How to monitor your dog’s health?
Pay attention to your dog’s attitude – A pet owner can find out many things by observing 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 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 notice 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 observe your pet is not drinking or vomiting, then you have to ensure your fur baby does not become dehydrated.
If your dog vomits, then withhold food for 12 to 24 hours, but keep offering water. If he or she is not able to keep fluids down either, contact the veterinarian immediately.
When you contact the animal hospital, 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 think, then you’ll need to follow your pet outside to see what he pr she eliminates. if you notice large volumes of watery diarrhea then call the vet.
If you notice blood his or her stools, your dog may require intensive supportive care like intravenous fluids.
If you think your pet has a little diarrhea, be sure to give lots of fluid. Make sure that your pet is receiving more fluid than he or she is losing.
Notice signs of dehydration –Look at the gums of your pet, which should be moist and pink. If you notice them to be dry feeling, it is most likely your pet may be dehydrated.
The other way 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 dog 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 observe your pet is dehydrated, try offering some form of fluids. If he or she takes them, continue to watch for dehydration. Howeveryou’re your pet can’t keep fluids down, seek medical care urgently. To prevent 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 dog owner tell you a lot about how your pet feeling. If your dog is in pain or suffering from some form illness, he may breathe heavily or pant.
In most situations, coughing and heavy breathing are symptoms 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 they look tinged blue or pale, it is time to contact the veterinarian. 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. Normally your pet breaths 20 – 30 times per minute. If your pet’s breathing rate increases steadily, his or her condition has deteriorated and you have to contact the vet.
