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Wilkinson Animal Hospital
Wilkinson Animal Hospital
Schedule Your Appointment
704-457-7600
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Schedule Your Appointment
704-457-7600
    Wilkinson Animal Hospital Logo
  • Our Hospital
    • About
      Wilkinson Vet
    • Meet Our Team
    • Payment
      Solutions
    • New Client Special
    • Why Choose
      Us?
    • Employment
    • Our Videos
  • Our Services
    • Preventive Care
    • Wellness Exams
    • Vaccinations
    • Puppy/Kitten
      And Senior Pet Care
    • Early Disease
      Detection Testing
    • Parasite Prevention
      And Control
    • Nutritional Counseling
      & Pet Weight Loss
    • Pharmacy
    • Microchipping
    • General Medicine
    • Pet Allergies And Dermatology
    • Dental Care
    • Laboratory
      and Diagnostics
    • Pain Management
    • Surgery
    • Pet Emergency Services
    • Internal Medicine
    • Radiology/X-Rays
    • Ultrasound
    • Specialty Vet
      Services
    • Laser Therapy
    • Exotic Animals
    • Doggie Day Care
    • Bathing & Grooming
    • Boarding
  • Client Forms
  • Resources
    • Reviews
    • Blogs
    • News &
      Promotions
    • Pet
      Resources
    • FAQs
  • Special Offers
  • Home Delivery
  • Contact

"Where Pets & Their People Are Special"

"Helping Pets Live Longer, Healthier & Happier Lives"

"Where Pets & Their People Are Special"

Recognizing an Ill Pet

Recognizing an Ill Pet

Just like humans, pets can have days where they feel a little lethargic and under the weather, but it is the natural instinct of an animal to try and disguise any signs of illness. They do this in the wild as showing weakness leaves them vulnerable to predators and open to attack. Unfortunately, this can make it tricky to determine if your pet is feeling a little unwell or if they are suffering from a more serious illness.

There are a number of symptoms and changes in your pets’ appearance, behavior and physical condition that you can look out for. These include but are not limited to:
 

  • Abnormal vocal noises

  • Bloating of the abdomen

  • Blood in the stools or urine

  • Decreased energy or activity levels

  • Diarrhea and/or vomiting

  • Discharge from the nose or eyes

  • Excessive scratching or licking of the body

  • Foul odor from ears, mouth or skin

  • Increased shedding or bald patches

  • Limping

  • Lumps or tumors

  • Persistent hiding

  • Reluctance to use stairs

  • Seizures

  • Straining or an inability to pass urine or stools
     

Any of the above symptoms should be checked out by a veterinarian within 24/48 hours.

Symptoms that require immediate veterinary treatment include:

  • Bloated or hardened abdomen

  • Excessive vomiting or diarrhea

  • Inability to stand up or urinate

  • Seizures


Whilst a sick pet may require inpatient treatment in care in your veterinary surgery for days or even weeks, you will need to continue providing them with care and compassion to aid their recovery when they come home. This can include administering medication, supporting physical rehabilitation, emotional care, and fulfilling any special dietary requirements.

Recognizing an Ill Pet

Medicating your Pet

Medicating your pet can be difficult if you are unfamiliar with the best ways in which to administer the drugs. Your veterinarian will explain the dosages of any prescribed medication and will be able to demonstrate the easiest ways of administering them. Luckily, many medications can be incorporated into meal times, making the process simpler and less stressful for you and your pet.

Make sure that your pet finishes the entire course of prescribed medications, even if they look and act as if they are at full health. Not doing so could mean that the virus or infection may not be fully eradicated and your pet could become unwell again.

If your veterinarian has prescribed a special diet, be sure to feed your pet separately from any other animals in the house. Adhere strictly to the instructions given as any deviation from the plan, no matter how small, could be potentially harmful to your pet.


Ongoing Care

Your pet may need to be kept isolated from other animals in the house. They will need a quiet environment with food and water nearby as they may be physically weak for some time. Ensure plenty of fresh water is always available.
​
You should also keep young children away from your recovering pet as they may not understand the space that they need to fully rehabilitate.

Any changes in or worsening of symptoms should be immediately reported to your veterinarian. These changes could indicate that the medication your pet has been receiving needs urgent review or your pet's illness has become more serious. Do not delay in making an appointment and be sure to fully explain the situation to the receptionist on duty.

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Pet Health Articles

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  • General
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Pets and Kids
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Contact Information

  • Address
    513 Ledwell Street Gastonia, NC 28056
  • Phone
    704-457-7600
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Wilkinson Animal Hospital

Animal Hospital Hours

  • Monday:
    7:30am - 5:30pm
  • Tuesday:
    7:30am - 5:30pm
  • Wednesday:
    7:30am - 5:30pm
  • Thursday:
    7:30am - 5:30pm
  • Friday:
    7:30am - 5:30pm
  • Saturday:
    8:00am - 12:00pm
  • Sunday:
    Closed
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