How to monitor your pet’s health?
Pay attention to your dog’s attitude – A pet owner can tell a lot by monitoring the dog’s behaviour such as how he or she is physically feeling. You’ll need to ensure his health is gradually getting better and responding to treatment. For example, your fur baby should begin 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 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 notice your dog is not drinking or vomiting, then you have 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 not able to keep fluids down either, contact the vet 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 dog 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 have to follow your dog outside to see what he pr she eliminates. if you notice large volumes of watery diarrhea then contact the vet.
If you see blood his or her stools, your dog may require intensive supportive care like intravenous fluids.
If you notice your dog has a little diarrhea, be sure to give lots of fluid. Ensure that your pet is getting 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 possible your pet may be dehydrated.
The other way to check if you dog 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. Usually dehydration in a sick dog is a cause for concern, so it is best to take your dog to the vet.
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, get medical care urgently. To avoid 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 you tell you a lot about how your dog feeling. If your pet is in pain or suffering from some form illness, 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 check your dog’s gums if his breathing causes big 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 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 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.
