Small changes in your dog’s or cat’s behavior, like leaving food untouched or not drinking water, can indicate an issue with their health. But small changes can be easy to miss, especially since dogs and cats often hide pain and discomfort. But behavioral, appetite, and energy changes are often the first signs of something bigger and more serious. And when you catch issues early, it can help reduce treatment costs and improve outcomes. Here are some tips for daily pet monitoring that will help you keep an eye on their health.
Here are five important metrics to keep an eye on every day. Consider keeping a journal to make it easier to track daily habits and changes.
A healthy appetite is a good indicator of overall health. Conversely, a low appetite can be a sign of illness, a dental issue, or a metabolic condition that needs to be identified and treated. Look for the following signs connected to appetite:
Increased or decreased water intake can be a symptom of diabetes, urinary tract infections, pain, gastroenteritis, stress, cancer, liver disease, and more. What’s more, dogs and cats who don’t drink enough are at risk of dehydration.
A drop in energy levels is often one of the earliest warning signs of a health problem. However, changes in energy levels can be subtle as well, presenting as:
Changes in bathroom habits come in many forms and can be symptoms of diabetes, kidney disease, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, blockages, and beyond. Monitor for the following, which are possible red flags:
While you don’t need to weigh your pet daily, you can feel their ribs and check their body shape. Gradual weight loss or gain can indicate an underlying health issue.
Daily checks can be added to your everyday routines. For example, check their body condition during cuddle time and monitor appetite changes when you feed them. However, daily pet monitoring doesn’t replace regular veterinary visits. And if you notice any changes in your dog’s or cat’s behavior, appetite, bathroom routine, or energy levels, schedule an appointment to follow up with your veterinarian.
The post Small Daily Pet Monitoring Habits Make a Big Difference in Health appeared first on Animal Wellness Magazine.
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Daily Pet Monitoring Checklist
Here are five important metrics to keep an eye on every day. Consider keeping a journal to make it easier to track daily habits and changes.
1. Appetite Check
A healthy appetite is a good indicator of overall health. Conversely, a low appetite can be a sign of illness, a dental issue, or a metabolic condition that needs to be identified and treated. Look for the following signs connected to appetite:
- Sudden increase in hunger
- Skipped meals
- Becoming pickier about what they eat
2. Water Intake
Increased or decreased water intake can be a symptom of diabetes, urinary tract infections, pain, gastroenteritis, stress, cancer, liver disease, and more. What’s more, dogs and cats who don’t drink enough are at risk of dehydration.
3. Energy Levels
A drop in energy levels is often one of the earliest warning signs of a health problem. However, changes in energy levels can be subtle as well, presenting as:
- Less enthusiasm for play or walks
- Sleeping more than usual
- Napping at odd times
- Slower movements
- Reduced stamina
- Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or exercise
- Decreased grooming
- Lethargy
4. Bathroom Habits
Changes in bathroom habits come in many forms and can be symptoms of diabetes, kidney disease, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, blockages, and beyond. Monitor for the following, which are possible red flags:
- Increase or decrease in frequency
- Changes in stool consistency or size
- Changes in urine or stool color
- Accidents in the house
- Going outside the litter box
- Straining while going
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Blood in the stool or urine
5. Weight and Body Condition
While you don’t need to weigh your pet daily, you can feel their ribs and check their body shape. Gradual weight loss or gain can indicate an underlying health issue.
Combine Your Daily Pet Monitoring with Regular Veterinary Care
Daily checks can be added to your everyday routines. For example, check their body condition during cuddle time and monitor appetite changes when you feed them. However, daily pet monitoring doesn’t replace regular veterinary visits. And if you notice any changes in your dog’s or cat’s behavior, appetite, bathroom routine, or energy levels, schedule an appointment to follow up with your veterinarian.
The post Small Daily Pet Monitoring Habits Make a Big Difference in Health appeared first on Animal Wellness Magazine.
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