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Understanding Pet Problems

About a year after I purchased my dog, I realized that he was really struggling with his health. He just wasn't his lively self, and I was concerned that he was slowly dying. I decided to take him to a veterinarian to have his condition diagnosed, and we were able to learn a lot about his health. Within a few short months, he was on the road to recovery, and I was really grateful that I had done the work to make things better. This blog is all about understanding pet problems and knowing when to seek professional veterinary help.

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Understanding Pet Problems

5 Reasons To Take Your Dog To The Vet

by Ann Nelson

Dogs typically become beloved family members, and pet owners want to do everything possible to ensure that their pups are happy and healthy. But since dogs can't speak, it can be difficult to determine when they are need of immediate veterinary care. Knowing when to take your dog to the vet is essential. If you're dog experiences any of the following, take him to the vet as quickly as possible:

Trauma

When a dog experiences any type of trauma, such as a fall, a fight with another dog, or being hit by a car, it is important to have a vet examine him. Even if your dog does not have any lacerations or visible signs of injury, a trauma can cause extensive internal injuries, such as a collapsed lung or internal bleeding that can be dangerous. 

Problems Breathing

Breathing problems in dogs should never be dismissed or ignored. A number of things can cause a dog to have difficulty breathing, such as something being caught in the throat, heart disease, an allergic reaction to something the dog consumed, or pulmonary disease. Common signs of breathing problems in dogs include wheezing, weak or raspy breathing, or choking. If you suspect that your dog has something stuck in his throat, don't try to remove it yourself, since attempting to do so can result in completely blocking your dog's airway. 

Consuming Toxic Materials

There are a number of foods, household chemicals, pesticides, and landscaping materials that can be toxic to dogs. If you suspect or know that your dog has consumed something toxic, it is very important to call your vet right away. Depending on what type of toxic substance your dog has consumed, you may need to take him to the vet immediately for treatment.

Signs of Pain

Dogs may not be able to directly tell you that they are in pain, but they do show it in a number of ways. No one wants to see their dog in pain, but most pet owners don't have the skills needed to diagnose the issue. Any time your dog shows signs of pain, he should see the vet so the problem can be diagnosed and treated. Common signs of pain in dogs include whimpering, limping, trembling, agitation, and restlessness.

Seizures

Unfortunately, seizures are not uncommon in dogs. But if your dog has not had a seizure before, it can be quite stressful to watch. It is highly recommended that all dogs be seen by a vet after their first seizure. In some situations, a dog seizure may be an isolated event that never happens again. But it is also possible that the onset of seizures is a sign of epilepsy, which can often be controlled with medication. 

Visit a site like http://www.gulfportveterinarian.com for more help.

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