Q: My dog has come home staggering and seems disoriented. What should I do?
A: The first thing that you should do is to check the mucous membrane color. You do this by lifting the lip and looking at the color of the dog's gums. Then take your dog's temperature with a thermometer; any kind will work, and you do that rectally. The normal temperature should be between 100 and 102.5. Then, look carefully at your dog's pupils to see if they are both the same and if they are dilated or constricted.
Then. waste no time in calling your vet for advice as to what to do. There are many things that can cause the signs that you describe. She will likely advise you whether you should induce vomiting or not. Do not induce vomiting in an animal that is not awake. If the dog is comatose, the stomach will have to be pumped.
Take care that drugs that are safe for humans are not unguarded around you home, as many of these are toxic to pets. Also, make sure that no antifreeze is left where an animal can ingest it.
Any time your pet shows signs of lethargy or intoxication, call your vet immediately.
Send your questions to:
countryclassicsnaches@hotmail.com
Kaia Sorem, DVM
WSU 1984
Veterinary Service
Pet Grooming
Country Classics Antiques
Hwy. 12 & 410 across from Slim's Market
Naches WA 98937
1-509-653-2108
Past Dr. Kaia columns:
Nov. 19, 2003 Dogs with Signs of Lethargy or Intoxication
Nov. 12, 2003 Groom Dog Less in Winter?
Nov. 5, 2003 Dogs Eating From Cat Litter Box
Oct. 29, 2003 Dog Bad Breath
Oct. 22, 2003 Ultrasonice Teeth Cleaning for Dogs
Oct. 15, 2003 Navicular vs. Caudal Heel Syndrome
Oct. 8, 2003 Ambulatory Veterinary Practice
Oct. 1, 2003 Acupuncture for Animals
Sept. 24, 2003 Winter Care for Horses
Sept. 17, 2003 Found Sickly Puppy
Sept. 10, 2003 Horse Not Conditioned Properly
Aug. 27, 2003 Barrel Horse Anxious and Unwilling
Aug. 20, 2003 Cats Get Tumors From Vaccines?
Aug. 13, 2003 Horse Unshod All Year?