Ask A Vet Online.....

expert answers to your dog health questions!

Is the problem a non-urgent one, and not life-threatening?

If so, asking an online veterinarian is the simplest, quickest and most cost-effective option... and you can do it right here with a couple of clicks of your mouse!

Although veterinarians rarely over-charge for a consult or procedure, their high overheads and the rising costs of medications and technology mean that even a routine visit can be costly.

For most of us, there will be always be those niggling questions that crop up from time to time. The ones that worry us just enough to look for advice, but not enough to send us rushing to the veterinarian's office with Fido tucked under our arm.

THESE are the times when using an online veterinary advice service can make life easier - for everyone.

Here's what some happy 'Ask A Vet' customers have already said about this online service......

However, getting prompt 'hands-on' evaluation and veterinary care when there are real signs of illness, pain or distress or if your puppy or dog is injured is essential.

If you are in doubt as to whether or not the situation is an emergency... then I'd strongly recommend assuming that it IS, and getting your pet to a veterinarian's (24 hour clinic if necessary) right away.

Click here to jump to a list of the symptoms you should never ignore and always need to consult a real, live, hands-on vet for!

NOTE: Veterinary care isn't cheap, but it is absolutely essential. If your puppy or dog is obviously very sick and needs help asap, take him to your own vet or a 24 hour animal clinic immediately.

Ask a vet your question using the box below....

To help you out I've put together a list of some symptoms which you should never ignore, and which need real, hands-on veterinary evaluation asap:

• Watery or bloody diarrhea - Repeated diarrhea, especially if it's very watery or contains blood, can be a symptom of several serious dog illnesses. It could be caused by eating something he shouldn't or a minor tummy upset, but never take a chance.

  You can find more information on this subject on my Puppy Diarrhea page, BUT if your pup or dog (particularly young, unvaccinated puppies) has diarrhea like this don't waste any time, get him to your veterinarian right away.



• Repeated vomiting - As with the diarrhea above, repeated vomiting (to the point where your pet can't hold down food or water, or won't eat or drink) needs immediate, professional evaluation. It can also be a sign of serious illness, and even if this is not the case, dehydration can result quite quickly and cause problems all by itself.

  Again, you can find more information about this problem on myPuppy Vomiting page, but it's important to get veterinary help right away if you find yourself in this situation.



• Distended belly and dry 'heaving' - 'Bloat' or 'Torsion' is a condition where your dog's stomach basically 'flips over' causing a total obstruction in the digestive system. It's most common in large and giant breeds, particularly those with deep chests such as Great Danes, Greyhounds, Irish Wolfhounds and similar breeds. But, it can occur in any breed, of any size and conformation.

  Symptoms are distended belly, often accompanied by gagging or dry-heaving, unsuccessful straining to poop, and serious distress indicated by panting, pacing, whining.. eventually followed by collapse and death (if not treated quickly). Any symptoms like this should be treated as a life-or-death situation and emergency veterinary care is needed.

  You can learn more about this condition on this webpage... Canine Bloat.



• Other Assorted Symptoms - There are too many possibilities for me to mention all of them here, but a few other symptoms that really need you to ask a vet for help face to face, include...

  difficulty breathing; discharge from the nose accompanied by sneezing and/or coughing; swelling of the face/head; collapse; total refusal to eat/drink for 12 hours or more (if there are other symptoms such as noted above, don't wait the 12 hours!); severe lethargy or weakness.

Basically, if you're in doubt about whether or not it could be serious, err on the side of caution. Go ahead and get your pet a hands-on examination and ask a vet for a diagnosis and treatment options.

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