Many dog owners consider their pets to be apart of the family. Being a responsible dog owner involves more than just providing food, water, play toys and daily walks. Responsible owners have to be very attentive towards their dogs. Why? Dogs aren’t able to complain and convey their feelings like other members of your family. Paying attention to certain signals will help you know when your pet needs medical attention.
For instance, is your dog eating as he normally would? One of the first signs of a disease or illness is odd eating habits. If your dog skips a meal or two, there’s no real need to panic. However, if you’ve noticed that your dog has barely touched their food over the past few days, then you should visit an Animal Hospital in Yorktown NY.
Food is one thing, but the amount of water your dog drinks is important as well. Since most dogs produce their own fair share of saliva they don’t need as much water as fish. It’s normal for dogs to consume more water during hot days or after they’ve been exercising. However, if you notice that your dog has been excessively thirsty, there might be a problem. Excessive thirst can be a sign of diabetes or complications with the kidneys. Visit Croton Animal Hospital and discuss these problems with a veterinarian.
Aside from food and water, paying attention to the overall attitude of your pet is very important. Have you noticed a sudden shift in how active your dog has been lately? Does your dog seem very sluggish when he’s usually very active and enthusiastic? While it’s normal for dogs not to be “in the mood” from time to time this usually doesn’t last very long. If your dog’s fatigue has been lasting for more than a few days, you should consider visiting an Animal Hospital Yorktown NY.
Remember, dogs can’t talk to you about their feelings and have a higher tolerance for pain than you might think. Pay close attention to your dog’s normal behaviors and actions. Make sure that they’re eating and drinking like they normally would. If you notice that your dog’s habits have suddenly changed drastically, you should have them checked out by a vet.
