Your dog’s health – How to keep an eye on it?
Pay attention to your dog’s attitude – You can tell a lot by monitoring the dog’s demeanor such as how he or she is physically feeling. You’ll need to ensure his health is gradually improving and responding to treatment. For example, 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 observe your pet is becoming less interactive or just lying still, he or she may be getting worse and need medical attention.
Track how often your dog vomits – If you monitor your dog is not drinking or vomiting, then you have to ensure your fur baby does not become dehydrated.
If your pet vomits, then withhold food for 12 to 24 hours, but keep giving water. If he or she is not able to keep fluids down either, call the veterinarian immediately.
When you call the animal hospital, inform your vet how many times in a specific span of time your dog has vomited. However, if your dog vomited just once and resumed eating and drinking again, it’s probably no cause for alarm.
Look for diarrhea – If you think, then you’ll need 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 pet may require intensive supportive care like intravenous fluids.
If you observe your pet 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.
Notice signs of dehydration –Monitor the gums of your dog, which should be moist and pink. If you notice them to be dry feeling, it is most likely your pet may be dehydrated.
Another to check if you pet is hydrated is to lift up the scruff of your pet’s neck and let it drop. If your pet 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. Often dehydration in a sick dog is a cause for concern, so it is best to take your dog to the animal hospital.
If you observe your dog is dehydrated, try offering some form of fluids. If he or she drinks the fluid, continue to watch for dehydration. For any reasonyou’re your dog can’t keep fluids down, get medical care urgently. To avoid any damage to organ, your dog may need medication of intravenous fluids.
Watch your dog’s breathing – It is good to watch the breathing pattern of your dog and it can tell a pet owner tell you a lot about how your dog feeling. If your dog is in pain or suffering from some form sickness, your dog may breathe heavily or pant.
In most situations, coughing and heavy breathing are signs of a chest infection. It is also advisable to check your dog’s gums if his breathing causes big chest movements.
The gums in your dog’ mouth should be pink and healthy. However, if they appear tinged blue or pale, it is time to contact the vet. Your dog could be in respiratory distress as your pet might not be getting enough oxygen.
It is good to take an hourly record of your dog’s breathing. Generally your pet breaths 20 – 30 times every minute. If your dog’s breathing rate increases steadily, his or her condition is becoming worse and you need to contact the vet.
