How to monitor your dog’s health?
Pay attention to your dog’s attitude – A pet owner can find out a lot by observing the pets’s demeanor such as how he or she is physically feeling. You can 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 see your dog 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 dog is not drinking or vomiting, then you need to make sure your pet 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 unable to keep fluids down either, call the animal hospital 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 see, 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 dog may need intensive supportive care like intravenous fluids.
If you think your pet has a little diarrhea, be sure to offer lots of fluid. Ensure that your pet is receiving more fluid than he or she is losing.
Not drinking enough fluid –Look at the gums of your pet, which should be moist and pink. If you observe them to be dry feeling, it is very likely your dog may be dehydrated.
The other way to check if you pet is hydrated enough 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 dog is dehydrated, try offering some form of fluids. If he or she drinks them, continue to monitor for dehydration. For any reasonyou’re your pet cannot keep fluids down, seek medical care urgently. To avoid any organ damage, 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 pet feeling. If your pet is in pain or suffering from some form sickness, your pet may breathe heavily or pant.
In most situations, coughing and heavy breathing are signs of a chest infection. You should also check your pet’s gums if his breathing causes huge chest movements.
The gums in your pet’ mouth should be pink and healthy. However, if they look tinged blue or pale, contact your vet. Your pet 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 dog breaths 20 – 30 times every minute. If your dog’s breathing rate increases steadily, his or her condition has deteriorated and you have to contact the vet.
