How to monitor your pet’s health?
Pay attention to your dog’s attitude – A pet parent can tell many things by monitoring the dog’s demeanor 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 instance, your dog 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 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 monitor your pet is not drinking or vomiting, then you have to make sure your fur baby does not become dehydrated.
If your pet vomits, then withhold food for 12 to 24 hours, however keep giving water. If he or she is not able to keep fluids down either, contact the veterinarian urgently.
When you contact the vet, 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 see, then you’ll need to follow your pet into the yard to establish 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 notice your dog has a little diarrhea, be sure to give lots of fluid. Make sure that your dog is receiving more fluid than he or she is losing.
Not drinking enough fluid –Monitor the gums of your dog, which should be pink and moist. If you notice them to be dry feeling, it is very likely your dog may be dehydrated.
Another to check if you pet 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 dog is dehydrated, the skin will slowly fall back over the course of a few seconds, rather than snap back. Often dehydration in a sick dog is a cause for concern, so it is best to take your dog to the animal hospital.
If you observe your dog is dehydrated, try offering some form of fluids. If he or she drinks the fluid, continue to watch for dehydration. For any reasonyou’re your pet cannot keep fluids down, seek medical care immediately. To prevent any organ damage, your pet 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 dog 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 signs of a chest infection. It is also advisable to check your pet’s gums if his breathing causes exaggerated chest movements.
The gums in your dog’ mouth should be pink and healthy. However, if they appear tinged blue or pale, contact the vet. Your pet might not be getting enough oxygen and could be in respiratory distress.
It is good to take an hourly record of your dog’s breathing. Normally your dog take about 20 to 30 breaths per minute. If your dog’s breathing rate increases steadily, his or her condition has deteriorated and you have to call the vet.
