Tips for Recognizing and Caring for a Sick Pet

TIPS FOR RECOGNIZING AND CARING FOR A SICK PET
Courtesy of American Humane Association

1. Keep in mind that animals will generally attempt to mask signs of illness.
This behavior is a natural instinct that is used for protection in the wild where
any animal showing signs of weakness is likely to be shunned by its own kind
and/or attacked by predators.

2. Be aware that any subtle change in your pet’s appearance or behavior
could indicate illness. Some signs to watch for include:

- Decrease or loss of appetite

- Decrease in energy or activity level

- Hiding

- Vomiting or diarrhea

- Blood in the urine or stool

- Bloating of the abdomen

- Straining or inability to urinate or defecate

- Increased shedding or bald patches

- Excessive scratching or licking of the body

- Foul odor coming from the mouth, ears, or skin

- Discharge from the eyes or nose

- Limping

- Seizures

- Reluctance or difficulty in getting up or going up and down stairs

- Abnormal vocalization (whining or crying)

3. Know which signs indicate an emergency that requires immediate
veterinary care and which require veterinary care if they continue for
more than a day or two. Symptoms that indicate an emergency include
the inability to urinate, a bloated hard abdomen, excessive vomiting or
diarrhea, seizures, and the inability to stand up. Other less severe signs
of illness should be checked by a veterinarian within 24 to 48 hrs.

4. Once you have taken a sick pet to your veterinarian, you may need
to continue medical care at home in the form of medication, special
foods, or supportive physical care. Here are some tips on handling the
daily care of a sick pet:

- Make sure you know the correct dose and understand how to give
medications prescribed by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian knows
that medicating a pet can be challenging and he will be glad to give you
a demonstration and some extra coaching if you need it.

- Keep in mind that a sick pet should be kept in a quiet environment and
he may prefer to be left alone. Make sure that young children and other
pets do not bother him. You may need to keep your sick pet in a separate
room or area of the house.

- If your veterinarian has prescribed a special food for your sick pet, make
sure that you feed him separately from other pets. Also be sure that all
members of your household are aware of your pet’s special dietary needs
and understand that even small amounts of treats or other types of foods
could be harmful.

- Be aware of any special physical needs that your sick pet may have. Some
medications may cause your pet to drink and urinate more so you may need
to walk him or clean his litter box more frequently. If your pet is having
difficulty walking or going up and down stairs, you may need to help him.
Ask your veterinarian to show you the correct way to assist your pet so that
you will not hurt him.

5. Report any worsening symptoms or new symptoms to your veterinarian
immediately, as these could indicate that your pet’s illness has become more
serious. New symptoms could also be side effects of your pet’s medication.
Your veterinarian may want to re-examine your pet or he may simply change
your pet’s medication.

6. Be sure to finish all medications as prescribed by your veterinarian and
take your pet back to your veterinarian for any recommended recheck exams
or diagnostic tests. Even if your pet seems completely better to you, it is
very important that you adhere to your veterinarian’s instructions. Even if
your pet does not look or act sick anymore, there could still be an underlying
illness that could recur if you don’t follow through on all of your veterinarian’s
recommendations.

Posted on SHARE Yahoo group June 10, 2009