If you're a brand new puppy parent, congratulations! There’s no feeling quite like snuggling and playing with a new furry bundle of joy. But although you never want to think about your pet suffering from an emergency situation, there are always risks associated with any animal. Puppies can be especially prone to certain health-related problems and there are some clear signs of when they're sick or injured.

Remember, VEG ER for Pets is open 24 hours every day if your puppy needs immediate veterinary care.

In addition to illness, puppies can encounter health problems with common household items. VEG ER for Pets is open 24 hours to care for your pup if they need emergency care.

Most common problems with puppies

With an eye on health signs and symptoms, you'll be ready to respond if your new pup happens to be in an emergency situation. Here are the medical issues with puppies we see frequently at VEG emergency vet hospitals.

My puppy ate something they shouldn't

A common emergency can happen when a puppy swallows something dangerous. Puppies explore with their mouths, which means everyday household items can become serious hazards. Socks, toys, rocks, and pieces of plastic can become lodged in the digestive tract and cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage.

Signs your puppy may have a dangerous blockage include:

• Repeated vomiting

• Refusing food

• Abdominal pain

• Lethargy

• Straining to poop or inability to pass stool

Puppies may also ingest toxic foods or substances around the home. Common examples include chocolate, grapes or raisins, medications, cleaning products, and marijuana edibles.

Signs of poisoning in puppies can include:

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Drooling excessively

• Tremors or shaking

• Weakness or collapse

• Seizures

• Unusual behavior or agitation

If you think your puppy ate something they shouldn’t - even if they seem normal at first - it’s safest to contact your nearest VEG animal hospital right away. Intestinal blockages and ingested toxins often require urgent treatment - and sometimes even surgery.

Puppy vomiting and diarrhea

An occasional upset stomach isn’t unusual, but repeated vomiting or diarrhea in puppies can quickly become dangerous. 

Vomiting and diarrhea can quickly dehydrate a puppy, which can be deadly at such a young age and small size. Severe gastrointestinal symptoms can lead to electrolyte imbalances and weakness within hours. The vet may need to give your pet IV fluids if this happens.

Emergency warning signs include:

• Vomiting multiple times in a short period

• Diarrhea that continues for several hours

• Blood in vomit or stool

• Inability to keep water down

• Extreme lethargy or weakness

These symptoms may be caused by infections, parasites, toxins, or swallowed objects. Don’t hesitate to visit VEG - our vets can determine the cause and provide treatment before complications develop.

If your puppy won't eat, it could be that they're just not hungry, but it could also signal a medical emergency. Call VEG ER for Pets, open 24/7, and speak with a vet if your pup isn't eating.

Puppy won't eat

It’s common for puppies to occasionally skip a meal, especially if they’re adjusting to a new home or routine. However, a puppy that suddenly refuses food - especially for more than one meal - may need veterinary attention. Loss of appetite can be an early sign that something is wrong.

Because puppies have small bodies and fast metabolisms, they rely on frequent meals to maintain stable blood sugar levels. When a puppy stops eating, their blood sugar can drop dangerously low, leading to a condition called hypoglycemia.

Signs that a puppy may be experiencing hypoglycemia include:

• Weakness or extreme tiredness

• Shaking or tremors

• Disorientation

• Difficulty standing or walking

• Seizures

• Collapse

Loss of appetite can also signal other serious problems, including infections, intestinal blockages, toxins, or viral diseases such as canine parvovirus aka parvo. See below for more information about parvo in puppies.

If your puppy refuses food and also seems lethargic, weak, or unwell, it’s best to contact an emergency veterinarian right away. Early treatment can help stabilize blood sugar levels and identify the underlying cause of the problem.

Parvo in puppies

Few illnesses are more serious for young dogs than canine parvovirus, also known as parvo.

Parvo is a life-threatening, highly contagious virus that attacks a puppy’s digestive system and immune cells. It spreads easily between dogs, especially in places where puppies gather.

Symptoms of parvo in puppies often include:

• Severe vomiting

• Bloody diarrhea

• Loss of appetite

• Extreme lethargy

• Fever or low body temperature

The best way to protect your puppy from canine parvovirus is through vaccination. Puppies typically receive a series of parvo vaccines during their first few months of life to build immunity, and until they’ve completed their full vaccination series, it’s important to be cautious about where they go and which dogs they interact with. 

