Libby here.
I'm feeling much better- thanks for asking. Though, to be totally honest, now that we've had our big snowstorm of the season, I would be happy to kiss winter goodbye until next year.
But alas, I don't exactly control the weather.
So...brace yourself—things are about to get personal.
Have you ever eaten asparagus and smelled the weird after-scent when you go to the bathroom? It's one of those things that's simultaneously disgusting and completely captivating. Like a horror movie- you want to look away but you can't help yourself. At one point or another, we've all done something that would probably qualify as disgusting behavior related to our bathroom habits. It's ok. Everyone's doing it.
Well, as a pet parent, you should be applying some of that same 'disgusting' behavior when it comes to your pets. Since they can't really speak up about their health, you need to be extra vigilant when it comes to changes in their normal state of being. Take urine for instance—a change in color can indicate a health problem.
Not to get too graphic (but I kind of have to), the next time your pet goes to the bathroom (number one of course), take a look at what color it is. Dark or very yellow urine can be an indicator that your pet may be suffering from any of the following conditions:
- liver problems
- biliary problems (the part of the liver that makes bile to help digest fats)
- gall bladder disease
- red blood cell destruction
If you notice a change in their urine color, there are other symptoms you might want to look out for:
- loss of appetite
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- swollen abdomen
- excess drinking
- excess urinating
- pale mucous membranes
The combination of dark urine with any of the above may be an indicator that something's not quite right with your pet's health.So, as parting advice, pay more attention when your pet goes to the bathroom! And if you notice any of the above, pop by the PPAC for a checkup.
Til' next time,
Libby
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