Making Sure Your Pet Is Happy and Healthy

Five Signs It's Time To Take Your Dog To The Vet

14 October 2022 by Linda Sullivan

Nobody wants to be an overzealous helicopter dog owner who rushes to the vet for every scratch or sneeze—but still, you want to do right by your most loyal and loving companions. If you're relatively new to dog ownership it can be difficult to work out when you need to make an appointment and when you can let a problem resolve on its own. There are a few basic guidelines, though, so read on to learn more about some of the key signs that you should give your local veterinary surgery a call.

#1: Their food and water behaviours change suddenly and significantly.  

You know what's normal for your dog, so some changes will be more visible to you than they are to any vet. If your dog is a picky eater by nature that's probably just what they're like, but if they usually have a voracious and indiscriminate appetite you'll know it's time to worry when they suddenly go off their food.

#2: They start walking differently or having trouble with their balance.

Pulled muscles and injured paws are both pretty common canine injuries, and unless you see it happen the first you'll probably know about it is when they start to limp. Ear infections can also cause a change in gait or some balance difficulty, and these too are something that most dogs will experience in their lifetime but that definitely req

#3: You've noticed a sudden shift into uncharacteristic behaviour.

A dog's personality doesn't simply change overnight. If your usually cuddly, affectionate dog starts growling when you try to pet them, that's a huge sign that they're in pain and something's wrong. If a dog who never whines suddenly starts crying constantly, you'll need to give them a good look over to find out why.

#4: They've been experiencing digestive difficulties for a few days. 

A dog having an upset tummy is normal from time to time. Most dogs will occasionally regurgitate their food or have the odd day where they experience constipation or diarrhea—after all, the same is true for humans! If a few days pass, however, that could be a sign of a bigger problem and that's when you should phone to make an appointment as soon as possible.

#5: It's been a year or more since your last visit.

Just like humans, dogs need a check-up every so often. It's also important to keep your dog's vaccinations up to date; exactly which ones are necessary will vary by state, but all dogs should get at least one booster every twelve months. If you haven't taken your pooch to the doctor in the past year, book a routine checking-in appointment to make sure they're in top condition and protected from illness and disease.

Contact a veterinary service to learn more. 

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