You spend the most time with your darling dog so you would know when he or she is not feeling well. If you groom, examine, play with, or snuggle with your dog on a daily basis, you will be able to notice when something is not right.
Being able to take your dog to the vet at the first signs of illness will save them pain, and you worry and money. Preventative managements, like tick treatment for dogs and vitamins, can save your pet from pain and suffering in the long run.
Here are 5 signs your dog could be unwell and what to do about it.
1. Behavior Changes
One of the easiest ways to tell if your pup is not feeling like themselves is to watch their
behavior. This includes, but is not limited to, excessive crying and whining, itching, barking,
and changes in appetite. They could also completely change their attitude from one of calm
to one of aggression. Something as simple as not wanting to get up on the couch or bed
could also be a sign of illness.
behavior. This includes, but is not limited to, excessive crying and whining, itching, barking,
and changes in appetite. They could also completely change their attitude from one of calm
to one of aggression. Something as simple as not wanting to get up on the couch or bed
could also be a sign of illness.
If you cannot find what is wrong with a good once-over, consult your veterinarian.
2. Changes in Potty Performance
You will also want to be on the lookout for changes in their potty behavior. Some canines will
begin to potty indoors after years of going outside because there is something wrong. If there
have been no new changes, such as a switch in food or a new long-term visitor, which could
cause changes in where the pup goes potty, it could indicate a medical problem.
begin to potty indoors after years of going outside because there is something wrong. If there
have been no new changes, such as a switch in food or a new long-term visitor, which could
cause changes in where the pup goes potty, it could indicate a medical problem.
If they have issues with passing urine or defecating, or an increase or decrease in either of
these bodily functions, it is time to seek the help of your vet.
these bodily functions, it is time to seek the help of your vet.
3. Change in Physical Appearance
The most noticeable clue to something being wrong with your dog is a physical appearance.
New bumps, lumps, cuts, scrapes, sores or sudden changes in older issues are signs of
something not right within your dog. This could be as simple as inflammation or an allergy, or
something more worrisome.
New bumps, lumps, cuts, scrapes, sores or sudden changes in older issues are signs of
something not right within your dog. This could be as simple as inflammation or an allergy, or
something more worrisome.
Another physical issue to be on the lookout for: rapid weight gain, sudden weight loss,
excessive itching, licking, shaking or new rashes. Some of these behaviors are an indication
of something "extra" on their skin or between their claws. Always examine your pup closely
before loading them into the car for a vet visit.
excessive itching, licking, shaking or new rashes. Some of these behaviors are an indication
of something "extra" on their skin or between their claws. Always examine your pup closely
before loading them into the car for a vet visit.
4. Stomach Issues - Vomiting
All dogs will vomit once in a while. They will eat grass which acts as "scouring agent" in their
stomach and cause them to throw up whatever is bothering them. This is not something to be
worried about. If their vomiting lasts for more than 24 hours, or their belly is bloated, seek
immediate medical attention.
stomach and cause them to throw up whatever is bothering them. This is not something to be
worried about. If their vomiting lasts for more than 24 hours, or their belly is bloated, seek
immediate medical attention.
5. Tummy Distresses - Diarrhea
Many dogs go through bouts of diarrhea. It is typically caused by a change in dog food, or the
random table scrap, which could come directly from a well-meaning visitor or the trash. They
could also have salvaged something disgusting from outdoors.
random table scrap, which could come directly from a well-meaning visitor or the trash. They
could also have salvaged something disgusting from outdoors.
If the diarrhea lasts longer than 24 hours, if you see blood, or their stomach is bloated, get
them to the vet immediately.
them to the vet immediately.
If you feel they simply ate something that did not agree with them, and don't notice any of the
major signs of grave illness, you could take away their food for at least 12 hours. Always offer
them water and, after the fasting period, feed them with brown rice.
major signs of grave illness, you could take away their food for at least 12 hours. Always offer
them water and, after the fasting period, feed them with brown rice.
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