Health
When to call the vet
This guide supports action, not diagnosis. If your dog looks seriously unwell or you are unsure how urgent a symptom is, phone your veterinary practice or its out-of-hours service.
In this guide / 3 chapters
Emergency: call immediately
Difficulty breathing, collapse, blue or very pale gums, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, inability to use the legs, suspected poisoning or serious injury need urgent veterinary attention. A swollen abdomen, swallowed foreign object or bite wound also warrants urgent advice. Call before travelling if possible so the practice can prepare. Take medicine or toxin packaging with you. Do not wait for a search result or try a home treatment instead of calling.
Make the call useful
Say that your dog is a Chihuahua and give their age, approximate weight, symptoms and when they started. Explain any injury, possible toxin or medicines already given. Follow the practice’s transport instructions. Save the daytime and emergency numbers in your phone before you need them. If symptoms are changing rapidly, tell the team; the urgency may change too.