The pet you share your home with is a member of the family, which makes it important to take care of them. One way to do this is by knowing when they need help from a veterinarian and what are causing these problems in pets.
For example, pests are a common problem for pet owners. It doesn’t matter how well-trained your pet is; they can still bring home fleas or ticks from the great outdoors. And even if you don’t have an outdoor pet, pests may be coming in through doors and windows to nest in your furniture.
What makes matters worse is that these pests not only make life difficult for pet owners but also their pets, too. Pests can carry diseases that cause cats and dogs to get sick, which often results in expensive vet bills when it could have been prevented with pest control measures.
This article will give pet owners tips on what to look for if they think their pet needs medical attention.
1. Check your pet’s overall health
Just like with humans, it’s important to keep an eye on your pet’s general health. This means looking for changes in weight, eating habits, energy levels, and toilet habits. If you notice any significant changes or anything that concerns you, take your pet to the vet.
2. Look out for parasites
One of the most common types of pet health problems is parasites. These tiny creatures can cause everything from diarrhea to hair loss, and they can be difficult to get rid of without help from a veterinarian. Check your pet for evidence of parasites regularly, especially if they go outdoors a lot.
3. Watch for wounds and injuries
It’s not just accidents that can cause injuries to pets. They can also get hurt in fights with other animals or from stepping on something sharp. If you see any wounds or injuries on your pet, take them to the vet for treatment.
4. Keep an eye on their eating habits
Pets that are sick or not feeling well often stop eating altogether, or they may only eat a small amount of food. If you notice that your pet isn’t eating like they usually do, it’s a good idea to have them checked out by a vet.
5. Keep an eye on their drinking habits
Like with eating habits, changes in drinking habits can signify that your pet isn’t feeling well. If your pet is usually a heavy drinker but suddenly stops, or if they only drink a small amount, take them to the vet.
6. Watch their energy levels
Sick pets often have less energy than usual. If you notice that your pet isn’t playing as much as they usually do or doesn’t seem to be getting up and moving around like before, this could be a sign that something is wrong. If you’re worried, book an appointment with a veterinarian for pet health check-ups.
7. Be on the lookout for unusual behavior patterns
One of the signs of pet health problems can be changes in pet behavior, including eating non-food items, acting out aggressively towards other animals or people, and sleeping more than usual. If you see any changes in your pet’s usual behavior, make an appointment with a vet.
8. Check for problems with their coat and skin
A healthy pet’s coat should be shiny and smooth, without any bald patches or scales. If you notice that your pet’s coat is looking different, or if they have any skin problems such as redness, itchiness, or scabs, take them to the vet.
9. Listen out for unusual sounds coming from your pet
Just like people, pets can sometimes develop health problems that cause them to make strange noises. Common ones include wheezing, coughing, and gurgling. If you hear anything unusual from your pet, take them to the vet for pet health check-ups.
10. Watch out for signs of bad breath
Dogs and cats can get things stuck in their teeth that cause bad breath, but pet health problems such as gum disease or tooth decay can also cause this symptom. If you notice any changes in your pet’s breath, take them to the vet.
Pet owners can check their pet’s health at home by looking out for signs of parasites, wounds, and injuries, changes in eating or drinking habits, changes in pet behavior or energy levels, problems with the coat and skin, unusual sounds coming from their pet and bad breath.
Knowing when to check your pet’s health at home is vital in keeping them healthy. With these pet health tips, pet owners can have their pet checked out for any pet health problems that might need the attention of a veterinarian.