12/05/2021
Step One: Look for signs of illness.
Is your pet acting lethargic, drooling excessively, throwing up, having bouts of diarrhea, acting as if they can’t stand up or keep their balance or refusing to eat? If they are, they could be very ill. Looking for signs of illness can help you relay the information to the veterinarian who will use it to diagnose your pet.
Step Two: Make your pet as comfortable as possible.
Reassure your cat or dog that everything will be alright. Comfort them by stroking their fur gently. If they’ve soiled themselves, give them a bath and make sure to keep them dry and warm.
Do not scold them if they have an accident indoors. You don’t want them to hide from you. When a pet is sick, you want to monitor their symptoms closely.
Step Three: Contact your veterinarian for immediate advice.
Do not hesitate to contact the vet for further instruction. If it is after hours, call the emergency vet for advice. They’ll be able to give you some remedies that you can do immediately to make your pet feel better.
If you suspect your dog has eaten cat food or your cat has eaten your dog’s food, you’ll find out rather quickly. Your pets are given specifically formulated food because of their digestive tracts. Cats cannot break down big chunks of dog food with their teeth and may vomit after eating food meant for your canine.
Step Four: Follow your vet’s instructions.
Write down what the veterinarian asked you to do. Make sure that you follow the instructions in their entirety. Sleeping near your pet overnight is advisable so you can continue to check on them to see if they’re feeling better.
Step Five: See the animal doctor if symptoms have worsened or haven’t cleared up within a few days.
Schedule an appointment with the vet if your dog or cat’s health isn’t improving. You can always make a visit to the emergency vet if your pet takes a turn for the worse after your regular vet has gone home for the evening. Having a thorough exam and bloodwork ran could help your dog and cat get the treatment that he or she needs to feel better.