Sick as a Dog

Author: Hilary

Sunday, February 3rd, 2008 @ 10:33 pm

I am inspired to write this as I lay in bed, third day straight with a fever, cough, chills and aches and pains I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Louis, my ever present companion is snuggled up against me, occasionally, opening is bright, brown eyes, looking up at me and snuggling a little closer.

As unpleasant as this illness is, it got me thinking - how do responsible pet owners know when their pooches are seriously sick?Let us assume that since you and Spot became family, you have been diligent about a balanced diet and routine health care. Even still, occasionally, his immune system may fail him, as mine has failed me!

These symptoms can range from pretty mild to severe, depending on the cause. Doggie symptoms are an external expression of an internal disruption. How to decide if veterinary intervention is necessary?

First and foremost, common sense!All puppies will eventually have a day that they feel under the weather at some point in their lives. If symptoms do not seem severe and start subsiding within a day, they may just need to run their course. However if any of the following applies, go directly to your vet!

Sick dog symptoms increase or intensify over a 24 hour period.
Symptoms persist more than a day
The dog is in obvious distress.

All in all, its better to be safe then sorry, so don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. The first month my husband and I had Louis, we rushed him to our vet no less then six times, for what we were convinced were emergencies. Five out of the six vet ‘emergency’ visits resulted in no diagnoses, other then our vet reassuring us that no, in fact, we were not going to kill our new baby boy. The sixth time, Louis had a little stitch that was rejected from the site of his neuter surgery, which just needed to be clipped. I was beside myself with fear - in the end all was well.

As you become a more experienced parent, you will be less likely to panic and more likely to evaluate the situation in a calm and rational manner. Each dog is individual and you know your baby better then the vet does.

Knowing what is ‘normal’ for your unique specimen of cuteness is the first step in evaluating your pet for illness. Get familiar with his eating and drinking habits, his output (excrement and urine) and his temperament. If anything seems off, your first clue that something is up.

A good article is available at canismajor.com outlining signs and symptoms indictating your dog might be sick. Click here to see the full article.

A sick dog is nothing to sneeze at. Have a well stocked first aid kit at home for emergencies, include your local 24 hour emergency veteraniry clinic’s number. Program your cell with both your regular vet and the emergency clinic.Our dogs are our room mates, our play mates, our soul mates. Their care is our responsibility.I wish canines and their guardians everywhere good health!