We all want our health to be in tip top shape, which is why most of us go in for routine doctor checkups. But wouldn’t you want the same for your pet? Health care for animals is just as important because, after all, we love them enough to want one (32.4% of us own cats, while 37.2% have dogs) — so we should be able to take care of our furry friends properly. Here are a few tips and tricks that will help you distinguish whether or not your dog is sick.
The Basics: Dogs and cats under the age of 10 should visit a veterinary care center every year, while those over ten years old should visit one every six months. If your dog, or any pet for that matter, is given a medication for any illness, made sure all of the antibiotics are administered, even if your pet is feeling better.
Change in Behavior. No one knows your dog best but you, so if your dog is behaving out of the ordinary, it may be time to take them to the pet wellness center. Some behavior changes to look for include:
- Lethargy
- Agitation
- Withdrawal
- Irritability
- Clingy
Stomach Issues. A veterinarian technician will assure you that every dog will vomit once in awhile. However, if your dog is vomiting and/or experiencing diarrhea for multiple days in a row, you should consult your vet. First, be sure to think about what types of food you’ve been feeding your dog, or check their feces and see if anything wasn’t digested properly that may have been leading to the vomiting. Look for these symptoms:
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea lasting over 24 hours
- Abdominal pain and/or swelling
- Loss of appetite
- Dry heaving
- Restlessness
Breathing Issues: This may be the hardest to detect in your dog. Health care for animals is generally revolved around digestive issues, yet now and again breathing problems can arise. Seek out your vet if you notice the following:
- Persistent cough lasting more than 24 hours
- Wheezing or noisy breathing
- Constant nasal discharge (look for blood)
- Labored breathing
- Gagging lasting longer than normal
Bathroom Issues: If you notice any changes in your dog’s normal bathroom routine, there may be an underlying issue. You may be able to notice these problems most if you walk your dog on a regular basis or if you supervise them after letting them outside. Consult a vet if you notice the following:
- Increased amount and/or frequency of urine
- Trouble defecating or passing urine
- In-house accidents in an otherwise potty-trained dog
Different Appearance: Medicine for animals is quickly improving, and many pet owners are happy to know that state-of-the-art technology is available for their dog. A visit to a top vet center may be warranted if you notice:
- New lumps and bumps
- Changes in old lumps or bumps
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Hair loss or persistent itching
Health care for animals is very essential to making sure our pets live a long and happy life, so if you have any doubts at all about your dog, always don’t hesitate to call your veterinary health center. Find more on this topic here: www.guilfordjamestownvet.com
