Whether you are a petowner or a petsitter it is really important to know how to handle pet sickness. In this article we offer you some vital information and some top tips to ensure you can act quickly and appropriately to care for your sick pet.

How to handle pet sickness

When caring for our pets, we go to great lengths to try to keep them happy, healthy, and content. We invest in pet toys, treats, playtime, and training, protecting them from the weather, bugs, and hazards. This is when pet sickness happens, and it can cause a lot of inconvenience and discomfort. Whether it’s diarrhoea, vomiting, or an ear infection, a pet sickness is never fun, and it’s important to know how to handle it when it happens.

You’re not alone if you’ve ever felt helpless when your pet is sick. It’s incredibly stressful when your beloved pet is sick or injured, and you don’t know what to do. It’s even worse if your pet is away from you in the vet’s office or at the groomer’s.

How to recognize when a pet is sick?

If you spend any time reading about pet health, one thing will come up over and over again: watching out for signs of illness in your pet. Often, a pet’s gut instinct is enough to let them know something isn’t right, and by acting quickly and getting animal medical attention, you could save your pet’s life.

We may not realize that our pets are at high risk for diseases humans can contract, so it’s important to know how to identify and treat sick pets. Your veterinarian is the best resource for treating sick pets, but keeping these tips in mind can help you know when your pet is sick. Any change to your pet’s appearance and behavior may indicate that they are sick.

How to look for signs and detect pet sickness:

• Loss of appetite

A dog’s appetite, described as her desire to eat, is a fairly reliable indicator of her health. If you notice your dog isn’t eating normally, make an appointment with your vet. Sick pets usually won’t eat since they aren’t feeling well. Some dogs stop eating altogether, while others only eat small amounts. One way to tell if your dog is sick or injured is to look for changes in her behavior.

• Suddenly lose interest in playing

Pets thrive on affection, attention, and playtime, so when they suddenly lose interest in playing or interacting with other pets or people or start acting sick, it’s a warning sign that something’s not quite right. If the lethargy seems to be accompanied by other symptoms, such as lack of appetite, vomiting, a page layout, or diarrhea, it’s time to seek professional help.

• Do not show themselves

Pet owners often wonder when their pets spend more time indoors with the heater on and less out in the yard at this time of year. Many pets hide when they are sick, and cat and dog owners may wonder why their animals aren’t acting normally. Here are a few common signs of a sick dog or cat.

• Frequent vomiting or diarrhoea

Sick pets can be the cause of panic in pet owners and pet sitters. Pets are often reluctant to show any symptoms at all and may only be sick or in pain for a short time before they are able to return to their normal demeanor. Vomiting or diarrhoea can be a sign of an illness, but it is not necessarily the reason your pet is sick. It is important to treat sick pets properly in order to avoid more serious complications.

• Detect blood in the urine or faeces

Blood in the urine, or blood in the urine and feces, is a common sign of internal bleeding. Blood in the urine can also be a sign of urinary tract infections. However, the latter is most common in older pets. When the blood in your dog or cat’s urine is a small amount of bright red blood, it may be nothing serious. However, if you notice bright red blood in your dog or cat’s urine, please call your veterinarian.

Benefits of knowing how to recognizing sick pet

Even the healthiest pets can get sick, and when they do, it can be tough to know whether or not they need veterinary attention. Many common illnesses are mild, and their symptoms may be fairly subtle. If your pet seems sick, it’s usually a good idea to take your pet to the vet for a checkup. If you recognize the signs of their presence, however, you can better judge whether or not an emergency visit is necessary.

Sick pets don’t just present a danger to the pet; they also present a danger to the family. If a pet is sick, it’s showing symptoms, so pet owners know something is wrong, or they wouldn’t have brought it to their vet in the first place. But knowing what’s wrong with your pet isn’t always easy.

When looking out for pet sickness the list of symptoms in animals is much longer and more complex than for humans. And when a sickness affects an animal’s behavior, how a pet acts can indicate much more than what’s visibly wrong with it.

Immediate steps to take if your pet is sick

• Tell your Veterinarian right away

If your pet is sick, you should seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Your veterinarian can diagnose, treat, and sometimes prescribe for illnesses or injuries. If your pet has a minor problem, they may be able to see you immediately. For more serious cases, you may need to book an appointment. If you have pet insurance, you can reduce the fees for vet and medication; try Utah pet insurance.

• Learn how to give the correct dose of medication

It’s important to understand the correct dose for medications prescribed by your veterinarian. It’s easy if the medication is liquid since you can simply measure the dose in a teaspoon. However, if the medication is in the form of a pill, you will need to determine the dose yourself.

• Be consistent with routine medication

Consistent with pet medication means you give your pet his medication at the appropriate time and the correct dosage. Consistent with pet medication also ensures you give your pet the proper medication.

Conclusion – What to do when you detect pet sickness

In conclusion, senior pets often need extra care beyond annual dental cleanings and vaccinations. So keep a look out for any signs of pet sickness. Your pet may need medications to relieve pain and other symptoms and may need frequent visits to the doctor for ongoing health problems. Never hesitate to contact your veterinarian for advice on getting your pet help for a health problem.

FURTHER READING FOR PET OWNERS & PET SITTERS

Vet Matthew Bayliss – Tips on preparing for the pet housesitter

Relax cat! It’s only a petsitter, says Vet Matthew Bayliss

Tips for rabbit sitters on rabbit care – By Vet Matthew Bayliss

How to manage pet illness on a housesit