What Did Your Dog Eat? Things To Know About Emergency Vet Services
Certain dogs are far more prone than others to eat anything and everything that they come across. Whether you have a dog that has PICA or you're just raising a lab puppy, it's important that you know how to respond in the event that your dog eats something that they shouldn't. Here are some of the things that your emergency vet wants you to know ahead of time so that you are better prepared in case your pup consumes something that's not intended for them.
Do You Know What Your Dog Ate?
The first step in addressing the problem is determining what your dog ate, if at all possible. This is important because something toxic requires a much more rapid response to help ensure your dog's health. In addition, an emergency vet will want to know what the dog ate to help give you the next steps if you need to call them.
If you know what your dog ate and you're concerned that it might be toxic, call your local emergency vet right away. They can tell you if it's toxic and, if so, what you need to do. If it's not toxic but you still need to monitor your dog, they will advise you of that as well.
Sometimes, what your dog ate is not something that's actually edible. For example, rocks, drywall, and wood are all things that dogs shouldn't eat but sometimes do. Depending on the size of the object, the emergency vet may advise you to just keep a watch on the dog and call if there are any signs of distress, or they may recommend that you bring your dog in right away for more help.
What Condition Is Your Dog In?
The next thing to consider when you're deciding whether your dog needs an emergency vet is to consider the condition your pup is in. A dog that doesn't seem to be bothered and is eating, drinking, and behaving normally is much less of a concern than a dog who is vomiting, not eating, or lethargic. Consider the condition that your dog is in and whether or not their behavior seems normal when you're trying to decide if you should seek emergency veterinary care.
These are two of the most important considerations when you're concerned about something your dog has eaten. No matter what your dog might have eaten, don't let it panic you. Instead, consider these points and reach out to a local emergency vet clinic for more guidance and support.
For more information, contact an emergency vet near you.