Since constipation in dogs is often associated with underlying health conditions, it is essential for you to
take your pet to a veterinarian if it displays any of the above symptoms.
If your pet exhibits signs of extreme lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty getting up and walking, limping, and / or open sores on the skin or feet,
please take your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible as these signs may be indicative of a more severe medical condition.
If your dog has been scratching himself to an unusual degree, and if you notice any additional symptoms like red or irritated skin, open sores or discharge,
take your pet to the veterinarian right away.
For example, if your pet overheats, drain any hot water left standing in your garden hose and spray them down with cool water immediately,
then take your pet to your veterinarian as quickly as you can.
And, 33 % of owners
only take their pet to the veterinarian if it's sick.2 This is too bad because regular veterinarian care can help prevent many health problems from happening in the first place.
However, when you look at «under - served» communities, roughly 80 % of pets are unaltered and of those people who say they haven't altered their pet, 53 % of them have actually never
taken their pet to a veterinarian before (usually because of lack of money, lack of veterinarians in their community, or lack of transportation to get to the veterinarian — or a combination of the 3).
AAHA reminds pet owners that they can help pets live healthier and longer lives
by taking their pets to their veterinarian for periodic physical exams, vaccinations, and dental care as well as providing pets with fresh water, a balanced diet and exercise.
Ask any potential pet sitter if he or she has been trained in pet first aid, and provide your pet sitter with signed authorization to
take your pet to the veterinarian in the case of an emergency.