To help reduce puppie's risk of parvo exposure:

• Avoid dog parks, pet stores, and other areas where many dogs gather

• Be cautious around unknown or unvaccinated dogs

• Clean up pet waste promptly

Without rapid treatment, parvovirus can become fatal. Puppies diagnosed with parvo often require hospitalization, IV fluids, and intensive supportive care.

Puppy is having trouble breathing

Breathing problems in puppies are always an emergency. A puppy's difficulty breathing can be caused by allergic reactions, congenital airway problems, heart disease, objects stuck in the throat, or respiratory infections like pneumonia.

Signs of breathing distress in puppies include:

• Rapid or labored breathing

• Open-mouth breathing

• Wheezing or choking sounds

• Blue or pale gums

• Collapse or weakness

If your puppy is breathing fast or struggling to breathe, they need immediate veterinary care. Oxygen therapy and emergency treatment may be necessary to stabilize them.

Upper respiratory infections can be especially dangerous for younger animals because their lungs and respiratory systems have not been fully developed yet. Therefore, it’s important to have your pet treated by the vet as soon as possible to prevent respiratory illness from getting out of hand. 

Walk in anytime to any VEG ER for Pets animal hospital and your pet will receive immediate vet attention. We'll prioritize your puppy's emergency and you can stay with your pet the whole time.

Severe allergic reactions in puppies

Puppies can have sudden allergic reactions to insect stings, medications, foods, or environmental triggers.

Mild allergies may cause itching or skin irritation, but severe reactions can become life-threatening.

Emergency allergy symptoms in puppies include:

• Facial swelling

• Hives

• Vomiting

• Difficulty breathing

• Weakness or collapse

In severe cases, puppies can develop anaphylaxis, a rapid allergic reaction that affects breathing and circulation and requires immediate treatment. It’s always safest to bring your pup to any VEG animal clinic right away if you suspect an allergic reaction.

Seizure in puppies

Seeing your puppy have a seizure can be scary, and it’s always something that should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Signs of a seizure in puppies:

• Shake or convulse uncontrollably

• Become stiff or rigid

• Fall over or lose consciousness

• Paddle their legs

• Drool or foam at the mouth

• Lose control of their bladder or bowels

  
  

Some seizures last only a few seconds, while others may continue for a minute or longer. Afterward, puppies often seem confused, disoriented, or extremely tired.

What causes seizure in puppies

It's certainly frightening to witness a seizure in your little pet. Just know that VEG is open 24 hours every day if you are seeing signs of seizure in your puppy.

Puppy seizures can be triggered by:

• Toxins

• Low blood sugar

• Infections

• Neurological disease, or other serious conditions

What to do if your puppy is having a seizure

If your puppy begins having a seizure, try to stay calm and focus on keeping them safe.

1. Move nearby objects away so your puppy cannot injure themselves

2. Do not place your hands in your puppy’s mouth

3. Time how long the seizure lasts if possible

When safe to do so, contact a veterinarian or head to an emergency clinic for evaluation. Puppies who have seizures - especially prolonged or repeated seizures - should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible to determine the cause and begin treatment.

When to take your puppy to an emergency vet

If your puppy is having trouble breathing, experiencing repeated vomiting or diarrhea, having seizures, or acting extremely weak or lethargic, they should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Puppies can deteriorate quickly when something is wrong, and early treatment often leads to better outcomes.

Emergency veterinary teams - like the doctors and nurses at VEG - are trained to evaluate urgent symptoms and provide rapid treatment when your puppy needs it most.

If you’re ever unsure whether your puppy’s symptoms are an emergency, it’s always safest to seek professional guidance.

Call VEG 24-hour animal hospital for any puppy emergency

Although some of these emergency situations can be life-threatening if ignored, most of them can be easily treated by working with a vet. If you notice signs or symptoms of any of these problems, don’t wait; take your puppy to the emergency vet right away for both diagnosis and treatment.

VEG provides emergency veterinary care to every pet that comes through our doors. We have locations across the country, each with a caring and experienced staff that’s ready to help your pet. Call VEG today and speak with an emergency veterinarian on what the next best steps are for your puppy.