A veterinary consultation for a dog
How do I know whether my dog needs the vet?
Here are some signs that a visit to the vet is needed:
- A change in behaviour: aggression, apathy.
- Loss of appetite, or a marked increase in thirst.
- Digestive upsets: diarrhoea, vomiting.
- Coughing, sneezing or laboured breathing.
- Difficulty getting up, or a persistent limp.
- Wounds that will not heal, or intense itching.
- Sudden weight loss, or unexplained weight gain.
What is the main reason dogs see a vet?
Dogs are most often seen for preventive care, such as vaccinations and health checks. That said, problems such as skin infections, digestive upsets or joint pain are also frequent reasons to come in.
When should a dog see the vet?
The key moments for a veterinary visit include:
- Puppy: for the first vaccinations, worming and advice on training.
- Every year: for a health check, booster vaccinations and parasite screening.
- Adulthood: to keep an eye on general health and prevent chronic disease.
- Later years: older dogs need regular check-ups to pick up age-related conditions such as arthritis or heart problems.
When is it an emergency?
Here are examples of emergencies needing immediate attention:
- An accident or serious injury.
- Inability to pass urine or faeces.
- Seizures or loss of consciousness.
- Swallowing something toxic, such as chocolate or household products.
- Difficulty breathing, or sudden breathlessness.
In these situations, contact a vet or an out-of-hours clinic immediately.
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