How to keep an eye on your pet’s health?
Pay attention to your dog’s attitude – You can find out many things by monitoring the dog’s behaviour including how he or she is physically feeling. You can ensure his health is gradually getting better and responding to treatment. For instance, your pet should start to wag his tail , pay attention to you and get up to greet you. If he perks up and starts asking for food, then that is good sign to indicate he she is getting better.
On the other hand, if you notice your dog is becoming less interactive or just lying still, he or she may be getting worse and require medical attention.
Track how often your dog vomits – If you observe your dog is not drinking or vomiting, then you need to ensure your pet does not become dehydrated.
If your dog vomits, then withhold food for 12 to 24 hours, however keep giving water. If he or she is not able to keep fluids down either, contact the vet urgently.
When you call the animal hospital, tell your vet how many times in a specific span of time your dog has vomited. However, if your pet vomited just once and resumed eating and drinking again, it’s probably no cause for alarm.
Look for diarrhea – If you see, then you’ll have to follow your pet outside to establish what he pr she eliminates. if you notice large volumes of watery diarrhea then contact the vet.
If you see blood his or her stools, your dog may need intensive supportive care like intravenous fluids.
If you see your dog has a little diarrhea, be sure to give lots of fluid. Ensure that your dog is receiving more fluid than he or she is losing.
Not drinking enough fluid –Look at the gums of your dog, which should be pink and moist. If you notice them to be dry feeling, it is possible your pet may be dehydrated.
Another to check if you dog is hydrated is to lift up the scruff of your dog’s neck and let it drop. If your dog is hydrated, it should immediately return to the original position. If your pet is dehydrated, the skin will slowly fall back over the course of a few seconds, rather than snap back. Generally dehydration in a sick dog is a cause for concern, so it is best to take your dog to the vet clinic.
If you notice your dog is dehydrated, try offering some form of fluids. If he or she drinks them, continue to monitor for dehydration. Howeveryou’re your pet can’t keep fluids down, seek medical care urgently. To avoid any damage to organ, your dog may need medication of intravenous fluids.
Monitor your dog’s breathing – It is good to watch the breathing pattern of your dog and it can tell a dog owner tell you a lot about how your pet feeling. If your dog is in pain or suffering from some form illness, your dog may breathe heavily or pant.
In most circumstances, coughing and heavy breathing are symptoms of a chest infection. You should also keep an eye on your dog’s gums if his breathing causes big chest movements.
The gums in your pet’ mouth should be pink and healthy. However, if the gums look tinged blue or pale, contact your veterinarian. Your pet might not be getting enough oxygen and could be in respiratory distress.
You can also keep an hourly record of your dog’s breathing. Normally your dog breaths 20 – 30 times every minute. If your pet’s breathing rate increases steadily, his or her condition is becoming worse and you need to contact the vet.
