When you are a dog owner you are not only bringing in a dog as a pet; you are bringing in the dog as a family member. You most likely take very good care of your dog, and are up to date with all its shots. You probably even have a diet plan that you are following to optimize your dog's health. This is all very important for your dog, but you also need to be aware of common dog health emergencies. No matter how well you treat your dog, there can be an emergency arise, and at that moment it is important for you to recognize the emergency and take your dog in for emergency surgery or to an emergency veterinary. Here are a few different things that you should be aware of as a dog owner.

Eating And Drinking Habits

One of the first things that you should watch for is a change in your dog's eating and drinking habits. You know how your dog acts around food. Some dogs are fine to skip a meal every once in awhile, but most dogs are excited to eat all the time. No matter how your dog is around food, if something changes, you should be careful. If your dog goes over 18 hours without eating or drinking it is time to take him or her into the veterinarian. This is often a sign of bad liver and kidney problems.

Trauma

There are many different ways that your dog may experience trauma. If your dog is ever in a dogfight, falls off a ledge, or is hit, you should take your dog in immediately. Dogs are extremely durable and tough animals, and it may seem like they are fine at the beginning. However, dogs can have internal bleeding and other internal problems that need to be treated as soon as possible. If your dog ever experiences trauma, take him or her to the emergency veterinarian.

Bloat

One of the most dangerous problems that a dog can have is bloat. This is when the dog has a kinked or obstructed intestine. This can occur naturally, or when the dog swallows something that can't be digested. No matter how the bloat occurs, the dog's life is in danger. Some of the main signs of bloat are restlessness, trying to vomit without success, and bloody stool. If your dog has any of these signs get him or her into a professional. 

For more information, contact a center such as Pitts Veterinary Hospital PC.