So you’ve noticed something seems off with your furry friend lately. Their nose is warm, they’re drinking more water than usual, or they just don’t seem like themselves. As a pet owner, it’s normal to feel concerned when your dog or cat isn’t acting right. But how do you know if it’s serious enough to call the vet? Living in Charlotte, NC means we have easy access to an excellent veterinarian in Charlotte, NC for our pets, but you don’t want to rush them to the emergency vet for every little thing. On the other hand, many health issues in dogs and cats can escalate quickly if left untreated. This article will cover some of the most common symptoms in dogs and cats that warrant a call to your local Charlotte veterinarian for an exam. We want to keep our pets happy and healthy, so learn when it’s critical to have them checked out by a professional.
Common Health Problems in Dogs and Cats That May Require a Veterinarian Visit
If your dog or cat shows any of the following signs, call your vet in Charlotte, NC immediately:
– Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath: If your pet is struggling to breathe, panting heavily or breathing rapidly, it could indicate a life-threatening issue like heart failure or lung disease and requires emergency care.
– Pale or blue gums: The gums are normally pink in color, so if your pet’s gums look pale, white or blue, it could signify a loss of blood or oxygen and requires immediate vet attention.
– Seizures or uncontrollable shaking: Witnessing your pet have a seizure can be frightening. Seek emergency vet care right away as seizures can be a symptom of a serious condition that needs diagnosis and treatment.
– Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness: If your pet is unconscious, unresponsive or will not wake up, this qualifies as an emergency. Call your vet or an emergency vet clinic without delay.
– Heavy bleeding or trauma: Call your vet promptly if your pet has suffered a traumatic injury, is bleeding excessively, or has wounds that will not stop bleeding. They can go into shock without quick veterinary care.
– Signs of bloat in large breed dogs: Bloat is a life-threatening emergency in dogs. Call your vet immediately if your large breed dog shows signs like restlessness, pacing, retching, enlarged abdomen, or pale gums.
– Toxin exposure: If you know or suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, call your vet right away for advice. The quicker treatment can begin, the better the prognosis. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
Tips for Deciding When to Take Your Pet to the Veterinarian in Charlotte, NC
As a pet owner, it’s important to know when you should call the vet for your furry friend. Some health issues are emergencies and require immediate attention, while others can wait until normal office hours.
If your dog or cat experiences difficulty breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness, or uncontrollable bleeding, call the emergency vet right away. These can be life-threatening and every second counts.
For non-emergencies, call your vet if your pet shows symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours, loss of appetite for more than two days, sudden weakness or lethargy, limping or unable to walk, straining to urinate or defecate. While not immediately life-threatening, these issues still require prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Watch for other signs that could indicate an underlying condition that needs treatment, such as coughing, sneezing or wheezing; cloudy or red eyes; flaky or itchy skin; scooting their bottom along the floor; or changes in behavior or activity levels.
Calling the vet for advice or to schedule an exam right away is always the best approach. Early diagnosis and treatment of health issues is critical for your pet’s wellbeing and quality of life. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to call – your vet will determine if the symptoms can be addressed over the phone or if an office visit is needed. The health and happiness of your furry family member is worth the call!
Sharon Howe is a creative person with diverse talents. She writes engaging articles for WonderWorldSpace.com, where she works as a content writer. Writing allows Sharon to inform and captivate readers. Additionally, Sharon pursues music as a hobby, which allows her to showcase her artistic abilities in another creative area.