As is often the case, emergencies happen on weekends, holidays, in the middle of the night, or all of the above. This is exactly the situation Vigo and I had the first weekend after the new year, on Saturday at 11 p.m. on a holiday. I want to share our story to help anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation. I will describe how it was for us, what we experienced, and in addition I will list specific advice that you may not know you need until you are in that situation.
The first thing I found out when I called my private veterinarian was that the only vet on duty in Zagreb is at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. This does not mean that they have a laboratory and an X-ray, but they will definitely receive you there. They will take blood and do a basic blood analysis, and if necessary, I can call a person for an emergency X-ray, which I believe is around HRK 500.00.
Vigo came in with a temperature of 41 °C, struggling with coughing and shortness of breath. There was one dog in the waiting room before us, several were being processed, and at least 5 more dogs came behind us, which clearly shows that if you come to the emergency room, it does not mean that you will be admitted urgently.
Among the first questions I asked was "Do you want me to collect urine for control?", the answer was no. I asked the same question around 3 in the morning when Vigo had to urinate, they also said that he shouldn't. On the second day, I read that it was recommended to check the urine if it could be collected.
ADVICE: Bring urine with you immediately. The container must be sterile. Boil an ordinary jar and lid in water, without detergent or other additives, catch the urine and take it with you! If you are unable to do so before arrival, as happened to Vigo and me, ask them for a container and insist that the urine be checked at least with a stick. New urine will be collected for the labos when it is working, if needed.
Take the dog's temperature
Whether the nose is warm or cold, wet or dry is not an indication of temperature.
The temperature indicator is a thermometer. An electric thermometer costs around HRK 40.00, buy one for your dog. Spread a few drops of oil between your fingers and apply the thermometer before application so that it enters the anus painlessly. Put a regular rubber glove on your hand if you're squeamish. The measurement lasts up to 30 seconds, it is not painful for the dog or for you, and the temperature is an indicator of the seriousness of the situation, just like in humans.
Since the temperature in dogs is higher than in humans, but it can vary from dog to dog, take your dog's temperature when he is healthy in the morning and in the afternoon to have a reference value that is a normal temperature for your dog.
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