You know the feeling. Your normally playful pup (or senior) hesitates when you call him or her, when they regularly pop right up and come running. At first, you think (hope) that they are just tired from staying up late the night before. You know how those pooch parties can be. But then you realize it is a little more than that. How Do We Know if Our Dog is Sick?
How Do We Know if Our Dog is Sick?
None of us like to see our beloved canines in pain or feeling sick. It's difficult for the most part, because we can't exactly always know what is ailing them. This leads us to examining every part of them, hoping it's just a pebble stuck in between the pads of the feet. If we're lucky, that's all it is.
So, if said pebble doesn't exist, what are we to do? How do we make our dogs comfortable until we can get an appointment at the vet. (Doesn't it always seem to happen on the weekend, when your favorite vet is closed, or worse, at 2 in the morning when you just got into your pajamas the closest emergency vet is miles away)?
If you can't get to the vet's office, you have to resort to the next best thing; making your dog as comfortable as possible. Not so easy if you don't know what's wrong, but it's helpful to have a few things on hand for instances like these.
For joint/arthritic pain, you may want to have pain relievers prescribed by your vet to hold you over for when this does happen and can't get to the vet's office. Often, rimadyl or tramadol are prescribed for pain and having them BEFORE this happens (along with knowing the correct dosage) can help soothe your dog's aches for at least a little while. You don't want to give them anything of the human variety without knowing if it is safe for dogs.
If you don't have medications (specifically for your dog) on hand, the next best thing is to gently massage the area that you think is in pain, and coax your dog into laying down, limiting activity the best you can for the interim.
If it is an internal issue such as vomiting or diarrhea, this comes down to a judgment call. All dogs get sick every once in a while and hopefully, it only lasts no more than 24-hours. However, if you see anything abnormal such as bleeding or straining, this may call for an emergency visit ASAP. If you're not sure, your best bet is to call the emergency clinic, describe the situation and let them assist in making that decision. If in doubt, it's always better to be safe than sorry.
Another thing to have on hand is a pet thermometer. If you don't feel comfortable using the ones that the vets use, (you know, the uncomfortable one) then, they do sell other types that you can put in the dog's ear or under their armpit. While this may not be as accurate as the one your veterinarian uses, it will give you a good gauge of their temperature. If you see their temp rising past the normal range, it's important you do get your dog to the vet immediately. A rising fever is a good indication that something is wrong with your pet, and you will need a professional to determine the root of the problem.
If at any point you think your dog has ingested a poison, or your dog appears lethargic and unresponsive, or his/her heart rate is racing, it is wise to get to your pooch's doctor right away. Aches and pains are one thing, but when they appear as if they are truly sick, let a professional take a look to ease your mind (and your pup's condition)!
Elizabeth Parker
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