Checking Your Dog or Cat's Responsiveness

What is Responsiveness

Responsiveness, simply put, refers to how your dog or cat responds to certain stimuli.  As you may already know, healthy dogs and cats are pretty alert and responsive to their surroundings.  Dogs perk up as soon as they see you…or the treat or toy in your hand.  Cats do the all too familiar ‘ear turn’ in response to even the slightest sound, even when they seem to be sound asleep.

When they become ill, however, our pets’ responsiveness is affected to various degrees.  The less response there is, the more serious the condition.  The following guideline can help you in assessing responsiveness:

Responsiveness Levels and What to Do

                          

Keep in mind that with an injury, fight or flight can kick in as a first reaction and mask slowed responsiveness.  If you pay attention, though, signs of disorientation may become evident.