There are some common signs and symptoms every pet parent should be watching for so you know when to call your vet and have your pet examined for illness.
We love our pets, and we strive to treat them like family, but one of the more frustrating aspects of being a pet owner is often the fact that our pets can’t tell us when something is wrong. As pet owners, we have to pay close attention to our pets and their mannerisms so that we are able to pick up on medical issues early and seek the help they need to recover.
Lethargy
You know your pet’s activity level best, and if you notice significant lethargy, then it’s time to call your vet. Lethargy is one of the most common indicators of an underlying medical issue, even if you don’t notice any injuries or other obvious symptoms.
Reduced Appetite
Food is a basic need, and anyone with a pet knows that they love to eat no matter what kind of animal they are. If your beloved pet has avoided eating during two or more meal times, it could be in serious trouble and needs to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Increased Thirst
Hot, dry weather can cause your pet to drink more than usual, and this is not cause for alarm. If, however, your pet is drinking excessively for more than a day, even when they’re in a comfortable environment that isn’t overly warm, it’s time to call the vet.
Unusual Stool
It’s not especially pleasant, but it’s important to know what your dog’s stool looks like when they’re healthy. This creates a baseline that allows you to notice unusual stool as soon as it happens, which will alert you to a possible medical issue affecting your pet. Your pet’s stool could come out watery, with blood or mucous in it, or it could be especially dark and tar-like, among other changes. All of these should be taken seriously and result in a vet visit.
Vomiting
Pets have a knack for vomiting, and most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about. If your pet vomits once or a few times in quick succession, this is usually just their system purging something disagreeable, and they’ll be fine after (but it’s never a bad idea to keep an eye on them and make sure there aren’t other symptoms). Vomiting multiple times over the course of several hours, however, points to a bigger problem. Vomiting is also a problem if it contains blood or if it is present while your pet is experiencing other symptoms.
Trust Maryland Veterinary Surgical Services With Your Companion’s Health
Your companion’s health is important, and the team at MVSS is ready to provide the best care possible for your furry family. We are dedicated to combining comprehensive exams and assessments with informative and honest discussions of your companion’s care. Once we have worked with you to decide on the best course of action for your dog, our professionals will use their surgical expertise to work towards the goal of giving your companion an active and pain-free life. We are proud to serve loyal companions in Catonsville and Baltimore. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 410-788-4088 or visit us online. For more information and tips for pet health, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.