When should I take my dog to the vet?

When to see the vet? - a symptom guide for dog parents in Germany

The question every dog parent knows

Max has been shaking his head for an hour. Luna has vomited twice this morning. Biscuit won't come running any more, even though he normally never sits still. When is it an emergency? When can it wait until tomorrow? And when can I relax and keep an eye on things?

This guide helps you assess the situation - ordered by urgency.

Straight to emergency care: signs that can't wait

Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus): mainly in large dogs. Symptoms: a swollen belly, unproductive retching with nothing coming up, drooling, restlessness, circulatory collapse. This is a life-threatening emergency - every minute counts.

Difficulty breathing: fast breathing at rest, blue or pale mucous membranes (teeth, gums), lying stretched out on one side to breathe, wheezing sounds. Go to the vet immediately.

Collapse or unconsciousness: if your dog collapses, can't get up any more, or is unresponsive.

Heavy bleeding: large wounds that won't stop bleeding. Blood from body openings (mouth, nose, anus, urethra).

Seizure (longer than 5 minutes, or several seizures): watch your dog, keep them safe, note the duration - and drive to the vet immediately.

Suspected poisoning: chocolate, grapes, xylitol, household chemicals - act at once.

See the vet today: signs to take seriously

Vomiting or diarrhoea more than 3 times in 24 hours. No eating or drinking for more than 24 hours. Severe limping or not putting any weight on a leg at all. Fever (body temperature above 39.5 degrees). Signs of pain (whimpering, trembling, withdrawal, aggression when touched). Eye discharge, gummed-up eyes or a cloudy cornea. Suspected swallowing of a foreign object.

Can wait (1-2 days): keep watching, but stay alert

A single episode of vomiting with no other symptoms. Mild limping that improves after rest. Occasional head shaking with no signs of pain. A slight drop in appetite with no other signs.

Even in these cases: keep a close eye on your dog. If things get worse within 12 to 24 hours, see the vet after all.

And if you're unsure: the Lassie app offers instant telemedicine access to a vet - 24 hours a day, 0 days' waiting. Describe the symptoms and you'll get an expert assessment before you decide whether a trip to the practice is needed. That saves time, money and unnecessary stress - for you and for Max.