1. Difficulty Breathing
Any significant change in your dog’s breathing pattern is a critical emergency that warrants an immediate trip to the vet. Be on alert if you notice wheezing, gasping for air, shallow or abnormally rapid breathing, or hear a high-pitched noise (stridor) with each inhale. Other severe signs include your dog breathing with their head and neck extended or if their gums and tongue take on a pale, grey, or bluish tinge, which indicates a dangerous lack of oxygen (cyanosis). These symptoms can signal a life-threatening condition like an object lodged in the throat, a severe allergic reaction, tracheal collapse (especially in small breeds), heart failure, or pneumonia. Stay as calm as possible to avoid further stressing your dog and seek help at once.