According to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) there are approximately 70-80 million dogs and 74-96 million cats that are owned in the United States. Almost half the households in the United States have a dog and 30-37% own a cat.
As dogs and cats grow old, visits to the vet are more a necessity than a requirement. The ailments affecting them are varied and sometimes scary for a pet owner. Other than keeping your pet’s scheduled vet visits for vaccinations and such, when do you make the decision to take your pet to the vet? When does an unscheduled visit is a necessity or an emergency?
These are some of the warning signs your pet could displayed if they are not feeling well, and you need to take them for an unscheduled visit to the vet.
- If your cat or dog skips meals for more than a day while it has always been a voracious eater, it may be an indication that there is something wrong.
- An excessively thirsty dog can be a warning sign that not all is well. The beginning of kidney problems or diabetes can be displayed by your dog drinking an excessive amount of water. Having accidents in the home therefore is not uncommon.
- Bald patches on your pets coat, or a coat that has lost its shine or is not longer full could be an indication that your dog is not doing well. Check their food to make sure you are providing the right kind. An older adult pet needs different nutrition than a puppy. Also, they may develop an allergy to the food they have been eating, or food that you may have changed. Check with your vet and provide the name of food your pet is eating.
- A lethargic pet is something to worry about, especially if you have a young cat or dog. If they no longer want to play when the day before they were bouncing off the walls, and if they continue with that behavior for more than a day, it is possible your pet is not feeling well.
- Frequent vomiting is something to take seriously. Dogs and cats vomit to get rid of excess foods, or foods that do not agree with them. But, if your pet is vomiting daily or several times a day regularly, a visit to the vet may be required.
- Weight loss. Even an overweight pet that looses a lot of weight fast may be an indication that not all is well. Take him to the vet to make sure the weight loss is due to diet changes and exercise, not because of an illness.
Yearly visits to the vet are necessary to keep your pet healthy. As they grow older-10 and up-twice a year visits may be required to keep them living a healthy and active life.
P.S
If you are the owner of a young pup or kitten, keeping them away from people’s food is one of the best advice we can give you. Sugary treats or processed foods are unhealthy for them and their teeth. Do them a favor and keep your food to yourself 🙂