Pets become part of the family quickly, so when they become sick, everyone feels anxious and upset. Although most of their ailments will pass without any issue, it is important that you are aware of anything that might need further attention. If your pet does become sick and needs to be treated, what is the best way to keep them comfortable and relaxed?
Noticing Any Changes
The first sign that something may be wrong is when your pet starts to react differently to normal. For some animals this might be that they hide in their bedding and don’t want to come out, for others like dogs, they may just sleep all day and not want to move. If you notice anything like that, keep a record of their habits for a day or so to see if the situation improves.
Seeking Professional Advice
If the symptoms haven’t improved, or if they have got worse and you are concerned, then you can need to seek help from a qualified veterinarian. Keep writing down their symptoms as the vet may need this information to help make the diagnosis. If they are a small animal, it is vital that you transport them in a pet carrier. You don’t want them to be running around at the surgery as their condition might be contagious to other animals.
Administering Medication
If you vet recommends medication for your pet, then they will give this to you before you leave. In most cases, this will be in the form of a liquid or a tablet. If you are unsure how to administer the medication, speak to the vet before you leave and they will be able to give you the best advice. You can hide medication for dogs in treats such as Vetiq pill treats. They are designed so that you can place the medication inside, so the dog doesn’t smell it before he eats it. In some serious cases, they may require an injection that will need to be given by the vet.
Caring for Your Pet at Home
While your pet is at home, they will need you to take care of them. Try to create a nice cozy bed in their cage or for dogs and cats, a nice pillow in their favorite sleeping place. It is ok to let them sleep as this will help them to get better. You should try to keep the room as quiet as possible so that you don’t disturb them, in some cases, this might mean moving them to a quieter room until they are better. It is important to keep monitoring them and writing your observations down. If they have diarrhea or vomiting, you will need to keep a log of this. Don’t feed them for 24 hours if it is persistent and then only give them bland food with no treats.
If you stay in touch with the vet and can administer the medication, your pet should be back to their old self in no time.
