If your dog is ill or injured, but you aren't sure if you should get your dog to the veterinarian right away, there are a few things to pay attention to to help you decide. Your dog may not show you a lot of symptoms, or you may just not notice them all. Read on for a few reasons why you should take your dog to the emergency veterinarian to get treatment.

1. Your Dog Is Lethargic

There's a difference between your dog having a lazy day or your dog being lethargic. If your dog is lethargic, as in not moving a lot, not getting up when he normally would, not getting excited when he normally would, or having issues with standing or walking, your dog should be taken to the veterinarian right away for an exam. If your veterinarian is not in the office, take your dog to the emergency animal hospital for a checkup and treatment. Your dog may be dehydrated or could have an illness that needs treatment. If your dog is dehydrated, he can worsen quickly. He needs fluid and medical attention to prevent any further illness or health issues.

2. Your Dog Is Vomiting Or Has Diarrhea

If your dog has been vomiting or has constant diarrhea, he is going to need medical attention. If your dog cannot keep anything down, you've tried feeding him boiled chicken and rice, and it still is not helping, get your dog to the animal hospital for a checkup. Your dog could have eaten something toxic that could be causing those health issues. Take a look in your dog's vomit or stool and look for anything that may indicate what he ingested. If you aren't able to find anything, or you don't see anything around your home that could indicate what he got into, the veterinarian may need to run tests.

3. Your Dog Is Injured

If your dog is injured such as from getting hit by a car or was in a fight with another animal, he needs to be examined and treated by a veterinarian. He could have internal injuries that cannot be seen. If your dog has any other injury that may be interfering with him walking or doing anything normal, you should also have him seen by the veterinarian at the animal hospital as well.

If you aren't sure if your dog should be taken to the animal hospital to be examined and treated, use the information above as a guide. If you're in doubt, take your dog to the animal hospital just to be on the safe side.

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