Should I Bring My Dog In?

Many urgent conditions can be handled right here by our well trained doctors during normal operating hours. Some conditions will need special care right away at an Emergency Clinic or Specialty Center. Call us and we can help sort that for you.

Here’s what we recommend:

1. Known or suspected ingestion

Call us immediately if your dog gets a small taste or full meal of the following:

• Overdose of prescriptions
• Toxins
• Human Medications
• Chocolate
• Grapes or Raisens
• THC/edibles
• Sugar-free gums and candies

Many factors determine level of danger:

Find the label and any information on what your dog may have eaten. Call us immediately with your dog’s weight, amount, and information on the toxin they ingested. We will use our knowledge and resources to guide you quickly to an appointment at City Dog, a rush to an ER clinic, or hopefully a remedy and relief at home.

2. Potential injury

Did you see it happen or feel your dog may have been hurt?

• Fights involving other animals (other dogs, cats, wild animals including rodents)
• Vehicular trauma
• Falling from a height

All of these scenarios require an exam by a skilled veterinarian, as subtle wounds and trauma can become serious ones very quickly if not treated correctly.

3. Eyes…no messing around here!

When it comes to eye problems, if there’s any question….YES they should be seen by a vet.

• Squinting eye
• Pawing at an eye
• Discharge from one or both eyes
• Swollen eye

4. Ears

• Excessive head shaking
• Pawing at an ear
• Swelling or puffy ear flap (pinna)

5. Oral foreign material

Something stuck in the oral cavity or throat starts as irritating but can become life threatening. Always see a veterinarian immediately.

• Sticks!
• Toys
• Bones

6. Changes in breathing

• Excesssive panting
• Labored breathing
• Persistent cough

7. Changes in urination or defecation

• Straining
• Posturing with no production
• Bloody urine or stool/diarrhea

8. Pain

• Unexplained whining or whimpering
• Trouble getting comfortable or restless
• Unexplained panting
• Cries when touched
• Not bearing weight on or dragging a limb
• Inability to get up

9. Change in gum appearance

• White, grey, or blue color to normally pink gums
• Small red spots over gums

10. Bizarre behavior

All dogs can be a little “bizarre” at times, but if your dog is exhibiting these symptoms, they need a vet visit:

• Staring out “into space”
• Loss of consciousness
• Unable to be aroused from sleep
• Seizures, including mild unusual twitching or trembling