Is your pet showing signs of illness? Is it time to call the vet? Here’s how you know.
Caring for a pet means sharing life together as much as making sure all its needs are met. Physical and mental health are both essential for keeping your cat, dog, or exotic pet happy. As a pet owner, you never know if something were to happen. If any injury or sickness were to occur, how do you know when to call the vet? Keep these rules in mind.
Any Negative Change in Behavior
When you know your pet, you will know what its normal behavior is like. You will know how energetic it is, its habits, and its ways. When something changes or you see a symptom of sickness, it may be time to call the vet. In general, the moment you see any significant change in behavior, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
Examples of Concerning Symptoms
The number of negative behavioral changes and signs of sickness are many. However, some of the most common would be the following:
- Prolonged vomiting
- Prolonged diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Excessive drinking
- Change in appetite
- Sudden weight change
- Unhealthy eyes
- Unhealthy stool
Examples of emergency situations would include:
- Open wounds
- Limping
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
- Collapse
- Retching (bloating)
- Dizziness
- Signs of pain (whining, shaking, etc.)
- Difficulty breathing
- Inability to urinate or give birth
You Need an Expert’s Evaluation
The last thing you want to do is to take advice on health matters solely from the Internet, other pet owners, or anyone who is not a veterinarian who can evaluate your pet’s condition in person. Visit the vet for an educated assessment and treatment, especially in an emergency.
If you need a trusted vet in Baltimore, you can visit Everhart Veterinary Medicine at Everhart Veterinary Hospital, The Village of Cross Keys, or Everhart WellPet Center. For emergencies, visit Everhart Veterinary Hospital.
An Early Start Is a Healthy Start
When you get a new pet, whether it is very young or quite old, you can immediately begin to address its health needs in the best way possible by taking it to the vet. Puppies and kittens need to start vaccinations to protect them from multiple deadly and contagious diseases, such as distemper. You can also gain insights into dietary and exercise needs, etc. Advice from your trusted vet will be the best advice.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With two Maryland locations in both Baltimore and Pasadena, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131 or 410-793-7670! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!