Signs your dog needs a vet, not a supplement
Supplements can be part of a daily routine. They are never the answer to a health problem. If something is wrong, you need a vet. This guide lists signs that should send you to the clinic, not the shop.
Emergency signs: act now
Call a vet or an emergency clinic straight away if your dog has:
- Trouble breathing, or blue or pale gums
- Collapse or sudden weakness
- Seizures
- A swollen, hard belly, or repeated unproductive retching
- Suspected poisoning, such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, rat poison or human medicines
- Heavy bleeding, or a serious injury
- Heatstroke signs, such as heavy panting, drooling and weakness
- Inability to pass urine
Do not wait and see. Do not give anything at home unless a vet tells you to.
Changes that need a vet visit soon
These are not always emergencies, but should not be left.
- Not eating for a day or more, or a sudden big drop in appetite
- Vomiting or diarrhoea that continues, or has blood
- Drinking much more than usual, or urinating much more
- Weight loss or gain with no change in diet
- Limping, or stiffness that lasts or worsens
- Coughing that goes on, or tires your dog
- Lumps or bumps that are new or growing
- Red, sore or cloudy eyes
- Scratching, skin changes or hair loss
- Bad breath, drooling or trouble chewing
- Behaviour changes, such as hiding, aggression or confusion
You do not need to diagnose. You just need to notice, write it down, and call.
“Just slowing down” is not always just age
Many owners put changes down to getting older. Sometimes that is right. But tiredness, reluctance to walk, and stiffness can also point to problems a vet can check. Older dogs especially deserve a regular check up, as many vets suggest at least once a year, and often more often for seniors. Ask what is right for your dog.
A supplement will not tell you why your dog is slowing down. A vet can.
Why a supplement is the wrong first step
- It can hide the problem. If you think things are better, you may delay a visit.
- It cannot diagnose. Only an examination and tests can.
- It is not a medicine. Supplements are not medicines.
- It may interact with medication, or be unsuitable for a condition.
- It uses time. The earlier a problem is found, the more options there often are.
What to bring to the vet
Make it easy for the vet to help.
- Notes on what you have seen and when it began
- Photos or short videos of the odd behaviour, such as a limp
- Your dog’s food, snacks and any supplements, with labels
- Any medication and doses
- Questions you want to ask
Puppies and young dogs
Puppies can become unwell quickly. If your puppy is vomiting, has diarrhoea, will not eat, or seems very tired, call a vet the same day. PAWER is not for puppies under one year, and any supplement for a growing dog should be discussed with a vet first.
Other animals
Never give your dog’s supplement to a cat or another animal. Some compounds that suit dogs are not suitable for other species, so a vet decides. If a cat or any other pet seems unwell, they need a vet too.
Can supplements still have a place?
Yes, when your dog is well and your vet is happy, some owners like a daily routine to support everyday health and energy. That is a choice for a healthy dog, made with open eyes. It does not diagnose or replace anything. If you are on medication, have a condition, are pregnant or nursing, or are unsure, ask your vet first.
A simple rule
If you are asking yourself “is this normal for my dog?”, the answer is a phone call. Vets would much rather hear from you about something minor than see a dog who has been unwell for weeks.
Trust your instincts. You know your dog better than anyone.
What to do next
If you are thinking about adding a daily routine for your dog’s everyday health and energy, here is how to see what PAWER is and what it is not. PAWER Daily is a liquid supplement for dogs, sold as complementary feed. It is not a medicine.
General information for pet owners. Not veterinary advice.