Like humans, dogs also go under the weather, with their health challenged. Also, as dogs grow older, their health also gets challenged. As your pet, it is your responsibility to watch out for changes in its body because dogs can’t talk. While some minor issues like fleas can be dealt with at home. the more serious problems should be dealt with by your vet.
Learning to interpret the danger signs and knowing what action to take can help you decide the best course of action in the event your dog does start feeling under the weather.
It’s not always easy to detect illness in your dog, so you’ll need to look for a range of subtle signs that may indicate a potential problem. How do you know your dog needs to visit the clinic? What are important telling signs to watch out for when this need arises?
Loss of Appetite
For humans, loss of appetite is one of the strongest indicators of a failing health; this also applies to dogs. Most dogs have their own eating habits and may eat more food on some days than on others. Appetite loss is a symptom of many different problems.
You can try offering your dog some of their favourite treats or a small amount of cooked chicken or hamburger. If the problem lasts more than a day or is associated with other symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, and weakness, the best course of action is to see your vet.
Vomiting
Vomiting is often the first symptom of dog illness and one of the most common reasons to visit a veterinary help and. The problem can be mild or life-threatening. These signs can be caused by a diet change, getting into the trash, viral or bacterial infections, motion sickness, parvovirus in puppies, or from ingestion of a foreign object.
If vomiting occurs, check how long it will persist. However, when vomiting continues for 24 hours, and certain weaknesses such as lethargy, lack of appetite, etc, are observed, please call your veterinarian.
Strange and Unusual Stool
According to Heathline, a dog’s stool is a good indicator of their overall health. A healthy dog will have small, firm, moist stools. Dry, hard stools may be a sign of health maladies, dietary problems, or dehydration. Take your dog to the vet if they have any of these symptoms:
- worms noted in the stool
- diarrhoea for more than 24 hours
- straining
- blood or mucus in the stool
Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain
Sudden weight loss or gain can be a sign of a health issue. This sign may take a few weeks to notice. If your dog shows a slow but steady weight loss over a longer period, it is a signal that there is a problem.
Unexplained weight gain or loss can be caused by a variety of conditions and is always a concern. The best approach is to have your dog evaluated to find the underlying cause.
Excessive thirst
It’s important to know about how much water your dog drinks each day. A dog that drinks more water than usual could be developing kidney disease or diabetes.
You’ll be able to tell if your dog is drinking too much water if you have to refill the water bowl more than normal, or if they have an excessive amount of urine, need to go outside more often, or have accidents in the house.
Behavioural Changes or Disorder
When dogs are in pain or don’t feel well, they tend to display behavioural changes, such as decreased activity or lethargy. Some sick dogs that are normally social may start to withdraw. A kind and energetic pet may begin to show signs of aggression.
Notice if your dog growls when you get close to a particular area of the body that may be the source of discomfort. Not all sick dogs will display negative behaviour when they are ill. Some dogs may become clingy or show signs of increased neediness. Some just display changes in their routine, which is typical for dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction.
Monitor your dog for additional symptoms, such as lack of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, lameness, or straining to urinate. If you notice significant alterations in your dog’s behaviour or additional symptoms, contact a licensed veterinarian.
Respiratory Problem – Coughing, Wheezing, or Trouble Breathing
Coughing, wheezing, trouble breathing, and nasal discharge are all signs of a respiratory problem. These symptoms can range from a simple cold to canine flu, kennel cough, or heart failure. There is also a condition called tracheal collapse that is common in some small dog breeds.
If your dog has difficulty breathing or a blue tint to the tongue and gums, consider this a medical emergency. An occasional cough should be closely monitored and, if it doesn’t resolve or is associated with other symptoms, it should be evaluated. Any sudden change in dog health can be a life-threatening emergency!
Hair Loss/Itchy Skin
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, or persistent itching can be a result of skin infections, or allergies. It can also be caused by flea attack on the dog’s skin, which can lead to extreme discomfort.
Examine your dog’s skin for fleas, signs of flea dirt (which looks like fresh ground pepper), redness, discharge, swelling, pain, or an abnormal odour. Mild symptoms can be soothed with a bath & olive oil, but more severe signs should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Lethargy/Stiffness/Difficulty in Rising
Lethargy is a sign that something may be troubling your dog. A lethargic dog may be uninterested in playing, going for a walk, or participating in activities they usually enjoy.
Trouble walking or limping can be caused by arthritis, hip dysplasia, joint problems, infections such as Lyme disease, or a broken bone.
Minimise your pet’s activity if they are lame or stiff. If the symptom is mild and all else is normal in their behaviour, you may be able to give your dog a day of rest. If you are worried or the problem persists, see your veterinarian.
Pale Gums
The best way to assess your dog’s gum colour is by lifting the lip and looking at the gum tissue. Normal dogs have pink, moist gums. Dogs with pale gums can be anaemic or suffering from shock. All the possible causes can be serious.
If your dog has pale gums, is lethargic, weak, or having trouble breathing, this can be a medical emergency. Call your veterinarian or closest veterinary emergency clinic for immediate medical attention.
Cloudy or red eyes
Cloudy or red eyes, squinting, or excessive discharge from your dog’s eyes could indicate an infection or injury. Make sure you bring your dog for a checkup right away. Diseases affecting the eyes can progress rapidly and cause blindness. Medication can be used to cure an infection or alleviate clinical signs.
Red eyes, runny eyes, squinting, or holding the eye closed can be signs of problems that range from a mild infection to an ulceration or glaucoma.
If your dog is pawing or rubbing at the eyes, try to stop this behaviour and call your vet. Rubbing at the eye can cause serious damage. An e-collar may be required in addition to medication administration as prescribed by your vet.