How to keep an eye on your dog’s health?
Pay attention to your dog’s attitude – You can tell a lot by monitoring the dog’s behaviour such as how he or she is physically feeling. You’ll need to make sure his health is gradually improving and responding to treatment. For instance, your dog 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 fur baby 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 need to ensure your pet does not become dehydrated.
If your pet 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 vet, inform your vet how many times in a specific span of time your dog has vomited. However, if your fur baby 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 get in touch with the vet.
If you notice blood his or her stools, your fur baby may need intensive supportive care like intravenous fluids.
If you think your pet has a little diarrhea, be sure to give lots of fluid. Ensure that he’s getting more fluid than he or she is losing.
Notice signs of dehydration –Check the gums of your pet, which should be moist and pink. If you notice them to be dry feeling, it is very likely your pet may be dehydrated.
Another to check if you pet is hydrated enough is to lift up the scruff of your dog’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. Generally dehydration in a sick dog is a cause for concern, so it is best to take your dog to the vet.
If you notice 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 pet cannot keep fluids down, seek medical care immediately. To avoid any organ damage, 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 pet owner tell you a lot about how your pet 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 symptoms of a chest infection. It is also advisable to keep an eye on your pet’s gums if his breathing causes exaggerated chest movements.
The gums in your pet’ mouth should be pink and healthy. However, if the gums appear tinged blue or pale, contact the vet. Your dog might not be getting enough oxygen and could be in respiratory distress.
You can also keep an hourly record of your dog’s breathing. Generally your dog breaths 20 – 30 times every minute. If your pet’s breathing rate increases steadily, his or her condition has deteriorated and you need to call the vet.
