If you’ve got a pet then you know it’s very distressing when they’re sick. Your pet is confused and upset, and you can’t communicate with them to tell them they’ll be ok, or explain why they have to go in their carrier, get examined by the vet or take their medicine.
Today we’re taking a look at some of the things you can do when your pet is sick to get them (and you) the help they need.
Do You Need to Take Your Pet to the Vet?
Even for the best behaved, most placid pet, a trip to the vet can be an ordeal. Many pets don’t like having to go into a cage, crate or carrier – and it’s understandable why! Would you enjoy being forced into a tiny box by a giant who won’t explain why it’s happening? Once they’re there, they find themselves forced to wait in a room full of other stressed out animals, with all their sounds and scents. It’s no wonder many come to associate the vet with stress and resist being taken.
All this being the case, it’s worth considering if you need to take your pet to the vet – every trip risks reinforcing those negative associations and making it harder in future. Make sure you recognise the most common symptoms your pet is affected by, and learn whether they’re serious or not. In most cases, for example, a bout of vomiting alone isn’t a serious health issue and wouldn’t require a trip to the vet. It’s only if it lasts more than a few days, if it’s accompanied by more concerning symptoms or if your pet is especially vulnerable due to pre-existing conditions or age.
The Right Vet
Depending on what’s wrong and the kind of help you need, you might need a different kind of vet.
If your pet is injured, seriously ill and in need of treatment or tests that you can’t administer yourself, then it’s a good idea to get them to the bricks and mortar vet’s practice you’re registered at as soon as possible.
If it’s less serious, your pet can be cared for at home, or you’re simply not sure if it warrants a trip to the vet or not, it might be worth looking for online vet help. An online vet can make a preliminary examination of your pet, listen to you describe the symptoms, look at pictures and help you judge whether you do indeed need to get them to a physical vet – and if not, what you can do to help at home!
Emergency Help
Pet health emergencies don’t politely confine themselves to the opening hours of your local vet’s practice. It’s never more scary than when your pet is seriously ill or injured in the middle of the night. Loop up your nearest out of hours vets and keep their address and contact details somewhere safe so you know what to do if a crisis strikes when your normal vet is closed.
