When to take your dog immediately to the vet

It can be hard to know when to take your dog immediately to the vet.  Often, the expense is higher than normal since some vets charge an emergency fee in addition to their regular fees.  Or you have to go at night or on the weekend and those vets ALWAYS seem to charge a very high emergency fee.  However, you love your dog and want them to be healthy (and live).  There are times when you just need to bite the bullet and spend the extra money to get your dog the help you need.  But it is hard to know what needs to be addressed ASAP and what can wait until morning or Monday. 

Any of the following symptoms as enumerated by the ASPCA indicate the need for an immediate trip to the vet:

• Pale gums
• Rapid breathing
• Weak or rapid pulse
• Change in body temperature
• Difficulty standing
• Apparent paralysis
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Excessive bleeding

For more detailed descriptions of what accidents and injuries require a trip to the vet, please see the post "If this happens, take your dog to the vet ASAP" or vist PetMD

Do not hesitate to call your vet if you are not sure if you should take your dog there.  This is Gemma Torcivia signing off... and remember: spay and neuter your pets!