But I need to vent.
I don't want to be unkind, but I feel that having an IQ of at least two digits should be a requirement for dog ownership. I love running my Dog Health Issues Facebook group and I love being able to help people on Pawbly or any other online forum.
I understand that there are many situations when one can be unsure what to do. Nobody wants to rush to a vet with every pimple or hick-up.
Nobody knows all and it's good to ask.
Except when it's clearly an emergency.
Yes, sometimes it is hard to tell whether the situation truly is an emergency or not. Not every situation is obvious.
Dr. Andy Roark has a great video highlighting 5 signs of a pet emergency.
Please, watch it, everybody.
No video or other source can cover every possible scenario, however. Sometimes one just needs to use their own common sense.
What do you think about the following situations? Emergencies, or not?
My dog was given a bone to eat. When going for a poo he was screaming out and whimpering. He passed some, but was still straining afterwards and screaming out .Hes a 4 year old staff. Any help ideas please?
***
My chihuahua got attacked by a pit bull and she’s just laying on the bed and when she breathes her ribs pop out and she pooped on herself and there was blood in it what should I do?If you were in so much pain to make you scream, would you call an ambulance? If you got attacked by an alligator or run over by a steamroller, would you seek medical attention?
How much more obvious does it need to get?
How is that any different when it comes to dogs? When something like that happens, NOBODY can help you over the internet. Your dog needs a vet right away.
Here is an article highlighting some common emergency situations and symptoms.
If your situation isn't on the list, it can still be an emergency.
The two examples above are not rare. I see questions like that all the time.
Emergency or not?
My puppy is 5 months old and is up to date on all her shots. This morning she threw up two socks. She is disoriented and dizzy and can’t walk right. Plus she want eat or drink. What’s wrong with my baby?
If your dog got attacked, was in an accident, is screaming in pain, non-responsive, having hard time breathing, bleeding ... or showing any other signs of serious trouble - please, it's an emergency.