Animals can’t tell us what they need so its up to us to interpret their actions. For National Responsible Pet Owners Month and Love Your Pet Day on February 20th Foothill Animal Hospital has decoded some of the silent signs your pet may be giving you that indicates it’s time for a check-up.
This education is brought to you by Foothill Animal Hospital. Foothill Animal Hospital is a state-of-the-art veterinarian facility that has alternative treatments, training, custom food and all the basics your pet needs to thrive!
Download the Shop & Dine Lake Forest app here for a FREE nail trim and 50% off pet exams!
Drinking Excessive Water
Dogs and cats don’t sweat except through their paws so drinking water is crucial for them to cool down. If your pet is drinking a lot of water and you haven’t changed their diet it could be a sign of disease.
Pethealthnetwork.com says ” A good general guideline is that a healthy dog should drink between 20-70ml/kg per day1. Being aware of your dog’s water intake is important because drinking too little water can lead to dehydration while drinking too much water can be an indication of organ disease. If your dog is drinking more, he’ll probably also be peeing more (another sign of a potential problem). In fact, increased intake is often a response to excess fluid loss in urine.”
Just like humans, pets drink when they are thirsty. If you notice your pet is drinking more water than usual Foothill Animal Hospital recommends bringing your pet in if they are exhibiting these signs.
Not Jumping Anymore
If you notice your pet having trouble jumping up or they’ve stopped jumping all together it could be a sign that your pet has arthritis and needs medication or alternative therapies like laser treatment.
According to seniorcatwellness.com “Arthritis, joint pain, ingrown toenails, cracked paw pads, pododermatitis, and nerve damage are among the many reasons that cats have difficulty jumping. Also, health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes can dramatically decrease a cat’s mobility.”
Foothill Animal Hospital can diagnose your pet and come up with the best health plan for them. This vet’s office has laser therapy for arthritis treatment as well as medications depending on your pets needs.
Download the Shop & Dine Lake Forest app here for a FREE nail trim and 50% off pet exams!
Fell Off Their Normal Routine
Just like clockwork my cat meets me at my car everyday after work! If she wasn’t there I would know something was off. Animals love routine and it brings them a feeling of belonging and safety. If certain behaviors have changed or your pet isn’t doing their normal routine you can bring them in for a check-up.
Sometimes circumstantial stress can change a pets behavior, like the holidays and having a ton of people over. Pets are sensitive and if your pets habits don’t return to normal after events and changes in their home they could be experiencing stress, anxiety, depression and social withdrawal.
Canidae.com says “A normally active dog may sleep more than usual when he is not feeling well. Whether it is discomfort from an injury or an illness, sleeping is a relief and an escape. Mobility may change if they are experiencing pain. Watch for difficulty walking or maneuvering up and down steps they usually have no problem with. A gentle, loving dog may get snappy, moody and oversensitive when they do not feel well. Remember how you feel when you are sick or hurting. Dogs have the same sort of reactions, but in their own way.”
Foothill Animal Hospital can diagnose your fur baby and give you ideas, treatments and solutions on how to help pets get back on schedule and treat and underlying symptoms. Download the Shop & Dine Lake Forest app here for a FREE nail trim and 50% off pet exams!
You can visit Foothill Animal Hospital at 29040 Portola Parkway Lake Forest, CA. | or call at (949) 380-1255.
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