How to monitor your dog’s health?
Pay attention to your dog’s attitude – A pet parent can tell a lot by monitoring the dog’s demeanor including 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 fur baby 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 require medical attention.
Track how often your dog vomits – If you observe your dog is not drinking or vomiting, then you have to ensure your pet does not become dehydrated.
If your dog vomits, then withhold food for 12 to 24 hours, but keep giving water. If he or she is unable to keep fluids down either, contact the animal hospital immediately.
When you call the veterinarian, 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 think, then you’ll need to follow your dog outside to establish 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 fur baby may need intensive supportive care like intravenous fluids.
If you observe your dog has a little diarrhea, be sure to give lots of fluid. Ensure that he’s receiving more fluid than he or she is losing.
Notice signs of dehydration –Monitor 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.
The other way 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 dog is dehydrated, the skin will slowly fall back over the course of a few seconds, rather than snap back. Usually dehydration in a sick dog is a cause for concern, so it is best to take your dog to the animal hospital.
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. Howeveryou’re your dog cannot keep fluids down, seek medical care immediately. To prevent any organ damage, 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 a dog owner tell you a lot about how your dog 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. It is also advisable to check your pet’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, 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 dog take about 20 to 30 breaths per minute. If your pet’s breathing rate increases steadily, his or her condition is becoming worse and you have to contact the vet.
