Just as humans have changes in physical and mental behavior when ill, animals do, too, and knowing your pet can help you to notice these changes. It’s important to discuss any changes with your veterinarian as soon as possible for they could save the life of your pet.

Some symptoms may be more obvious, like diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, difficulty urinating or defecating, loss of vision or seizures. If any of these occur, you should seek help for your pet as soon as possible. Some other symptoms aren’t quite as noticeable.

A few things to look for:

Overall changes in behavior: Animals have personalities which become apparent right away. Your pet could be outgoing, playful, shy, temperamental, kind, caring, attentive, etc. The list goes on, and any caring pet owner will most likely know what kind of personality their pet has, so any change in the normal behavioral patterns should be noted and discussed with the pet’s doctor.

Change in diet: If your pet stops eating or eats more or less than normal, it could be a sign of disease. You shouldn’t panic, but you may want to consult the pet’s physician to be sure the pet is healthy.

Isolation: If you find that your pet isolates itself frequently, this can also be a sign of disease.

Sluggishness/Hyperactivity: Your pet may act sluggish or have difficulty walking or going up and down stairs. This can be an indicator that something is physically wrong with the animal. On the other hand, if your pet is suddenly very active and energetic, this can also be a sign of something wrong.

In all cases, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with your pet’s normal behaviors and patterns. You can even make note of how much the animal eats, its weight, etc., on a regular basis. Keep a special calendar for your pet to note of any changes. When one of the above changes occurs, it’s a good idea to seek professional help, but when a combination of symptoms arise, it’s imperative that you seek medical attention for your pet immediately. Remember, an animal can’t tell you it’s not feeling well; it’s up to you, the owner, to be responsible for its life and well-being.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pets.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tonia_Jordan

There is no reason to leave your pets behind during the disaster. You pets should be also a part of your Hurricane escape plan. During the Ivan hurricane there were reports of people leaving their pets behind and refuse to evacuate them. There is no reason to leave your pets like that in that kind of danger. So here’s a check list that you should do to secure your pets in the events of hurricane.

Prepare your pets for hurricane

* If you’re going to evacuate, you must also consider where your pets should stay.

*If you will be staying in friends or families make sure you get their permission to bring your pets.

* If you will stay in a hotel make sure that you ask first whether they allowed pets or not.

*Pets will not be allowed at Red Cross Shelters, for the exception of service animal such as Seeing Eye dogs.

*If in someway you can’t take your pets with you, do reservation at animal clinic or boarding kennel. Call early since the space might be limited. Ask them about any required vaccination and additional fees, if you can come back soon to pick up your pets.

*The final option is the one that no pet owner should have to exercise. If you evacuate with your families and leave your pets behind, while your home is partially destroyed, then you should prepare the possibility of loosing your pets. I know that’s not a pleasant thoughts, and frankly it’s not necessary. But, if you forced to leave your pets behind, confine it to a pet carrier inside closet or bathroom with enough supply of drinking water and food. Also includes other familiar items such as chew toys, blankets, etc.

*Include your pet food, water, and your pet other needs (i.e. medication) in your hurricane plan.

*Consider to spay or neutering your pets.

* You must have a portable pet carrier. It should be large enough for your pet to stand up or turn around.

*Vaccinate your pets by mid-May.

* Identify your pets by current license, rabies tags and/or micro chipping,

tattooing, or freeze branding.

*Take your pets photos clearly and store them along with ownership papers and license information.

*Exotic pets such as snakes or birds require special containers (not Glass!). If you lost them during the disaster your chance of getting them back are slim