Like you, it’s sometimes hard for me to communicate what I’m feeling. Trips to the vet aren’t fun, but they usually know what’s best for me! It’s important to understand my baseline behaviors and tendencies so that you can recognize when I need to be taken to the vet.
For example, suppose I exhibit a change in my eating and/or drinking habits. It might be a sign that something is happening internally that may be of concern. The same goes for any vomiting or changes in my urine and/or stool. Please do your best to keep track of these changes when they happen. You can keep a log on your phone or in a journal to show to the doctor. This is important information for communication with the vet how I am feeling.
Something else to be watchful of is my energy levels. Uncharacteristically lethargic or hyper behavior is definitely something that should be monitored and reported to the vet! Similarly, watch out for any unusual breathing.
We pets communicate in all kinds of ways. If you notice that my communication patterns look or sound different, take note and pay extra attention to my vocal and body language. This information is key in communicating with the vet. For example, I might become unusually clingy or standoffish or start making unusual sounds. If I am obsessively licking or scratching at a specific area, it might mean that I have a rash or skin irritation that needs to be checked out.
When communicating with the vet, be attentive to any changes I exhibit will make it easier for you to advocate on my behalf at the vet and have me feeling better sooner!
