Assuming that your dog is in good health, an annual checkup and vaccination is generally all that's needed to keep him healthy. Still, there are emergency situations when your pet will need immediate attention. In addition to your regular vet, it's a good idea to have the number of a 24-hour emergency care center on hand. Here are some things to look for that indicate an immediate trip to the doctor: First, breathing problems. If your dog is gasping for breath or has a blue tongue, it's time to go. A bloated abdomen is another sign of trouble. It may or may not be accompanied by vomiting. Loss of balance, seizures, staggering, biting at imaginary objects, convulsions, or tremors are all signs of serious disorders that require professional attention. If your dog has ingested poison, get it to the doctor right away. If you know what the poison is, bring along a sample for analysis. Naturally, your dog will need immediate attention if it's been hit by a car or otherwise seriously injured. Apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding and head for the doggie E-R!
