LifestyleAnimalsIt can be difficult to know if and when you should take your pet to the vets, and if an issue is a genuine emergency - but spotting one change could save your dog's life08:16, 17 Jul 2026A vet has warned dog owners to bring their pets into their local practice 'immediately' if they notice one change in their dog's body, as it could be fatal. It can sometimes be difficult to know if and when you should take your pet to the vets, and if an issue is a genuine emergency.‌The worst thing about being a pet owner is not being able to easily communicate with your four-legged friend. Everything would be so much easier if they could just open their mouths and tell you exactly what is going on.‌Dogs do, however, use their whole bodies and distinct traits to express how they're feeling - which is why keeping a close eye on them is absolutely crucial.‌With the UK heatwave showing no signs of letting up, vets at Green Pastures Vets in Weston-super-Mare have urged dog owners to bring their pets in 'immediately' if they notice two particular changes.In a TikTok video, the animal medics ran through two scenarios that commonly arise in dogs, weighing in on whether each one constitutes an emergency.One of the vets asked: "Kathleen, emergency or not, a dog shaking for no obvious reason?" Kathleen replied: "Yes, they could be fitting, always better to just be sure."‌The vet then put it to Kathleen what pet owners should do if they notice their dog has suddenly developed a bloated stomach out of nowhere. Looking visibly concerned, Kathleen said: "100% an emergency. The worst emergency we see in veterinary is something called a GDV, where the stomach swells up, they can really die without surgery, so definitely an emergency."What is GDV in dogs?A GDV occurs when a dog's stomach becomes filled with gas, swells and subsequently twists. It's an agonising, potentially fatal condition that predominantly affects large and deep-chested dogs.The most typical symptoms of a GDV include retching and restlessness as well as bloating, which can sometimes not be immediately obvious.Article continues belowAccording to the PDSA, if a dog suffers a GDV, they will likely require surgery to untwist their stomach. However, tragically, even with intervention, some GDVs prove fatal.The PDSA said: "Any dog can develop a GDV but it's most common in giant and deep chested breeds such as as German Shepherds, Great Danes, Saint Bernards and Dobermanns."It's more common in dogs that have a parent or full sibling (brother/sister) that have had a GDV, and tends to mostly affect middle-aged to older dogs."Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌HeatwaveAnimalsDogs