Dogs are some of the best companions out there, but they can’t always tell us what’s going on, especially when it comes to when they’re feeling sick. Thankfully, there are some symptoms you can look out for that could tell you that your dog may need an urgent visit to the vet.
Vomiting or Diarrhea
One of the most common symptoms of a dog feeling ill is vomiting or diarrhea. These symptoms occasionally are nothing to worry about, but if they last for more than a day and are accompanied by low energy, take the dog to the vet urgently. Gastrointestinal issues can be signs of infections and other concerns.
Excessive Thirst or Urination
Many dog owners may think that their pet drinking a lot of water is good, but if a lot of urinating accompanies it, it could indicate kidney disease or a bladder infection. Watch your dog closely, and if their urination and water intake stay more frequent, a call to the vet would be a good idea.
Lethargy
If your dog suddenly seems out of energy all the time and is resting more than usual, especially when it is normally a very active animal, it could mean a number of problems, including heat stroke.
Coughing or Difficulty Breathing
Shallow breaths, coughing, and wheezing are serious symptoms that should be taken seriously. Your dog could struggle with respiratory infections, allergies, or serious problems like pneumonia. If your dog shows any symptoms, take them to the vet immediately.
Changes in Behavior
It’s important to know your dog’s regular habits and temperament so that when they suddenly feel anxious, aggressive, or withdrawn, you’ll spot it right away. They may be experiencing stress, pain, or discomfort. Changes in behavior indicate health issues. If they persist, contact your vet.
Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain
Your dog’s weight shouldn’t fluctuate drastically after it reaches adult weight unless you change its diet. Drastic weight loss or weight gain could indicate issues like metabolic disorders or even cancer. Weigh your dog regularly and take it to the vet if it fluctuates drastically.
Bad Breath
While dogs can have unpleasant breath, an extremely bad odor that changes from the norm could mean they have dental disease or other health problems. Check-ups with the vet every few months are necessary to catch this. Otherwise, if their breath smells terrible suddenly, a check-up wouldn’t hurt.
Skin Issues
Look for signs of skin problems such as excessive scratching, redness, swelling, or hair loss. These symptoms indicate allergies, infections, or parasites like fleas and ticks. Regular grooming and skin checks can help catch these issues early; consult your vet for persistent problems.
Abnormal Vocalizations
If your dog starts whining, howling, or barking more than usual without apparent reason, it could be trying to communicate discomfort or pain. Pay attention to these vocalizations; they may indicate an underlying health issue that requires veterinary attention.
Eye Changes
Changes in your dog’s eyes—such as redness, cloudiness, excessive tearing, or squinting—can signal eye problems ranging from infections to more severe conditions like glaucoma or cataracts. Regular eye checks are essential; consult a veterinarian if you notice any abnormalities.
Pale Gums
Healthy gums should be pink; pale gums can indicate anemia or circulation issues in dogs. If you notice this change and other symptoms like lethargy or weakness, seek immediate veterinary care to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Seizures
Seizures are a serious medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention. If your dog experiences convulsions or loses consciousness, contact your vet right away, as seizures can be caused by various conditions such as epilepsy, toxins, or head injuries.
Discover more of our trending stories and follow us to keep them appearing in your feed
10 Signs It May Be Time to Put Your Beloved Dog Down
How To Feed Your Dog To Live A Longer Life
The War on Cows Is Over—And Green Extremists Have Lost
California Is Breaking Apart: A Fault Line Is Forming Faster Than Anyone Predicted
This article first appeared here
Stay connected with us for more stories like this! Follow us to get the latest updates or hit the Follow button at the top of this article, and let us know what you think by leaving your feedback below. We’d love to hear from you!
