Every year, I compile a list of New Year’s Day resolutions. Typically, the same items top my list each year. For instance, I always desire to lose weight and spend more time with my family members. Perhaps, you want to get healthier in the New Year. You may also wish for your beloved pet to enjoy better health this year. To help you accomplish this important task, schedule regular appointments for your pet with his or her veterinarian. A veterinarian can inform you of any health problems your pet may be experiencing. On this blog, I hope you will discover the importance of taking your pet to annual veterinarian appointments. Enjoy!
Because symptoms of severe illness and injury in pets can be quite different from severe symptoms in humans, you may often find yourself unsure if it is time to take your dog to the vet. There are a few symptoms that are commonly seen in urgent cases at the vet, so being aware of them can give you a clue about when it's time to take your own pet. Here are three signs that can often indicate your dog is suffering from a condition that requires veterinary treatment.
Discoordination
While some dogs are naturally more clumsy than others, you shouldn't take it lightly if your dog suddenly seems much less coordinated than before. Bumping into things around the house or missing the food bowl while eating could be signs that your dog is suffering from a nervous system disorder.
If your dog's discoordination is due to a neurological problem, you will often see one or more other symptoms manifest at the same time. Weakness and unresponsiveness are other hallmarks of a disorder that is affecting the nervous system.
Lack of Appetite
A healthy dog will maintain a similar appetite for most of its life after it has reached adulthood. Dogs that are new to your family may avoid eating because they are wary of their new surroundings or their new owners, but a sudden loss of appetite in a dog that is used to your home is a warning sign. If your dog is inexplicably skipping meals or hasn't eaten for a day or two, you should plan a visit to the vet as soon as possible.
While you may suspect that a digestive problem is behind your dog's lack of appetite, a dental problem could be the real culprit. Your dog may stop eating if it experiences severe pain in its teeth or gums while it chews its food. Unfortunately, a lack of appetite can also point to a serious disease, such as cancer, so a thorough veterinary examination is the only way to determine the true problem.
Dry or Patchy Coat
Your dog's coat is one of the best indicators of its overall health. The coat should always be thick and soft to the touch. If your dog's fur is dry and brittle or there are patches of fur missing, there is almost always an underlying health problem. You should visit your vet to determine if your dog is suffering from an allergic reaction to its food or something in the environment or a more serious skin disease.
Knowing the signs of health problems in dogs will help you get the right care for your pet before the condition becomes too advanced for effective treatment. Contact a company like Kenmore Veterinary Hospital to learn more.
Share21 February 2017
