The health of our dogs is something that all pet owners worry about. How can you tell when to take your puppy or dog to the vet? How can you tell if what your pet is going through is just a “common cold”, or if it is something more severe? How do you know if your dog is limping because of something minor, or if the limp is serious? Start with the basics. Your dog should go to the vet as soon as possible after you first bring your pet home. This gives your vet an opportunity to become acquainted with your newest pet. This first visit is important because it will give the vet a first look into the health and wellness of your newest puppy. The vet should check for fleas and ticks, worms, temperature, abdominal tension, activity level, etc. Your vet may also want to take blood to check for other diseases. Also if the vet considers your new pet healthy, the puppy will most likely receive his / her first set of shots.
Maintain the shot schedule for your puppy, and make certainthat you bring home some heart worm medicine.
What happens when your puppy or dog starts acting strange? How do you know when to take her to the vet? My rule has always been“concerning behavior for more than one day” warrants a call to the veterinary office. If my dogs do not eat, becomes lethargic, produces significantly more or less “waste”, stops drinking water, vomits more than twice, or exhibits any other behavior that is noticeably different for more than one day, I call their vet and check. Many times she will tell me that all is fine, but there have been several occasions when she has insisted that I bring my dog inimmediately.
In short, any behavior that you find to be alarming that continues for more than a day is most likely indicitive of something and should at the very least be discussed with your pet's doctor.
The short list that would warrent a vet trip is:
* A dog that doesn’t seem to be eating properly for more than one day.
* Loose stool repeatedly or frequently for more than one day.
* Drinking too much or too little water
* Abnormally frequent urination
* Incontinence, vomiting, or blood in the urine are serious and should be reported immediately.
* Abnormal activity levels for extended periods of time.
* Sore or tender spots, limping, swollen areas, scratches, or other injuries.
* Any intake that could be dangerous (prescription meds, a puppy who eats an entire sock, a bowl of grapes, etc) should be reported IMMEDIATELY!
* Normal temperature for a dog is 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Bear in mind that just like human body temperature this can vary a bit. However, just like a human child, a significant change in body temperature is dangerous and should be checked out IMMEDIATELY.
This list is not intended to be comprehensive or all inclusive, but instead is intended to be a guideline. Ultimately, you know your dog better than anyone else possibly can. You are the keeper of your pet's health, well being, and happiness. If you are worried about your dog or puppy,then the best course of action for you is to contact your vet.
