When a bulldog needs emergency care

Do not wait if

• The dog struggles to breathe, turns blue, weakens or collapses.
• There are seizures, major bleeding, serious trauma or sudden abdominal swelling.
• Medicine, chemicals, poison, a battery or an unknown object was swallowed.
• Vomiting repeats, contains blood, causes marked weakness or prevents keeping water down.
• The dog repeatedly tries but cannot urinate.

What to say on the phone

• What happened, when it began and how the dog is breathing now.
• Age, weight, known conditions and current medicines.
• What may have been swallowed, how much and when; bring the packaging.

Do not improvise treatment on the way

Do not induce vomiting or give human medicine without direct veterinary instruction. Follow the clinic’s phone advice and make sure a collar or carrier does not restrict the airway.