When Should I Take My Dog To The Veterinarian?

Most people realize that their dogs need to visit the veterinarian on a regular basis for routine health care. For most dogs, this will probably be once or twice a year. Your veterinarian can easily review your dog's medical history and advise you when your dog is due for the next visit.

However, many people wonder what types of symptoms should warrant an unplanned trip to the veterinarian. Of course, everyone knows that if the symptoms seem severe or if your dog is bleeding, he/she must go to the doctor. But what about the more subtle types of symptoms that sometimes occur?

Generally, it's probably better to error on the side of caution and schedule an appointment for your dog any time he/she is not acting right. Specific symptoms which might prompt a visit to the doctor are things like a sudden change in your dog's appetite. For instance, if you dog suddenly stops eating, there's probably a reason for that change.

If your dog seems sluggish or lethargic or acts more irritable than normal, these may be symptoms of some type of illness.

You should also watch for changes in your dog's bowels. If you are noticing loose stools, diarrhea, or constipation, you should notify your dog's veterinarian. These may be indications of a gastrointestinal problem, or some other type of illness.

Vomiting can be indicative of many different health problems.

Frequent sneezing may indicate a respiratory problem, as can a runny nose or eyes. Coughing may also be suggestive of a respiratory problem, or even a heart problem. Excessive panting or heaving breathing can be indicative of a respiratory or heart problem as well.

You should also watch for signs of urinary problems. If your dog is urinating frequently, seems painful when urinating, is passing blood in the urine, or is having "accidents", he/she should be seen by the doctor. If your dog is not able to urinate, an emergency visit to the veterinarian is called for, particularly if your dog is a male.

If your dog is limping, is having difficulty going up and down stairs, has difficulty rising from a sleeping position, or seems painful, your dog's veterinarian should be consulted. These symptoms may indicate a traumatic injury such as a fall, a degenerative type of disease affecting the joints or back such as arthritis, hip dysplasia or disc disease, or some other type of musculoskeletal problem.

Symptoms such as scratching, hair loss, and reddened skin may indicate skin problems such as allergies or parasitic infections. Likewise, scratching at the ears and shaking the head may indicate an ear problem, as does a discharge or odor from the ears.

If your dog seems to have difficulty chewing his/her food, if you are seeing blood from his/her mouth or gums, or his/her mouth seems painful, there may be a dental issue which needs attention.

If you are noticing a vaginal discharge or bleeding without the typical symptoms of a heat cycle, your dog should see her veterinarian.

Similarly, spayed females do not come into "heat" and should not bleed.

If your dog is male and you are seeing penile bleeding, this is also abnormal. A small amount of discharge from the penis is normal for most male dogs, but if the discharge increases to an abnormal level, your dog's veterinarian should be consulted.

If your dog's eye become cloudy, reddened, if he/she is squinting or rubbing at the eyes, or if there is a discharge from the eyes, your dog should see the veterinarian.

If you notice a yellow coloration on your dog's skin or gums, your dog should see the doctor as soon as possible. In addition, if your dog's gums appear to be pale instead of pink in color, or if the gums look blue or purple in color, your dog needs to see his/her veterinarian. These changes may indicate serious disease for your dog.

Most of us spend a great deal of time petting and grooming our dogs. It is advisable, while you are doing this, to make note of any lumps or bumps on or underneath your dog's skin. These should be discussed with your dog's veterinarian at your earliest convenience. These areas should also be monitored for signs of change, such as increasing in size or changing in color. If the area has occurred suddenly, seems painful for your dog or if you start to see a discharge from the area, you should notify your dog's doctor at once.

A good rule of thumb would be to consult your dog's doctor if you notice anything abnormal in your dog's behavior, appearance or activities. As they say, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" and many illnesses are much easier to treat if diagnosed early in the course of the disease as opposed to later. If in doubt, have your dog examined by his/her doctor.