When you are not feeling well, you generally have an idea of how bad things are based on how you feel. There are some illnesses that require nothing more than some rest and over the counter medications, while there are others where you automatically know that you need to see a doctor. Your pet cannot tell you how they are feeling, which is why you need to be careful with pet illnesses. Residents in the Coolum, Kulangoor, and Valdora area have a great local vet they can visit in times of need, but when is the time to take you pet to the vet if he or she seems a little less active than usual?
The most common pet issues are vomiting and diarrhoea. If your furry vet vomits a couple of times over the course of a day, it may just be that he got into something he wasn’t supposed to. If the vomiting is regular and lasts more than a day, get him to the vet. Diarrhea is a different story, as it can serve as a sign that something more serious is brewing. A bout of the runs should lead to a visit to your Coolum vet. Lumps and bumps are also a common problem. Outside pets may experience stings or bites that may be nothing serious, but any mysterious lump or bump is something that should be examined by a vet.
If you animal is limping, the problem could be something simple or an issue that is a lot more serious. There are several factors that your vet will take into account with the limping, such as the age and breed of your dog, as well as the reason how the limp came to be. For example, if you accidentally stepped on a paw, he could be injured but not have a more serious problem, such as a bone tumor. Bad breath is another one to look out for. While we don’t expect our pets to have a minty fresh breath, a really strong odour could be a sign of dental issues, which definitely would require a visit to your Valdora vet.
Coughing is something that is certainly disturbing to hear from your pet, and for good reason. It could be a sign that something is wrong, especially if the cough is persistent. This is one time when a vet visit is a must. Changes to the eating and drinking habits of your pet is also something that should be checked out. You know how you can lose your appetite when you are sick, and the same rules apply to pets. A change in their activity level is also something that needs to be checked out, especially if your very active pet suddenly becomes lethargic.
We don’t want to come across as nervous parents who run to the vet at every little sign of illness, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. Taking your pet to the vet for regular check-ups can also warn you of health problems early on.