Getting your first pet is so exciting, because you are taking on the role of being a parent, and it’s something that, if you’ve not had children yourself you begin to invest yourself wholeheartedly in this process. And when we experience tough times with our pets, it may be difficult to come to terms with it, especially when we are comparing it to when a loved one is unwell. But there’s a lot of similarities. Let’s examine this issue, what does it really take to deal with your pets’ illness appropriately?
Use the Key Resources
Your vet is going to be one of the best resources about your pet’s condition and care. You shouldn’t be afraid to ask them for more information if necessary. Some people feel that they need to just trust in the vet’s opinion, but there will be times when you don’t get a good feeling about what is going on in terms of their care.
For example, if the veterinarian prescribes medicine that you are unsure about, don’t be afraid to ask more questions or even conduct your own research. A great example is an anti-seizure medication Zonisamide, as there are side effects of Zonisamide in dogs that may not be best for your pet. But it’s also important to remember that there can be a support network of sorts in other areas, for example, charities that are dedicated to the illness your pet is experiencing. You need to use your veterinarian as a key resource, but do not be afraid to question what they are saying to you if it doesn’t feel right.
Looking After Yourself
This is another thing that we can all tend to overlook. You may feel that you are more than able to keep it together, but there are a few key areas that you need to focus on:
- Eating. When your pet is unwell you may feel you’ve got too many tasks to squeeze into your day. And before you know it, you end up missing a meal. But if you start to neglect your nutrition, you could get sick yourself. Don’t forget that if you are to look after someone, you’ve got to be firing on all cylinders.
- Looking after your physical health. Looking after your dog usually means going out for long walks, and if your pet is unwell, you may not be getting adequate exercise. While you may be running around a lot trying to do chores and cleaning, take a little bit of time throughout your day to focus on some exercise to expend energy and relieve some stress.
- Using mindfulness. A lot of people use mindfulness, and can be an overused term, however, it is a key part of looking after yourself. Looking after yourself by taking some deep breaths can make a big difference. If you ever feel yourself getting stressed, do not try to avoid how you feel, but rather stop, take a few breaths, and then continue with your day. After all, it only takes a few seconds.
It can be difficult to deal with pet illnesses, but these are some key components you need to address.
