Dogs | 🚨 Emergency red flags (the list that means go now) | Evidence chain

FAQ

My dog has heatstroke — what can I do before we reach the clinic?

Move the dog into the shade, wet the whole body with room-temperature water (not iced water), use a fan or an open window for airflow, then go to the clinic immediately. Do not immerse the dog in ice water, do not wrap it up in wet towels, and do not wait for the temperature to look "normal" before leaving. Heatstroke causes multi-organ failure and coagulation abnormalities, and the cooling done on the way decides survival. Endless panting on a hot day or after exercise, a high temperature, collapse, vomiting or bloody stool, and seizures are all presentations of heatstroke.

My dog's abdomen is distended and it keeps retching without bringing anything up — what is going on?

This may be gastric dilatation-volvulus, which is common in large deep-chested dogs just after a meal or after strenuous activity, and the classic combination is a distended abdomen, retching that brings nothing up, heavy drooling, and restless pacing. The twist cuts off blood flow, the stomach wall becomes necrotic and shock follows, progressing within minutes. Leave immediately and call the clinic on the way so they can prepare; do not give water, do not press on the abdomen, and do not try to "help the dog burp".

My dog swallowed something it should not have — should I make it vomit first?

Do not induce vomiting at home based on what you read online. Phone the primary clinic, a 24-hour emergency hospital or a poison information contact first, and bring the original packaging, note the time and the estimated amount, and keep a sample of any vomit. With corrosive substances, oily substances, a dog that is already seizuring, and flat-faced dogs, inducing vomiting causes bigger problems. When you set off, take the packaging, the pill box, photos of the plant and the vomit with you.