Should You Take Your Pet To The Vet Hospital?
by Sandra Butler
Dealing with sick pets can be a tricky dilemma for owners. On the one hand, their pet could have nothing more than the simple flu or a very minor upset stomach, but on the other hand, they could be dealing with immense amounts of pain and simply cannot communicate it. So, how do you know when to take them to a vet hospital? The simple answer is that whenever in doubt, you should take them to get checked up as it is better to be safe than sorry, but if you are looking for some concrete proof that your pet needs to be seen by a vet here are some signs to look for.
Prolonged Symptoms
Any pet can get sick or feel unwell for a few hours or a day and generally still be fine. It is when you are starting to see symptoms last for longer than twenty-four hours that you should be concerned. Pets can be dramatic and overemphasize their discomfort, but this generally does not extend that long. So if they are still showing quite serious symptoms, like not eating much or sleeping constantly, then you might want to get a professional opinion to ensure that they do not deteriorate any further.
Are They Snapping At You?
If your pet has growled or hissed at you when you are simply trying to examine their sore spot (or what you think to be their sore spot) then they are being overtly protective of something causing them quite severe pain. This is unusual for pets who are otherwise well acquainted with their owners and wouldn't bite them for any reason, so the pain must be considerable and deserves attention. Don't ever take the actions your pet makes when in pain personally, as this is entirely a reflex and not something they are fully in control of.
Broken Bones Or Serious Injury
Illnesses and diseases are one thing to try and diagnose, but most people will be able to diagnose problems like broken bones or other serious traumatic injuries without too much help. If your pet has any kind of trauma that has affected them, whether it has visibly broken the skin or not, then you should get them checked out and patched up. Sometimes pets will try to hide their injuries, so make sure to be vigilant and investigate any limps or attempts to hide something from you by turning away.
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About Me
Nothing is quite like the bond you develop with a pet. You and your dog know each other to the core. You and your cat have your own way of communicating, even though you do not speak their language. These pets are, in a very real sense, your friends — but they are friends you have the responsibility of caring for completely. Determining what the best care for your pet really is can be a challenge. That's why we created this blog. The articles collected here will help you become a better owner and a better friend to your furry companion, whether they're a cat, dog, rabbit, or other species entirely.