Does My Dog Need To Go To The Vet?

Dog to the vet

As a general rule of thumb, your dog should have regular visits to the vet to have its vitals checked and assess its health—just like every human does. Visiting the vet at least once a year is a great way to stay on top of keeping your pet healthy and happy! A great way to do this is scheduling the next appointment in advance at the end up of each check-up.

However, if your dog starts exhibiting unusual behavior, has a rapidly changing appearance, or something else that concerns you, it’s best to get to your local veterinarian’s office as quickly as possible. Catching symptoms of failing health early is the best way to prevent potentially serious consequences of waiting too long. You should consider scheduling a veterinarian appointment if you notice any of the following warning signs:

No appetite or vomiting

Whether your dog is picking at its food or simply losing interest in eating altogether, especially when it comes to its favorite treats, lacking an appetite is a warning sign that your dog may be experiencing some abnormalities with its health. Vomiting or constant diarrhea also indicates that your dog may have ingested something it shouldn’t have or an underlying signal that something is wrong. Definitely take your dog to your veterinarian if lack of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea persist without explanation.

Weight loss

Are you starting to see your dog’s ribs even more prominently than normal? That’s suggestive of weight loss. Experiencing weight loss goes paw in paw with no appetite, and may relay information about your dog’s health status that could be of concern. If your dog is simply overweight and on a diet, weight loss isn’t anything to worry about, but if your dog is losing weight because of disinterest in food or dropping pounds while eating the same amount, you should have it checked out.

Trouble breathing

From time to time, your dog may experience wheezing or be short of breath after running around a lot. But, noticing strained breathing, coughing, or wheezing on a consistent basis is a sign that something’s up. Your dog shouldn’t be making weird noises when it breathes or puffing its lips if that’s not a regular occurrence.

Aggressive behavior

Has your dog been displaying more aggressive behavior than usual? Perhaps it’s snarling at strangers and even individuals it knows. Or maybe it is barking, pacing, and growling far more than normal. This behavior is erratic and should be examined by a professional. Your dog may be more aggressive than normal because it is experiencing pain and trying to communicate that.

 

These 4 warning signs are only a few of the most important signals that you should take your dog to the vet. Read up on more warning signs here. In the event that your dog is exhibiting any of these warning signs and you’re in the Nashville, TN area, contact Caudle Vet Clinic at (615) 227-6230. We provide compassionate care for your pets during emergencies and scheduled visits to ensure their good health and promote their longevity.

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