When your pet gets sick, you suffer some symptoms as well—a feeling of panic, that sinking feeling in your stomach and those tears in your eyes. Having a sick pet can be a nerve-racking, gut-wrenching experience. While we all want to race to our computers and find the solution to our pet’s illness, hopping on Google might not always be the right answer. We’re often told not to refer to WebMD the minute you have a headache or stomachache, because it will retrieve more intense results than an everyday cold. The same principle applies to our furry companions. Before jumping on the Internet and scaring yourself by learning about an obscure disease that only one percent of pets have, it’s best to try our recommendations:
First things first: Put the computer down
There is a lot of information on the Internet, and not all of it is credible. Just because someone’s dog once started throwing up and died an hour later does not mean that this will happen to your dog. Only a true veterinarian and pet pharmacy can diagnose your pet’s illness and prescribe the proper treatment. Scrounging for information on the Internet will not ease your anxieties, and less than credible sources might give you information that could actually be harmful to your pet.
Make your pet as comfortable as possible
Make sure your pet is in a comfortable, familiar area with enough room to spread out and away from too much noise or activity. Take toys out of the room as your pet might try to play and become exhausted when he should be resting. If Fido or Fifi have a favorite blanket, keep that near them to help calm their nerves. If your pet is in a remote area of the house, be sure to check in on your pet frequently. If your cat is not feeling well, follow these sick cat care tips and suggestions for catering to their specific needs.
Call an animal hospital
Your local vet clinic, like LazyPaw Animal Hospitals, can explain the issue and make an appointment for you as soon as possible. The hospital may be able to offer you some pet-specific or symptom-specific recommendations as well. Call (972) 712-1300 for an emergency appointment at LazyPaw.
Remain calm
As a pet owner, you know that your pet can pick up on your feelings and emotions. If you are stressed out and upset, your pet will notice and their health will be affected as well. Try to remain calm and positive, soothing your pet and reassuring them that everything will be okay.