Recognising an emergency with your dog

Your dog is suddenly panting heavily, even though it is not warm. Or he no longer wants to get up, appears indifferent. In such moments, a question arises: is this an emergency, or can it wait until tomorrow?

How do I recognise a real emergency in a dog?

A real emergency requires immediate action, even before visiting the vet. The following symptoms allow no delay:

Breathing difficulties: Your dog breathes more than 40 times per minute (normal: 10–30), has a blue-tinged tongue or is gagging without vomiting. Every minute counts.

Severe bleeding: Blood spurts out in pulses or flows continuously. A small cut on the paw pad is not an emergency, a gaping wound on the belly is.

Unconsciousness: Your dog does not react to being spoken to or touched. Seizures lasting longer than two minutes are also an emergency.

What are urgent cases for the next day?

The following symptoms are serious, but you have some time to find a vet:

Persistent indifference: Your dog has not eaten for over 24 hours, moves very little and appears apathetic. This can indicate poisoning or internal injury.

Repeated vomiting: More than three times within a few hours, especially with blood or dark particles. Vomiting once after eating is usually harmless.

Lameness without weight-bearing: Your dog holds one leg completely up or shows severe pain when touched. Slight stiffness after getting up is normal.

What values are normal for dogs?

To recognise an emergency, you should know the normal values:

Respiratory rate: 10–30 breaths per minute at rest. Count for 15 seconds and multiply by four.

Heart rate: 70–120 beats per minute in large dogs, up to 180 in small breeds. Feel on the inside of the thigh.

Body temperature: 37.5–39 °C measured rectally. Over 39.5 °C is fever, under 37 °C is an emergency.

Mucous membranes: Gums and lips are pink and moist. If you press on them, the colour returns within two seconds.

How do I provide first aid for a dog?

In Switzerland, if you have bleeding, press a clean cloth firmly onto the wound. Do not use a tourniquet on limbs, as this can lead to tissue death. In case of fractures, move the dog as little as possible.

If your dog is unconscious, lay it on its right side and extend its head. Pull the tongue forward so that it does not choke. Cover it with a blanket; shock causes body temperature to drop.

In case of breathing difficulties, open the mouth and remove visible foreign objects with pliers. Never use your fingers, as you could push the object deeper.

When is a regular vet appointment sufficient?

Not every change in behaviour is an emergency. A day of reduced appetite after changing food is normal. Slight limping after a long walk often resolves on its own.

Occasional panting during excitement or after exercise is harmless. It only becomes relevant if it occurs without an apparent cause and persists for longer.

How do I transport my dog safely?

Carry small dogs like a baby in your arms, and larger ones on a firm surface. A blanket or board works. Movement can worsen internal injuries.

Drive calmly and anticipate traffic. A panicked driving style helps no one. Call the practice while en route so they can prepare.

Can I prevent an emergency?

Many emergencies can be avoided. Chocolate, grapes, and onions have no place within the dog’s reach. It is better to put away small objects that it could swallow.

Regular check-ups at the vet reveal problems before they become acute. An annual examination for young dogs, and every six months from seven years of age onwards.

What belongs in the dog first-aid kit?

Dressing materials: Gauze bandages, compresses, adhesive tape, and scissors. Also a digital thermometer with a flexible tip.

Cleaning: Saline solution for wounds; no disinfectants intended for humans.

Contact details: Phone numbers of your vet, the nearest veterinary clinic, and the poison control centre. Best kept as a note on your phone.

What do I do in case of poisoning?

Call the vet immediately and describe what and how much your dog has eaten. Never induce vomiting; caustic substances can cause additional damage when coming back up.

My dog is having a seizure – what now?

Do not hold it down, but secure the surroundings. Remove objects that it could injure itself on. If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or recurs, this is an emergency.

For which symptoms should I go at night?

Breathing difficulties, persistent seizures, unconsciousness, and severe bleeding justify a nighttime visit to the veterinary clinic. For diarrhoea or vomiting, you can usually wait until morning.

How do I recognise internal bleeding?

Your dog is weak, the mucous membranes are pale or yellowish, and the abdomen feels tense. This often occurs after accidents or in cases of poisoning with rat poison.

When is panting a warning sign?

Panting without exertion, in cool temperatures, or with an extended neck indicates problems. Especially if the tongue turns blue or the dog can no longer lie down.