Honestly, to all those pet parents, their dogs are more than just pets, they are family. Even though these four-legged friends lack the power of verbal communication, they have their ways of expressing themselves to show us, they are not feeling well. As responsible pet owners, we should be aware of these signs and symptoms in advance. It would help us to offer medical treatment to the dog at the right time and guarantee their well-being.
Usually, when dogs are unwell, it can be visible via specific symptoms. As mentioned earlier, if you do not pick up those signs then you will get the pet into deeper trouble with its health. Thus, the earlier you spot these warning signs the better it is. Here are some significant tips that every dog owner should know.
Many illnesses in dogs start with subtle symptoms that can be easy to miss if you’re not paying close attention. The earlier you spot these warning signs, the better your chances of getting your pup the treatment they need before things get serious.
Changes in appetite or thirst
Generally, dogs are predictable when it comes to food and water. If you notice, the pup or dog refusing food, consider it as a red flag. Similarly, if you notice it is drinking more water than usual, it could be symptoms of issues in its kidneys, diabetes, or infections. Even a minor change in their eating or drinking habits demands prompt action, and you should rush to a vet, without waiting for the complication to become more drastic.
Lethargy or unusual tiredness
Whether it is a pup or a mature dog, they should be bubbly and run around here and there. Although, every dog does go through a phase where it passes lazy days. However, this should not happen for the energetic pups. If you notice them to be unusually tired, uninterested in playing, and reluctant to go on walks, it can be a signs of health issues. Conditions such as fever, pain, infection, and even heart and respiratory issues can make the dog act likewise.
Digestive issues
Like humans, dogs too can experience stomach upsets. However, if it persists for long it can be an indication of the presence of parasites inside the dog. Then again, food intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease, and organ dysfunction can also lead it to experience such stomach upsets. Things can get bad or worse if chronic vomiting is accompanied by the above signs. It can be due to dehydration or diarrhea and prompt treatment is inevitable.
Catching cold or breathing problems
Another complication that resembles the likes of humans, is problems of coughing and sneezing. It can also sound congested which can be a signs of a sickness related to respiratory infection, kennel cough, or even something more serious. You should watch out if it sounds like gagging when it coughs when it is having difficulty breathing, and panting more than usual even without being active.
Watch out for odors
The way your dog smells can also tell a lot about whether it is in its best health or undergoing an illness. For instance, bad breath can be a sign of dental disease or digestive problems. If the bad smell is generated from the ears it can be due to an ear infection. If the source of bad odor is the skin, then it can be a signs of yeast or bacterial infection. Incidentally, many dog owners overlook odors, but as you can see, it is one of the main signs that something is not right with the dog.
Irritations in the skin
As a pet parent, it is your responsibility to watch out if your dog is consistently scratching, losing fur in patches, and developing red, flaky, or bumpy skin. Each of these can be signs of allergies, skin infections, and the presence of parasites like fleas and mites. So, never ignore these thinking these are “mere rashes” and would overcome on their own.
A sudden change in weight
Unexplained weight loss can be an indicator of serious health issues like cancer, diabetes, digestive disorders, and thyroid imbalance. On the flip side, abrupt weight gain can be an indicator of fluid retention, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic issues. In each case, the intervention of a vet is mandatory.
Discharge from eye or nose
Runny eyes or nose can indicate one or several health issues. It can be a mild allergy or even a viral infection. Yellow or green discharge from the eyes can be definite signs of infection. Cloudy eyes or visible redness can mean the dog is suffering from glaucoma or eye infection.
Behavioral changes
As mentioned earlier, since dogs cannot communicate, their initial signs of illness would be visible from the changes in their personality. An otherwise quiet and gentle dog may all of a sudden become aggressive and irritated. It can also show withdrawal symptoms. Lastly, it can also become more anxious and restless. Usually, when it is experiencing pain, discomfort, or any other health issues, it has a direct impact on its mood and behavior.
Impaired mobility
The mobility issues of a dog aren’t always related to its aging. It can be signs of arthritis, joint injuries, nervous breakdowns, bone diseases, and many more. Even subtle signs like moving slowly, or hesitating to jump can indicate the dog is feeling uncomfortable due to a specific health condition.
When to call the Vet
When you notice a combination of the signs mentioned above lasting for more than a day or two it is time to visit a Vet. These professionals can suggest the best remedy to help the dog overcome the illness. To be more specific, when any of these signs are visible, you should rush to a vet without waiting any longer. Seizures, swollen abdomen, pale gums, difficulty in breathing, fainting, vomiting blood or bloody stool.
Final thoughts
Always remember, that your dog is dependent on you. Thus, it is up to you to notice when something is not right with it. When you know about these signs and symptoms early and become familiar with their daily habits, you can spot the irregularities in them quickly and arrange for adequate treatment.
