Dog sick, lethargic, breathing weird after heat. Is it an emergency?

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.

Poor Molly! I'm sorry to hear that she's having this problem. Yes, if she has hit her head hard enough to cause these symptoms, I'm afraid that this is definitely an emergency - head trauma is a serious, life-threatening problem in dogs just as it is in people. Even if her symptoms are due to something else, they are still a sign that something is seriously wrong so I would really recommend having her seen regardless. It would be best to take her to your nearest emergency clinic right away for an exam - the vet there can do some diagnostic testing if needed to determine what's wrong and get her started on appropriate treatment.

I am sorry to hear about your dog. These symptoms are indications that your dog needs to see a vet right away. Any time we have breathing issues, it is considered an emergency. There are many different causes for lethargy and difficulty breathing but could include an infection in the lungs, a problem with the heart, anemia/low red blood cells, trauma to name just a few. The vet will do an exam and may recommend x-rays of the lungs and/or bloodwork to check for low red blood cells and signs of systemic disease. They may provide oxygen support if needed and will base treatment on the results of testing. I wouldn't delay in getting her in right away!

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.

I'm sorry Molly doesn't seem to be doing well at the moment! It is concerning that she has been lethargic, slow moving, and has had no energy today. That being said, it's good there are no other signs of illness and the rest of her behavior is normal. I know it's summer in Australia currently and I imagine it's very hot there! It could be the heat is getting to her, so I'd make sure that she has a cool spot to rest in, and maybe put a fan on her if your home doesn't have a/c. Also make sure she has access to plenty of fresh, cool water. I wouldn't rush her into an ER vet just yet, I would monitor her tonight. If she is still acting like this in the morning, then take her into the vet. Should she start vomiting, refuses to eat, or develops other symptoms such as diarrhea, a fever, panting, increased drooling, red gums, and decreased urine production, then yes I would rush her into an ER vet right away. I hope this helps, and thank you for contacting Pet Coach!

Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am sorry for your concerns about Louie. If you are very concerned then you should have him seen as soon as possible. I can not make any other recommendation since I have no way to asses his vitals. But, if his heartrate is strong & steady at around 140-160 beats per minute, respirations around 30-40 breath per minute, his gums are nice & pink, not pale or extremely red, then he should be OK until the morning. But please, if you are concerned, have him seen as soon as possible. Take care.

Hi, thanks for usnig Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry your dog is sick! It would be helpful to know your dogs age and if she is spayed. Also if she is having trouble urinating or defecating? Anytime an animal is not breathing normally it is an emergency. Sometimes the breathing can look abnormal when they are in pain or have a fever but there are more serious causes for trouble breathing that are life threatening: heart failure, pneumonia, pleural effusion, cancer. The abnormal breathing alone is a reason to take her to an emergency room now. If you mean she is straining to urinate and is NOT passing urine, that is also a life threatening problem and see should be taken to an open emergency room. Causes of being unable or urinate are most commonly from a bladder stone stuck in the urethra or a bladder tumor. When dogs strain to pee they can vomit and pant due to pain If she is straining to poop, then that likely means she has diarrhea and feels the urge to go but doesn't have any stool to pass. Since she is also vomiting she could have an upset stomach from: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infection, ate something gross, food change, new treat or table food, pancreatitis, toxin ingestion. If she is straining to poop then that can wait for your vet to open. Trouble breathing and urinating shouldn't wait. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best!