Signs that Your Dog is Sick
For dog parents, there is nothing more disturbing than seeing their furry balls in pain. Sadly, animals can’t verbally communicate to let us know when they’re feeling unwell. Therefore, you have to remain extra proactive and notice changes in your dog’s behavior to know when they are unwell. Irrespective of whether their behavioral changes are subtle or obvious, you should always know that usual behavior sometimes can be an indication of underlying illness. As a dog parent, knowing your pooch’s baseline behavior is very important as it will help you spot when something is unusual.
In this article, we have explained some of the obvious sick dog symptoms that suggest that your dog might be unwell. Read through the article to learn more about this.
Serious Symptoms:
#Vomiting
A dog can end up vomiting for several reasons. Though a single episode of vomiting doesn’t call for a visit to the emergency, the following symptoms are signs your dog is sick and require you to take it to the emergency:
- When there is blood in vomit
- When the vomit looks like coffee ground
- Excessive vomiting that continues for 12 – 24 hours
#Swollen Abdomen
If you notice your dog’s belly getting round and tense, it can be alarming. A swollen belly can be a symptom of fluid build-up from cancer, infection in the abdomen, severe inflammation, or heart disease. Swelling can also be the cause of air build-up in the dog’s stomach and intestines. In situations like this, you should rush your pooch to the emergency without delay.
#Discoloration of Gums
Dogs’ gums are generally of bubble gum pink color. If their gums turn white, pale pink, blue, purple, or grey color, it can be due to poor circulation caused by low red blood cells, abnormal oxygenation, or poor blood pressure. In such cases, they require immediate evaluation by a veterinarian.
#Collapse
Collapsing or loss of consciousness can be caused by alarming issues like seizures, sudden changes in heart rate, anemia, or abnormal blood flow through the heart. You should immediately take your dog to the vet if it experiences the following symptoms:
- Lose consciousness
- Behave abnormally
- Not being aware of their environment
#Difficulty in Breathing
If you find that your dog is experiencing respiratory problems, it could be because of the following reasons:
- Not being able to catch their breath
- Heaving or wheezing
- They are sitting upright with their neck and head extended
Respiratory distress in animals mostly happens due to diseases of the lungs, trachea, nasal cavity, or heart. If your pet is having trouble breathing, it should be immediately taken to the emergency.
Common Symptoms:
#Diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the most common reasons for which a dog parent looks for veterinary help. It can be due to diet change, viral infection, getting into the trash, bacterial infections, parvovirus in puppies, motion sickness, or ingestion of a foreign object.
#Increased or Decreased Urination
If your dog is properly house-trained, it won’t start urinating at home unless it is in trouble. You should, however, seek medical help if your dog displays any of the following signs:
- Straining to urinate
- Increase or decrease in urine volume
- Blood in the urine
#Loss of Appetite
While it is not always alarming for dogs to eat less on some days, you should remain vigilant. Loss of appetite can be a symptom of your dog being sick. If loss of appetite is associated with bad breath, it is mostly due to dental issues.
#Change in Drinking Habits
A change in drinking habits is a common symptom that your dog is sick. Drinking less water indicates that your dog is not well while drinking a lot of water indicates that your pooch has a fever, diabetes, hormone issues, or kidney disease.
#Unexplained Weight Gain or Loss
Drastic weight gain or loss can take you a few weeks to notice. However, in such cases, you should take your pal to the vet as these changes happen generally due to underlying health issues.
#Changes in Personality
Dogs generally tend to display changes in their behavior when they are in pain or feeling sick. The behavioral changes may include lethargy or decreased activity. While social dogs may start to withdraw, kind ones can get aggressive. Also, try noticing if your pet growls when you get close to a particular area of their body which can be the source of discomfort. Some dogs also tend to become clingy when they are unwell. Therefore, any change in their usual behavior or routine calls for medical evaluation.
#Coughing or Wheezing
If your dog is suffering from coughing, troubled breathing, wheezing, and nasal discharge, it is due to respiratory problems. They can also happen due to kennel cough, canine flu, or heart failure. Get them examined if you suspect any signs.
#Hair Loss/ Itchy Skin
Hair loss or persistent itching can be the cause of skin infections, allergies, or flea infestation. This can lead to extreme discomfort. In situations like this, examine your dog’s skin for redness, swelling, discharge, abnormal odor, pain, fleas, or flea dirt. If the symptoms are mild, you can soothe them with a bath but if they are severe, you should seek medical help.
#Lameness, Stiffness, or Difficulty in Rising
Limping or troubled walking can be a symptom of arthritis, joint problems, hip dysplasia, a broken bone, or infections such as Lyme disease. In situations like this minimize your dog’s activity and give it rest for a day or two. If the symptoms persist, see your vet.
What to do when your dog is sick?
- Do not panic when you feel that your pooch is unwell. Make a note of the symptoms and their duration. Then get in touch with your veterinarian to find out if your dog requires medical help or if they will recover on their own.
- If your dog is receiving treatment, ensure to finish the prescribed medication and report worsening or new symptoms to your vet immediately, if there are any.
- However, if you feel your dog needs urgent medical assistance, do not delay and visit the nearest veterinary hospital.
Sick Dog Symptoms – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do if my dog is not feeling well?
If your dog is not feeling well, watch it closely and make a note of the symptoms. If the symptoms don’t reduce or subside, it means that your dog needs medical help.
2. When should I be concerned about my sick dog?
It is a matter of concern if symptoms of illnesses don’t subside in 1 or 2 days and could be a sign of serious problems. If such a situation arises, immediately take expert advice.
3. What are the signs of serious illnesses in dogs?
Serious illnesses in dogs include excessive vomiting, swollen abdomen, discoloration of gum, collapse, and difficulty in breathing.
4. When should I seek medical help for my sick dog?
Medical assistance is necessary for sick dog symptoms that last longer than two days.
5. What is the sleeping position of a sick dog?
A sick dog will be more curled up in an attempt to conserve energy and warmth.
6. Will a sick dog eat?
Dogs usually have a healthy appetite but it can reduce when they are sick. They might also reject the food that they usually love.
7. How to figure out if a dog has a fever?
Thermometers intended for human use usually do not work for dogs. To measure your pooch’s temperature, coat the thermometer with a lubricant such as baby oil or petroleum gel. Thereafter, gently insert the thermometer just about one inch into the dog’s anus and wait for some time till you get the result.
Concluding Note
We are sure that now you are well informed and more confident to deal with your pet’s medical requirements and emergencies. If you notice any change in your dog’s usual behavior, you should take your family vet’s advice. With timely diagnosis, you can manage most of the health problems successfully.
