The Telltale Signs of Illness In Dogs And Cats
The moment you take a dog or a cat under your wing, you know that you are in for more challenges and bigger responsibilities. Taking care of a pet, be it a dog or a cat, or anything else for that matter, is like taking care of a human being. You need to be sensitive to its needs. You have to make certain that your pet is healthy and happy because a healthy pet can live beyond its average lifespan.
As a pet owner, you need to be aware that your pet can be afflicted with diseases, common or not. It is important therefore that you know the tell-tale signs indicating that something is wrong with your pet. For instance, if your pet seems to sleep more often and for longer hours than before, don’t dismiss it as normal. While there may be times when dogs and cats do sleep longer than usual, if they do so more often and if accompanied by other unusual signs and symptoms, that should tell you that something isn’t normal anymore.
Also, if you notice behavioral changes in your pet, call your veterinarian at once and tell him or her that you are concerned about your pet. Discharges coming from the eyes, nose or ears, especially if they are unpleasant in odor, are not normal, and these should be reported as well. Be as detailed as possible when describing the situation to the vet so that the vet can evaluate if the situation warrants a medical emergency or not. If it isn’t something to be alarmed about, the vet may only advise you on what you can do at home to remedy the problem, but if the vet feels that it’s something very serious, then you may have to bring your pet over to the clinic for emergency treatment.
Observe your pet closely and watch out for signs and symptoms that may warn you of something very serious, such as loss of appetite, weight loss, too much consumption of water, extreme lethargy or sudden bouts of ferociousness, diarrhea and vomiting, disorientation, seizure, persistent cough and breathing difficulties. Be concerned, too, if your pet exhibits difficulty in walking, has blood in urine, vomit or feces, and if it has a bloated abdomen. Also, take a close look at its gums if they are pale pink or bluish in color, and smell its breath as well. Foul smelling breath is not a good sign and must be a cause of concern. Excessive head shaking is also a sign of serious illness and must never be taken for granted.
Even without these presenting symptoms, it is always advisable to bring your pet over to the vet regularly. If you can do it twice a year, do so; if not then make it a point to have your pet see a vet at least once a year. This way, your pet can undergo the necessary screening tests. In case something is wrong with your pet, it can be spotted immediately and can therefore treated before it gets worse. Remember early detection is key to a faster recovery rate.
Sep 17, 2009 | 0 | Pet Care, Pet Health