Secrets Of A Professional Dog Trainer!
Earn $37.50 per sale selling Secrets of a Pro. Trainer: Get Your Dog To Listen To You! See our affiliates area for tips.
Author: Shawn Wilson
Whether you have a cat, a dog, a hamster or something more exotic, when you have a pet, it becomes part of your household. Dogs and cats in particular become part of the family.
When a member of the family becomes sick, we usually reach for some over the counter medicine like aspirin to lend a helping hand until they're well again, but with pets, it's not that easy.
Unlike a five year old who can tell you where it hurts, your pet can't verbalize its pain points. But just by careful observation you can very often determine the general problem area.
Look at the way they move. If Rover or Kitty is normally an active jumper and now has trouble jumping on the couch, it could be an indication of muscle, joint or even neurological problems. And if you're normally active pet becomes very sluggish and doesn't seem to want to move at all, that could signify a serious medical problem.
Watch their eating habits. If your generally finicky Kitty all of a sudden can't seem to get enough food, or if Rover suddenly starts turning up his nose at his favorite dish, that could be an indication of gastrointestinal troubles.
Look at your pet's eyes. Cats and dogs can both suffer from allergies, just like you and I. If their eyes are watery and runny, a trip to the vet may be in order.
Check their "output". Kitty's litter box should be cleaned out daily as a matter of course. If Rover or Kitty is not themselves, take a closer look at output. Have their urinary and bowel habits changed? If there are sign of blood in the urine or stool, or if they appear to be in pain when doing their business, it could be a sign of urinary tract or bowel infection.
Most times if Rover or Kitty is not themselves, we'll take them to the vet for a diagnosis. The difficult part comes when you have to make a decision on very costly treatment. I know one couple with a large dog who developed hip problems. They spent in excess of ten thousand dollars on surgery and treatments. Spending that amount of money on a pet is fine, if you can afford it.
In all honesty, I can't and if I were ever faced with that decision, the visit to the veterinarian's would unfortunately turn into a one way trip.
Tags:
|
Print this page
