How to keep an eye on your pet’s health?
Pay attention to your dog’s attitude – A pet owner can find out a lot by observing the dog’s behaviour such as how he or she is physically feeling. You’ll need to make sure his health is gradually getting better 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 see 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 see your dog is not drinking or vomiting, then you need to make sure your dog does not become dehydrated.
If your pet vomits, then withhold food for 12 to 24 hours, but keep offering water. If he or she is unable to keep fluids down either, contact the animal hospital straight away.
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 suspect, then you’ll have to follow your pet into the yard to see what he pr she eliminates. if you notice large volumes of watery diarrhea then contact the vet.
If you notice blood his or her stools, your pet may require intensive supportive care like intravenous fluids.
If you notice your dog has a little diarrhea, be sure to offer lots of fluid. Make sure that your pet is receiving more fluid than he or she is losing.
Notice signs of dehydration –Check the gums of your dog, which should be pink and moist. If you observe them to be dry feeling, it is very likely your dog may be dehydrated.
The other way to check if you dog 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 pet is dehydrated, try offering some form of fluids. If he or she drinks them, continue to monitor for dehydration. Howeveryou’re your dog can’t keep fluids down, seek medical care urgently. To avoid any damage to organ, your pet 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 you tell you a lot about how your pet feeling. If your pet is in pain or suffering from some form sickness, your dog may breathe heavily or pant.
In most circumstances, coughing and heavy breathing are signs of a chest infection. You should also check 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 look tinged blue or pale, contact your veterinarian. Your dog could be in respiratory distress as your pet might not be getting enough oxygen.
You can also keep an hourly record of your dog’s breathing. Normally your pet take about 20 to 30 breaths every minute. If your dog’s breathing rate increases steadily, his or her condition has deteriorated and you need to contact the vet.
