Health emergencies Puppy health emergencies are generally few and far between. But, when they do happen, they need to be acted on immediately. How do you know which symptoms to take seriously? Following are a few examples of situations that should send you directly to your veterinarian. Listlessness Healthy puppies are active. They play hard and they sleep hard. When they are awake, they are usually on the move, exploring their world. A pup who seems uninterested in the world, and who lies around with his ears and tail low, is a puppy with a problem. Excessive drinking Some pups love water and there is nothing alarming about that. However, if your puppy is suddenly drinking a lot more water than normal, without any obvious reason such as exercise or warm weather, there may be cause for concern. Pale gums Puppy gums should be a healthy pink (with the obvious exception of pup's with black mouths). If you lift a lip and press on your pup's healthy gum it should become pale for a moment, then pink again a few seconds after you release. If your pup's gums are pale and you cannot see any difference in the color of his gums when pressed or released there may be a problem. Limping There are many reasons for a limp. But if there is no obvious cause, such as a broken toenail or injured paw pad, then it is best not to guess at the problem but to get a professional assessment from your veterinarian. The most serious kind of limp is when a puppy holds his leg up and refuses to touch it to the ground. Sometimes, after a sudden stub or bump, a puppy will hold his paw up for a second or two. But usually he rapidly recovers and is walking on it again in short order. If he doesn't, then your puppy needs immediate medical care. Collapse Though rare, there are several reasons why a puppy might collapse. For example, if your puppy is a tiny toy breed he is more susceptible to hypoglycemia. These pups need to eat frequently to keep their blood sugar within normal range. If they go without food for too long their blood sugar falls and collapse may result. A puppy may also collapse as a result of overheating, shock, or the ingestion of something toxic. Collapse as a result of overheating may occur if it is hot out and your puppy has overexerted himself or been without shade. Cooling him off is vital but needs to be done properly. He should be soaked in cool water, and brought to your veterinarian immediately. Collapse as a result of shock may occur after a severe trauma such as being hit by a car — again, immediate professional care is necessary. Collapse as a result of poisoning may occur if your pup has swallowed a toxic substance. If you suspect this has happened call your veterinarian or local poison control line for immediate advice. Regardless of the cause, professional care is necessary if your puppy collapses. Vomiting Most pups will vomit occasionally without anything being wrong. However, if your puppy vomits repeatedly in a short period, or has other symptoms such as listlessness, diarrhea, weakness, or a refusal to eat or drink, then it may be serious and you should consult your veterinarian immediately. Most pups grow up happy and healthy without a single health emergency. If you're ever unsure of how to interpret your puppy's health don't hesitate to visit your veterinarian. Seeking prompt professional care is always a good choice. |
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