Having a sick pet is one of the worst things in the world, right along with having a sick child. We want to do everything in our power to help them get better. Sometimes we can tell that they might not be feeling well, but don’t really know the signs that we should worry about, and sometimes there are signs we don’t realize could be pointing to something bigger. Unfortunately, dogs aren’t like kids and they can’t tell us where it hurts or when it hurts in words, but they usually will do things to show us. Being aware of the signs and symptoms that your dog may be experiencing can help you to catch illness sooner and get back to enjoying time with your dog. Here’s a list and range of potential symptoms that can be concerning, especially if your pet is experiencing more than one of these at a time.
Behavior changes are some of the most obviously shown symptoms that can be key in identifying a potential illness. If they are exhibiting any of these, seek a veterinarian.
- Excessive drinking or urination
- Appetite change associated with weight loss or gain
- Change in activity level (e.g., lack of interest in doing things they once did)
- Sleeping more than normal, or other behavior or attitude changes
- Irritability or Agitation
- Needy or Clingy Behavior
Dogs may have sporadic digestive issues. The time to be concerned is when these issues are persistent over the course of the day. If they are persistent or seem particularly high, you may want to take them to the vet for a check-up. If your dog has dry heaves in combination with restlessness and distended belly, you should bring them to the vet immediately as this could be a serious issue that will need immediate treatment. Frequent digestive upsets or change in bowel movements include:
- Repeated vomiting over 24 hours
- Repeated or profuse diarrhea
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Bloody diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Repeated dry heaves, restlessness, distended belly
- Trouble passing urine or defecating
- Issues with accidents in the house for previously housetrained dogs
The following issues sometimes aren’t as obvious either because they can be pretty easily masked or you simply may not notice them especially as some of them aren’t apparent.
Breathing Problems:
- Coughing, sneezing, excessive panting, or labored breathing
- Persistent nasal discharge
- Wheezing or noisy breathing
- Persistent gagging
Other Symptoms:
- Stiffness or difficulty in rising or climbing stairs
- Bad breath or drooling
- Dry or itchy skin, sores, lumps, or shaking of the head
- Dry, red, or cloudy eyes
- Rash
- Hair loss
- Sudden changes in weight
- Persistent shaking of head
- Fever higher than 103F
If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms by themselves and especially in combinations, seek out your veterinarian for a check-up.
This information is brought to you by Three Dog Bakery. At Three Dog Bakery, they are committed to making premium, natural treats with high-quality meats, fruits, and vegetables. They select only wholesome ingredients to ensure dogs have balanced diets and wagging tails.Three Dog Bakery has two locations in Middle Tennessee: 1556 W McEwen Dr #112, Franklin, TN 37067 & 1982 Providence Pkwy #102, Mt Juliet, TN 37122.
If you have health concerns about your dog, consult your veterinarian. This article is not meant to substitute or act as medical advice for pets.
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