Potentially life-saving tips from Urgent Pet Care

By on February 23, 2016

If you’re like most pet lovers, you know your animal’s personality and behavior every which way. When Spot is acting lethargic or when Fluffy is walking a little sideways, you realize there’s something awry. That said, sometimes it can be hard to tell when not everything is as is should be. Also, new pet owners and people who may spend much of their time away from their animals may not be quite savvy enough to pick out even the slightest abnormality. The following things to look for from Urgent Pet Care can help you spot trouble and get your animal to a veterinarian before things get any worse.

Change in appetite- All dogs have different eating patterns, but they will need to eat regularly. Whether your dog is the type to clean his bowl as soon as you set it down or the type who likes to graze throughout the day, you should notice if he suddenly doesn’t want to eat like usual. Sometimes a dog may just experience an upset stomach from something he eats, so if your dog is normally healthy and misses one meal, it is probably no big deal. If, however, he misses more than one meal or is an older dog with a higher potential for problems, you should see a vet right away.

Vomiting or Diarrhea- Vomiting or diarrhea is usually a sign that something is very wrong with your pet. If there is no obvious cause for these problems, like a change in diet or stress level or if this happens for a prolonged period of time, he should see a vet.

Lethargy- If your dog is usually happy-go-lucky and has suddenly become lethargic, he is probably sick. Many health problems can cause lethargy, including infections, tumors, or a reaction to medication, so you should see a vet as soon as possible. After you notice signs of lethargy, watch for other symptoms that may manifest more subtly. You can then report these symptoms to your vet to help diagnose the problem.

Signs of Pain- If you notice your dog limping or having a hard time moving around, chances are he has either hurt himself or is beginning to have joint problems. Both of these conditions require the care of a vet and should be handled quickly. If your dog hurt himself somehow, getting immediate treatment can prevent the condition from becoming worse.

If you see these things, don’t wait to see if they just “get better!” Like your own health, it’s best to nip problems in the bud!

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