I need some advice and I'm honestly kind of freaking out right now, so any guidance would be greatly appreciated. My sweet golden retriever, Max, has been acting really lethargic today—he's usually so full of energy and always ready for a game of fetch. This morning, he didn't greet me at the door like he usually does, and he's been lying on his side more than usual. I noticed he's not interested in his food, which is really unlike him, and he seems to be breathing a bit heavier than normal. There's no vomiting or diarrhea, but I'm really worried because he's just not himself. I don't want to overreact, but I also don't want to wait if it's something serious. I'm torn between rushing him to the emergency vet tonight or waiting until tomorrow to call our regular vet and schedule an appointment. Has anyone else experienced anything similar? What would you guys do in this situation? Any guidance is appreciated. Thank you!
Hello there,
Thanks for reaching out with your concern! It sounds like you’re wondering whether your pet's issue needs immediate attention or if it can wait for a scheduled vet appointment. While I don’t have all the details about your pet's symptoms, there are a few general things to consider.
First, if your pet is having trouble breathing, experiencing severe bleeding, or has lost consciousness, it’s definitely an emergency, and you should go to the ER right away. However, if your pet seems stable but is showing signs of distress like repeated vomiting, diarrhea, noticeable pain, or changes in behavior such as lethargy or refusal to eat, it might be time to call and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
At home, you can keep your pet comfortable by ensuring they're hydrated. Offer them a quiet, cozy space to rest. Monitoring them closely helps too. Pay attention to any changes or worsening symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, swelling, or seizures, as these could indicate a more serious problem.
To better assess whether your situation could become an urgent issue, I highly recommend booking a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet. We can help you make the best decision for your beloved pet and provide further guidance.
Take care!
The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's
not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely.
For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs. View our
content guidelines.