Our pets are an important aspect of our lives, and we always try our best to keep them safe. One important safety topic for pet owners is knowing when to take your dogs to the vet. Sometimes they will give you subtle signs of problems that require veterinarian care, but you might not recognize them until it’s too late. Remember to watch for any of these signs of health problems to keep your dog as happy as the day you brought him home.

Trauma- If you notice that your dog has experienced any form of trauma, which could include something as serious as being hit by a car or something as seemingly innocent as being scratched by a neighborhood cat, he will probably need to see a vet. If you didn’t see your pet experience any trauma, but you notice any sort of wound on his body, you should also see a vet as soon as possible.

Change in appetite- All dogs have different eating patterns, but they will need to eat regularly. Whether your dog is the type to clean his bowl as soon as you set it down or the type who likes to graze throughout the day, you should notice if he suddenly doesn’t want to eat like usual. Sometimes a dog may just experience an upset stomach from something he eats, so if your dog is normally healthy and misses one meal, it is probably no big deal. If, however, he misses more than one meal or is an older dog with a higher potential for problems, you should see a vet right away.

Vomiting or Diarrhea- Vomiting or diarrhea is usually a sign that something is very wrong with your pet. If there is no obvious cause for these problems, like a change in diet or stress level or if this happens for a prolonged period of time, he should see a vet.

Lethargy- If your dog is usually happy-go-lucky and has suddenly become lethargic, he is probably sick. Many health problems can cause lethargy, including infections, tumors, or a reaction to medication, so you should see a vet as soon as possible. After you notice signs of lethargy, watch for other symptoms that may manifest more subtly. You can then report these symptoms to your vet to help diagnose the problem.

Signs of Pain- If you notice your dog limping or having a hard time moving around, chances are he has either hurt himself or is beginning to have joint problems. Both of these conditions require the care of a vet and should be handled quickly. If your dog hurt himself somehow, getting immediate treatment can prevent the condition from becoming worse.

The health of your pet is so important to us, and we will do whatever we can to help you in your time of need. If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact us so that we can help make your dog well and get him back home to you.