Considering the strain of the economy in addition to the high cost of vet visits and tests, some pet owners are turning to home treatments and home remedies whenever possible in treating minor conditions. If your dog is not feeling well or hurt themselves, use some common sense when evaluating their condition. There are times when owners are forced to make the decision to bring their dog or cat into a professional and here's some guidelines in making that decision.
LIMPING - If you notice your pet limping, attempt to take a closer look at the injury. If your dog allows you to examine its leg without too much protest and they are not in too much pain, try letting the leg heal with time. Wait a few days. If the lameness gets better, slowly work in to a normal walking regimine. If your pet seems to be in intense pain and is not able to put any weight on it's limb, has a fever, then immediately take them to a professional.
DIARRHEA - The majority of bouts of diahhrea are due to a change in diet or your dog or cat eating something they are normally forbidden, such as when they get into garbage, rotten food, etc. Mild cases can usually be treated with extablished at-home treatments developed over the years by pet owners. The first recommendation is withholding foor for a 12 to 24 hour time frame to give the stomach irritation a rest and time to heal. This food withdrawl can be followed up with bland foods for the two or three days that follow.
If the diarrhea lasts for days, is accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, or pain, or the diarrhea is bloody, get your pet to the vet as soon as possible. Pets can get dehydrated just like humans, and if the diarrhea is intense and persistant, your pet may be in danger of this condition. Some of these symptoms can be a sign of more serious condition or illness and you need to seek professional advice.
VOMITING- Vomiting is a symptom that can occur with a variety of illnesses. Fortunately, the majority of the time, it is just a sign that your pet has eaten something they shouldn't have, such as tables scraps, that does not agree with your pet.
If your pet is vomiting, keep an eye on him for a day or two. If you don't see any other signs of illness, then you can probably treat their upset stomach by refraining from giving them food for 12 to 24 hours. for a day or two following this, keep food to a bland diet in small portions. Gradually increase food to normal quantities.
If your pet's symptoms are more serious, can't keep water down, seems in pain, feverish, is lethargic, take your pet to vet. These may be signs of a much more serious codition or illness. Even simple cases can lead to a serious situation quickly.
VetInfo - is a helpful site where you can look up various pet related ailments and diseases and may be helpful.