My dog is very sick. What signs mean he needs emergency vet care?

Your dog sounds very sick, and I think he needs veterinary attention now. Please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

Labored breathing and vomiting are very concerning signs. In an older, large-breed dog like your girl, I would be worried about bloat as a possible cause of her symptoms - this can be a life-threatening emergency, so needs to be treated right away. Many other things can also cause vomiting, including pancreatitis, liver or kidney disease, exposure to something toxic, or an intestinal obstruction. Based on your description, I would recommend taking her to the emergency vet tonight - she may have a serious problem that can't wait until morning.

Hello, and thank you for your question. It sounds like Star is severely ill, and I would definitely recommend taking him to the emergency vet tonight. The diarrhea and vomiting has likely contributed to dehydration and subsequent lethargy, and this needs to be corrected as soon as possible at the vet, as he will most certainly continue to worsen otherwise. Possible causes include toxin ingestion, foreign body ingestion, gastroenteritis, or pancreatitis. The vet can perform tests to determine the cause of his illness, such as blood work, x-rays or ultrasound, while they continue to stabilize him. I hope this helps, and that Star feels better soon!

I sam so sorry that she’s not doing well. From what you describe, I’m very concerned about her and you need to seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Call your vet’s office even if they are closed—they likely have a recording for either how to contact the vet in case of an emergency, or information for the nearest vet clinic. There are many possible causes for what’s going on, but it sounds like at the very least she needs some IV fluids and some lab work and possible X-rays may be needed. I am so sorry there isn’t something I can suggest you do for her at home at this point, but if she’s just lying there, she seems cold, and her breathing is labored, you have got to get her to a vet. Any treatment you attempt to provide at home is only going to delay effectively addressing the problem. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach, best of luck with her.

It really depends how bad his condition is, if he is very lethargic, barely walking and vomiting very often then you should take him to the emergencies right away, if he is not too lethargic and not vomiting non stop then you can wait until the morning. do not feed him anymore, just leave water available but no food until you manage to get him to the vet.

I am so very sorry to hear about your dog. Based on your photos she looks severely emaciated and dehydrated, and possibly anemic (I can see her third eyelid in one photo and it looks quite pale). The possible causes are many and could include severe parasitism, infectious disease, autoimmune disease, organ failure, cancer, toxin exposure. Your dog needs veterinary attention right away if she is to survive, or to help her pass peacefully if you are unable to provide care for her. It sounds like she is suffering and she needs to be examined by a vet and have some testing done (such as stool testing and bloodwork to start) to try to determine why she is so ill. I wish you the best of luck with her.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear that Moka is having problems. Yes, any pet that has persistent signs especially vomiting and diarrhea should be evaluated immediately. Once dehydration and electrolyte imbalance develop, they will just continue to get weaker and weaker unless treated. Reasons for vomiting/diarrhea are many and range from intestinal problems or problems with other organs in the body causing the signs. Intestinal worms, dietary indiscretion (eating things she is not supposed to eat), dietary intolerance/sensitivity, a foreign body (especially in younger dogs), infection, inflammation, toxins, pancreatitis, kidney/liver problems, etc. Your vet can do a physical exam and some tests which could include a fecal exam, blood work, x-rays, ultrasound, etc. to try to determine what is causing the problem. Once a diagnosis is made they will advise a treatment plan to address the issue. Your vet can also address the itching of her muzzle and whining which may or may not be related. I hope this is just temporary and it resolves quickly for you and Moka.