Owning a dog is a special experience. They offer companionship and love and have a unique ability to make you smile right when it’s what you needed most.
As a dog owner, you take great pride in making sure that your dog is as healthy and happy as possible. You feed them the best diet and make sure they get every type of vitamin needed for optimal health. Unfortunately, you can’t fully control your dog’s health.
That’s why you need to have an understanding of dog illness symptoms. This article takes a look at the most common dog diseases and how to spot them.
Keep reading to discover insight into how to keep your fur buddy feeling great!
Something Seems Off
One of the keys to staying on top of your dog’s health is to simply pay attention. After all, you’re more familiar with their normal behavior than anyone else.
Watch for signs that something just seems “off”. When you notice behavior that seems out of the ordinary, this is a sign that you probably need to take a closer look.
Unfortunately, your pet has a limited ability to communicate with you. This means they won’t be able to tell you when they aren’t feeling well.
Once you’ve noticed they haven’t been themselves lately, consider making a vet appointment as soon as possible. A sudden change in behavior could be something minor, but it could also be a sign that there’s something far more serious going on that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Loss of Appetite
One clear sign of possible illness is a loss of appetite. After all, most doggies love mealtime.
When you notice that your dog is eating less than usual, or has stopped eating altogether, you should definitely be concerned. It could be a sign of something as serious as dogs pancreatitis.
First, check their food. Is it fresh? Many dogs will refuse to eat if there is a problem with the food, so give them something else to see if this makes a difference.
Once you’ve clearly established that your pooch still refuses to eat, make an appointment with their vet right away.
Refuse to Drink Water
The same is true of water. Is your dog suddenly refusing to drink anything? If so, this isn’t good.
Granted, every dog is different. Thus some dogs love to drink a lot of water, while others may only sip a bit throughout the day or when eating. But every dog needs plenty of water, and a refusal to drink should never be ignored.
Always make sure that your dog has fresh water each day, and then pay close attention to their drinking habits. If you notice something is different, don’t hesitate to investigate the situation.
Runny Eyes
Believe it or not, your dog’s eyes can tell you a lot about the state of their health.
This is especially true when a dog develops allergies. When your pet’s eyes are watering or have discharge, this is a clear sign of a problem.
The first action you should take is to clean your house. Vacuum thoroughly and change the filter in your HVAC system. It would also be a good idea to update their current food and make sure they are drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
If the problem persists, take them to the vet as soon as possible just in case the situation turns out to be more serious than you initially suspected.
They’ve Developed a Cough
Coughing isn’t normal behavior for dogs, especially if they’re young.
You might notice that your dog sneezes or coughs during particular seasons of the year, but this shouldn’t happen on a regular basis.
Your vet should be able to identify allergies and prescript any medications that are needed. But if the coughing persists, make sure to notify your vet and tell them exactly what you’ve been observing.
Never ignore coughing, and always keep in mind that it could be a symptom of a more serious health issue that requires immediate medical attention.
Their Coat Looks Dull
A healthy dog should have healthy-looking hair. Healthy hair is shiny and soft, and should never be greasy or dull. And if you happen to notice any bald patches, ask your vet if this is something you should be concerned about.
Lack of Energy
Dogs typically have an abundance of energy. They love to play and explore. So when you notice a sudden lack of activity, there might be a reason for this.
Does your dog’s activity seem more labored than normal? If so, you’d be wise to spend some time loving on her to see how she reacts to your attention.
They’re Scratching More Than Usual
Scratching is another symptom that your dog might not be feeling well. It’s natural for dogs to scratch occasionally, but if they’ve been properly treated for ticks and fleas, any scratching should be kept to a minimum.
If you notice an increase in scratching, look her over, then call your vet if necessary.
They Have Diarrhea
Diarrhea is another sure sign that your dog isn’t feeling well. This could be in conjunction with a lack of activity or loss of appetite, and likely means she needs a visit to the visit as soon as possible.
Keeping to Themselves More Than Usual
And finally, when your dog becomes a bit less social than usual, this could be a sign that she doesn’t feel well. Give her plenty of love and attention, and if she doesn’t perk up, medical care is likely in order.
A Helpful Guide to Dog Illness Symptoms
The ability to quickly identify dog illness symptoms could save your dog from feeling sick longer than necessary. Fortunately, the tips contained here can help you know when it’s time for a trip to the doctor.
Keep reading to see more great lifestyle tips and advice.