Having a pet is not easy; especially when it comes to making sure that they are happy and healthy. How are you to know when your pet isn’t feeling well? It is not as if they can tap you on the shoulders and verbally tell you that they are feeling under the weather. Pets instinctively hide their symptoms when they are feeling unwell. This is probably a form of behavioural evolution from the past, to avoid being seen as weak by their predators or being killed by their own. So it won’t be easy figuring out if your pet is sick – you shall have to play the role of a detective and look out for symptoms! Some of these symptoms include:
Observe any unusual changes in behavior of your pet. If your pet is usually sullen and keeps to itself, and suddenly acts in need of more attention, then you know that something is wrong. Pets that are normally very affectionate and active, but all of a sudden become withdrawn and lethargic, should ring warning bells in your head; something is wrong!
Also, changes in eating patterns are an indication that your pet is sick. If your pet is not eating very much, or much less than he normally eats, then it is possible that he is not well. But that’s not all; if your pet seems to have a healthy appetite, or is eating more than usual but is not gaining any weight, this could be a sign of worms or other digestive problems. In addition, notice if your pet has changes in the frequency or volume of urination. This could be indicative of a bladder or urinary infection.
Occasionally feel your pet for strange lumps. A friend of mine once got into a panic attack when she felt a tiny lump on her puppy. After rushing the pup to the vet, it was a false alarm - a very large tick! Nevertheless, you can never be too sure of these things. If your pet has been ill and shows these signs for a few days, it is always best to seek out a vet’s opinion.
