stool, or Urine

No matter how long your dog has been sick, if you notice blood in their vomit, urine, or stool, you should seek veterinary care right away. This blood is indicative that something serious and severe may be going on. 

Blood in the urine, for example, can be due to a UTI (urinary tract infection) or kidney infection—both are quite dangerous and painful. Blood in the stool could be a sign of a bowel perforation or blockage. And blood in vomit could be a sign of an obstruction, ulcers, or other serious issue. 

Now that you know some of the signs you need to take your sick dog to an emergency pet care center, you can be sure you do what is best for your canine companion the next time they are ill. 

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