It can be difficult to recognize when your Golden Retriever needs medical assistance. This is particularly true for new dog owners without any previous experience. Of course, in some cases, it will be pretty obvious. However, sometimes you won’t be able to determine the urgency or severity of the situation. There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly Goldens can’t talk to us and tell us if they are hurt or unwell. Secondly, Goldens and dogs, in general, will hide the pain from you. This is a trait that they have inherited from their ancestors. Life in a pack in the wilderness was rough. If the dog showed any signs of weakness or illness, the rest of the pack would ignore him and eventually discard him. To properly determine when you should call your vet for your Golden Retriever, you need a sharp eye and experience.
So, When Should You Call The Vet For Your Golden Retriever
Of course, in some situations, it is obvious your dog needs medical assistance. These situations are easy to recognize, and in such situations, every second could be the difference between life and death.
These are the situations that determine immediate medical assistance. If you notice any of the symptoms and signs listed below, you should call your vet immediately.
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Breathing difficulty
- Poisoning
- Injuries, cuts, wounding, and bites
- The appearance of blood from mouth, anus, ears, nose
- Excessive pain
- The appearance of blood in stool or urine
- The dog was hit by a motor vehicle
- Extremely pale gums
- Bloat
Remember, you need to call your vet first to explain the severity of the situation and ensure he will take you in.
Situations That Don’t Demand An Immediate Treatment
Some symptoms won’t need immediate vet attention. However, the vet may need to perform additional testing to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem. Generally, you should call the vet for your Golden Retriever every time you notice a distinctive change in your dog’s behavior.
Below are the most common signs that tell you something is not right with your Golden Retriever. If you notice worsening of these symptoms or if they last over 48 hours, you should call your vet.
- Constipation
- Lameness or limping
- Coughing
- Heavy breathing
- The appearance of sore or bold spots and rashes
- Discomfort or pain
- Extensive chewing, biting, licking, or scratching of any area of the body
- A drastic change in appetite
- Extensive thirst
- Lethargy
- The appearance of lumps in dog’s skin
- Vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Diarrhea
- Sudden aggressive behavior
Research And Educate Yourself, But Remember You Are Not A Veterinarian
As in any area of life, we learn as long as we are alive. You need to learn, research, and educate yourself to understand your Golden’s needs. However, no matter how intelligent or how devoted you are, you are not a professional. Don’t try to establish a diagnosis or treat your dog without consulting your vet. This can be very dangerous and can lead to serious health issues and even the death of your dog.
A good place to start learning about symptoms of various health issues in Golden Retrievers is PetMD. Here you will find all the possible symptoms described in detail. However, you should always consult your vet if the problem occurs.
Final Words
If you are an average owner, it can be complicated to know when you should call the vet for your Golden Retriever. You don’t want to become a nuisance calling for every little thing you consider dangerous. However, in some situations, it’s the speed of your reaction that makes the difference between life and death. That is why it’s recommended that you call the professional every time you think something is wrong with your Golden Retriever. No one will criticize you for that. However, if you fail to provide your dog with the necessary medical assistance, the consequences could be dire for both you and your dog. In conclusion, learn, research, educate yourself, and don’t hesitate to call the vet anytime you notice something strange is happening with your dog.