• Our Hospital
    • About
      Safe Harbor
      Animal Hospital
    • Payment Solutions
    • Client Forms
  • Veterinary Care
  • Our Services
    • Preventive Care
    • Early Detection Testing
    • Heartworm Testing
      & Prevention
    • Parasite Prevention
      And Control
    • Microchipping
    • Nutritional Counseling
    • Pharmacy
    • Vaccinations
    • Puppy/Kitten And
      Senior Pet Care
    • Wellness Exams
    • General Medicine
    • Pet Allergies
      And Dermatology
    • Behavioral Counseling
    • Dental Care
    • Pet Emergency Services
    • In-House Laboratory
      Diagnostics
    • Pain Management
    • Surgery
    • X-ray and
      Radiology
    • Blood and
      Plasma Transfusions
    • Oncology
    • Ophthalmology
    • Orthopedics
    • Internal Medicine
    • Ultrasound
    • International Health
      Certificates
    • Canine Reproduction
    • Additional
      Vet Services
    • Laser Therapy
    • Exotic Pets
      & Pocket Pets
    • Small Mammals
    • Birds
    • Boarding
  • Resources
    • Client Forms
    • Blogs
    • News &
      Promotions
    • Pet Resources
    • FAQs
  • Reviews
  • Home Delivery
  • Contact
  • 850-476-5571
Safe Harbor Animal Hospital
Safe Harbor Animal Hospital
Schedule Your Appointment
850-476-5571
Safe Harbor Animal Hospital Logo
850-476-5571
    Safe Harbor Animal Hospital Logo
  • Our Hospital
    • About
      Safe Harbor
      Animal Hospital
    • Payment Solutions
    • Client Forms
  • Veterinary Care
  • Our Services
    • Preventive Care
    • Early Detection Testing
    • Heartworm Testing
      & Prevention
    • Parasite Prevention
      And Control
    • Microchipping
    • Nutritional Counseling
    • Pharmacy
    • Vaccinations
    • Puppy/Kitten And
      Senior Pet Care
    • Wellness Exams
    • General Medicine
    • Pet Allergies
      And Dermatology
    • Behavioral Counseling
    • Dental Care
    • Pet Emergency Services
    • In-House Laboratory
      Diagnostics
    • Pain Management
    • Surgery
    • X-ray and
      Radiology
    • Blood and
      Plasma Transfusions
    • Oncology
    • Ophthalmology
    • Orthopedics
    • Internal Medicine
    • Ultrasound
    • International Health
      Certificates
    • Canine Reproduction
    • Additional
      Vet Services
    • Laser Therapy
    • Exotic Pets
      & Pocket Pets
    • Small Mammals
    • Birds
    • Boarding
  • Resources
    • Client Forms
    • Blogs
    • News &
      Promotions
    • Pet Resources
    • FAQs
  • Reviews
  • Home Delivery
  • Contact

"Improving lives through personalized care. We treat you like family and each patient like our own pet."

"Improving lives through personalized care. We treat you like family and each patient like our own pet."

"Improving lives through personalized care. We treat you like family and each patient like our own pet."

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.

Meet the team
Our Services
Testimonials
Contact Us

Pet Health Articles

  • Dogs
    • Canine Distemper
    • Canine Parvovirus
    • Picking Your Perfect Puppy
  • Cats
    • Feline Distemper
    • Picking Your Perfect Cat
  • Health
    • Dental Hygiene and Oral Care
    • Euthanasia
    • Feeding Your Pet
    • Flea Prevention and Care
    • General Pet Safety
    • Heartworm
    • Heat Stroke Awareness
    • Pet Grooming
    • Pet Obesity
    • Recognizing An Ill Pet
    • Seasonal Care
    • Ticks
    • Vaccinations and Examinations
  • Exotic Pets, Pocket Pets
    & Birds
    • Avian Vet Care
    • Basic Pet Bird Care
    • Exotic Animal Medicine
  • General
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Pets and Kids
    • How to Adopt
    • Traveling with Your Pet
    • Training Your Pet
    • Finding A Reputable Breeder
Safe Harbor Animal Hospital Pharmacy

Enjoy your visit? Review us here!

Request Appointment

Thank you
You are missing required fields.
Dynamic Error Description
There was an error processing this form.

Main

  • Our Hospital
  • Veterinary Care
  • Pet Resources
  • News & Promotions
  • Reviews
  • Contact

Contact Information

Safe Harbor Animal Hospital
820 Creighton Rd.
Pensacola, FL 32504
​​​​​​​
850-476-5571

Safe Harbor Animal Hospital

Office Hours

  • Monday:
    7:30am - 6:00pm
  • Tuesday:
    7:30am - 6:00pm
  • Wednesday:
    7:30am - 6:00pm
  • Thursday:
    7:30am - 6:00pm
  • Friday:
    7:30am - 6:00pm
  • Saturday:
    7:30am - 1:00pm
  • Sunday:
    Closed
Safe Harbor Animal Hospital
Veterinary Websites by Roya
Denton Veterinary Clinic Logo
Safe Harbor Animal Hospital Logo
Southern Veterinary Partners ©

Send Us A Message

Form submitted successfully!
You are missing required fields.
Dynamic Error Description
There was an error processing this form.

Request Appointment

Complete the form below and We will get back to you to confirm your schedule.
Your Informations is SAFE with us
Form submitted successfully!
You are missing required fields.
Dynamic Error Description
There was an error processing this form.
Save 20%

Dental Health Month

Learn More and Book Your Appointment
Now Offering

Pet Grooming

Request an Appointment

Closed Today

Due to Weather

Login


Forgot Password?

OR

Sign in with Facebook Sign in with Google


Looking to create an account ?
Already have an account? Login

Save Search


Saved Searches

Update Profile