When to Call the Veterinarian for a Sick Dog

It can be difficult at times to determine whether a dog's medical symptoms are serious since they're unable to tell you when they're uncomfortable or in pain. For this reason, it's important to be aware of certain signs that suggest it's time to seek medical attention for your canine friend. When it comes to the health of your dog, it's better to be safe than regret that you didn't respond to your dog's symptoms quickly enough. Here's how to know when to call your vet:

Assess your dog's general demeanor.

Does your dog have mild symptoms such as diarrhea or an upset stomach and still appear happy and energetic? Chances are if he greets you with an animated wag of his tail and a happy energetic lift to his step, he probably isn't seriously ill and can be watched closely for further signs of illness.

Assess your dog's appetite.

When a dog stops eating, it's time to call your vet. If this goes along with vomiting and diarrhea, it could be a sign of pancreatitis, a potentially life threatening inflammation of the pancreas. This is a definite indication that further medical attention is needed for your dog.

Check your dog's heart rate.

To check your dog's heart rate, feel for the large artery that extends along the inside of the back leg. Gently place on the artery with the three middle fingers of your hand and count the beats over a one minute period. A normal heart rate should be between 80 and 150 beats per minute. If your dog's heart rate is outside that range it could indicate a fever, shock, or a serious illness and is an indication to call his vet.

Check your dog's respiratory rate.

Check your dog's respiratory rate while he is not panting by counting the number of beats per minute. The normal number of respirations per minute should be 25 to 60 beats per minute. Anything outside this range is suggestive of underlying illness.

Check your dog's body temperature.

You should be able to use a rectal thermometer to get an accurate temperature reading on your dog. A temperature above 102 degrees Farenheit is abnormal and indicates that your veterinarian should be called.

Check for evidence of dehydration.