As dedicated pet parents, we have to take care of our furry friends. But how can we recognize when our puppy is not feeling okay and how to help him? Read this text and check out the Top 10 Signs to identify your Dog is not Well.
First of all, just imagine what would be if your dog could put a paw on your shoulder and tell you how he feels. Would that be amazing? But, since dogs can't communicate with us verbally, they count on us to recognize the subtle signs of illness. So, let’s take a look at these signs, which will quickly help you identify your dog is not well.
Changes in Personality
When dogs are in pain or don't feel well, they tend to display behavioral modifications. Usually, these personality changes happen quickly. Probably, your usually social dog will start to withdraw. Or even more, your active and the energetic dog may begin to show aggression or apathy. But, keep in mind that since no one understands your dog's personality as you do, you will notice much easier some complex changes in his personality and activities.
Respiratory Symptoms
Usually, higher respiratory infections in dogs can affect the bronchi, trachea, throat and nasal cavities. It is important to say that respiratory symptoms should always be taken seriously, but keep in mind they do not necessarily mean your dog is ill. Most dogs will deal with at least one upper respiratory infection in their lifetime, especially in dogs with compromised immune systems.
Potty Issues
Another thing to think about when talking about dog health problems is a dog’s bathroom habits. It is very important to ask your veterinarian if you notice: difficulty passing urine, trouble defecating or even more extended volume of urine.
Tummy Troubles
Every dog vomits and has diarrhea now and then—whether it’s from too many treats or due to stress. But having repeated vomiting that continues over 24 hours is a clear sing sign your dog is sick. Extra symptoms involve blood in the stool, dry heaves, drooling, restlessness, and pain, swelling or tension in the abdomen.
Fever
In most cases fever often accompanies illness. But how to identify it? Try to use a thermometer to measure the dog's temperature. If your dog is having a temperature above 103 F, clearly it’s time to call the vet.
Noticeable Pain
Unfortunately, most utmost dogs in pain don’t vocalize at all. Presumably, your dog will scream in pain when you go to touch his injured area, but it’s even more likely that he will suffer in silence. Therefore, always be assured that your dog has nothing broken or injured.
Neurological Problems
Dog neurological problems are illnesses that begin from your pet's central or peripheral nervous system. When a dog has a neurological disorder, symptoms can be very obvious and scary. Paralysis, shakings or seizures are a few indications that something is improper in a dog’s nervous system.
Loss of Appetite
Almost all of the dogs are very food-centric, so it's surely worth giving attention if your dog seems to have lost his appetite. This does not count when you change your dog's food to something he finds less than delicious. A trip to the vet can fix the underlying reason of why your dog has lost his appetite.
Dry or itchy skin
Skin problems are frustrating for dogs and owners alike. There are many possible causes for dry skin, which can make diagnosing skin conditions in dogs tricky.
Dry, red, or cloudy eyes
The last but not the least sign to identify if your dog is not feeling well is his dry, red or cloudy eyes. But, keep in mind that some eye diseases are genetic, so it’s great to be notified of those common to your dog’s breed.
Author: Tamara Spasovska