Thursday, July 17, 2014

When to Call the Veterinarian


Even the most attentive pet owners may find it challenging to identify signs of sickness in a dog or cat. Because sick pets are not able to verbalize their pain, we have the responsibility to watch for signs of illness in our four-legged friends. Paying close attention to your pet's normal behavior will help you better identify signs of illness when they occur. Sometimes, even the smallest changes in attitude or appetite may be caused by an underlying health problem.

Deciding when to schedule a visit the veterinarian can be also be a challenge. For example, vomiting is one of the most common symptoms of illness in pets, however, dogs and cats may vomit on occasion without actually being sick. So what symptoms warrant a trip to the veterinary clinic? When your pet displays lethargy or is not eating concurrent with vomiting or diarrhea or has reoccurring or bloody vomiting or diarrhea this is a sign that your pet needs veterinary care. Lethargy is also a sign of illness. If your pet has decreased energy or a lack of enthusiasm you should schedule an exam with the veterinarian. It is important to note if your pet tires more easily than usual or has unexplainable weakness. Pet owners should also contact the veterinary clinic if they notice poor appetite, lameness, frequent or abnormal urination, excessive scratching or licking, nasal discharge, constipation, an unusual bump or excessive thirst. 


It is an animal's instinct to hide symptoms of sickness because in the wild, sick animals appear weak to predators or may be shunned by their own kind. Domesticated dogs and cats have this same wild instinct which makes identifying illness especially difficult. Maple Knoll Veterinary Clinic encourages proactive and preventative health care rather than waiting until your pet displays symptoms of illness. If you are unsure whether an appointment with the veterinarian is necessary, please call Maple Knoll Veterinary Clinic to discuss your questions with our staff.  

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