How to Tell if Your Dog is Sick

Dogs are notorious for hiding signs that they are sick. It is a characteristic that can easily be traced back to the animal’s wild ancestry. In the wild, sickness is weakness. A weak dog will quickly fall prey to other predators and risks being kicked out of the pack.

Unfortunately, your dog can’t tell you if he does not feel good. You’ll need to learn the early signs of sickness to determine if your pup isn’t feeling well. Most pet owners know their dog well and can often sense if something is amiss. They can pick up on a subtle change in the dog’s actions and personality. 

In this article, we will look at the signs that your dog is sick:

Diarrhea and/or vomiting 

Many things can cause vomiting or diarrhea in a dog. However, it is also the first indication that your dog is ill. The symptoms might be mild or worse. A dog can quickly become dehydrated 

If your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea, then you’ll want to watch the pup closely. If the dog acts normal but simply has an upset stomach, then try to feed a bland diet such as boiled chicken or rice to see if the symptoms improve. 

After 24 hours if the symptoms do not improve then you’ll need to seek veterinary assistance. Also, if your dog suffers from a lack of appetite, dry heaves, weakness, or lethargy then you should immediately seek medical assistance. 

Urination Problems 

If your dog is house-trained but starts having accidents in the house, then your pup might have a urinary problem. 

Warning signs include:

• Changes in the volume of urine
• Straining or difficulty urinating
• Bloody urine

Excessive urination or blood in the urine might occur because of urinary tract infection, kidney stone, or cancer. 

If your dog is showing signs of having urinary tract problems, then you’ll need to seek veterinary care. 

Loss of Appetite

If your dog suddenly stops eating, then it could indicate a minor issue or be something more serious. Many things can cause appetite loss. If your dog is not eating, then try to entice Fido with cooked chicken or rise. If the problem persists or the dog shows other signs of sickness then, you’ll need to contact your vet. 

Drinking Problems

Has your dog stopped drinking water or started to consume an excessive amount of water? Any change in your dog’s drinking habits can indicate a problem such as a kidney disease, fever, diabetes, or hormone issue. 

Unexplained Weight Loss

If your dog is eating but losing weight, then it is cause for concern and you might want to schedule a complete physical with your veterinarian to ensure that your pet does not have cancer or some other medical condition. 

Coughing or Wheezing

Your dog might be coughing and wheezing with a simple canine flu or cold. However, it can also indicate more serious problems such as heart failure or tracheal collapse in small dog breeds.

If your dog shows any signs of being sick, then you should promptly contact your veterinarian to determine the cause of your furry friend’s problem.