Dogs cannot convey their feelings to us. However, all dog owners know that dogs have very visible body language. In the early stages of the disease, dogs instinctively hide their feelings. Having known your dog for a long time, it may be possible to detect subtle differences in behavior and personality.
Usually, subtle changes indicate the presence of an underlying problem. It is important to recognize signs of illness as early as possible to help your dog recover quickly. To help you determine whether or not your dog needs veterinary treatment, here are 9 warning signs to look out for.
9 Common Signs That Indicate Illness in Your Dog
Read these nine signs of illness and determine if your dog has any. See a doctor if you feel your pet is sick.
1. You have vomiting or diarrhea
In many cases, vomiting and diarrhea are the first symptoms of a dog’s illness, which is why most of us seek veterinary care for our pets. Depending on the severity of the problem, it may be mild, transient or even life-threatening. Several factors can trigger these signs, including a change in diet, littering, infection with viruses or bacteria, motion sickness, parvovirus in puppies, or ingestion of unknown substances.
If your dog behaves normally after experiencing nausea or diarrhea, you should monitor him closely to determine whether the symptoms have progressed or resolved. Until symptoms disappear, moist, bland foods, such as cooked chicken or ground beef mixed with rice, can be given in small quantities.
You can start mixing kibble as soon as you have determined that your dog is not vomiting or having loose stools. However, if symptoms occur more than once every 24 hours and are accompanied by weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite or excessive vomiting, it is prudent to consult a doctor.
2. An increase or decrease in urination
Ideally, a house-trained dog won’t suddenly start urinating in the house for no apparent reason. Pay attention to the following signs:
- Urinating with difficulty
- Urine volume changes (increases or decreases)
- Urine containing blood
Older dogs are particularly sensitive to these signs. A tendency to urinate excessively could suggest a kidney problem or type 2 diabetes. There are several possible causes of blood in the urine, including kidney infections, stones, blood problems and cancer.
Some of these symptoms may run in the family, so you may want to consult the dog breeder for more information about family history. If you want to adopt a dog, you can consult this site, Welovedoddles.comto find the closest breeders and buying guides.
You should consult your veterinarian if you think the dog is having trouble urinating, seeing blood, or urinating frequently. A urine sample should be collected if possible.
3. Loss of appetite
Every dog has a unique eating habit; some dogs may consume more food on certain days. Various problems can lead to loss of appetite. In some cases the symptoms are minor, but in other cases they can be serious. Conditions such as anorexia can indicate dental disease if accompanied by bad breath.
If your dog doesn’t respond well to these treats, you may be able to give him a serving of cooked chicken or hamburger instead. A visit to your veterinarian should be considered if the problem persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness, nausea or lethargy.
4. Weightloss
A sudden change in weight may indicate something is wrong with your dog. This may indicate that your dog’s weight is fluctuating at an unusual rate. Observing that your dog’s waistline has shrunk or his ribs and spine have become more prominent is a sign that he may have underlying health issues that need to be addressed.
When your dog begins to gain weight, it may indicate thyroid problems or simply the result of overeating. You should monitor your pet’s weight frequently and consult your veterinarian if any changes are observed.
5. Insufficient social interaction
Many owners consider a dog an integral part of the family; therefore, they want to make sure their pet is always inside good health and happiness. By observing their social interaction helps determine if your dog is sick. You may notice that your dog is slow and suddenly withdrawn even though he is usually friendly and enjoys playing with other animals.
A dog that is generally friendly toward people but growls or bites may also be suffering from an illness. If your dog’s social interactions change, he should be taken to the veterinarian to receive necessary treatment.
6. A bad layer of hair
Assessing a dog’s general health is possible by looking at its coat. A healthy dog’s coat is thick, shiny and glossy, while a sick dog’s coat may be dull, dry and brittle. Your dog may need to see the vet if his coat appears dull. Several factors can contribute to a poor coat, including allergies, malnutrition and dehydration.
If your dog’s coat is of poor quality, your veterinarian can diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate treatment. In the meantime, simple methods can improve your dog’s coat at home. Regular brushing is important to prevent the buildup of dead or loose hair on your dog. Additionally, you may be able to keep their coat as healthy and shiny as possible by using a moisturizer or conditioner.
7. Excessive coughing or difficulty breathing
A person with breathing problems may experience coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and runny nose. An illness such as a cold, dog flu, kennel cough, or heart failure may present with these symptoms. It is possible to observe an audible buzzing sound resulting from tracheal collapse in small breeds of dogs.
Anytime your dog has trouble breathing or their gums or tongue appear blue, it requires immediate medical attention. If the cough persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it should be evaluated by a doctor. Dogs can suffer from life-threatening emergency if their health changes suddenly.
8. Difficulty standing
Many illnesses and conditions can cause difficulty walking or limping, including osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, joint disorders, or infections such as Lyme disease.
When your pet shows lameness or stiffness, limit its activity. You may be able to give your dog a day off if the symptoms are mild and all other aspects of his behavior are normal. It is important to consult your veterinarian if the problem persists or if you are concerned.
9. Pale colored gums
When inspecting your dog’s gums, it is best to lift the upper lip and closely examine the gum tissue. A normal dog’s gums are pink and moist. A dog’s gums being pale in color may indicate anemia or shock. As a result, each of these causes can have serious consequences.
Symptoms such as pale gums, tired behavior, weakness, or difficulty breathing may alert you to a medical emergency. Please contact your veterinarian or nearest veterinary center as soon as possible.
Conclusion
You can’t expect your pet to come and tell you they’re sick. Therefore, dog owners should recognize any early signs of illness in their pet as early as possible. When your dog exhibits 9 of these signs, schedule a consultation with your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will ask you questions about your dog’s history and may perform tests.
Thanks to Arslan Hassan, the guest author of this blog post!