Dogs really ARE Miracles with Paws!!

Friday, March 4, 2016

Pay Attention: Could Your Dog Be Sick?



Your dog could be sick. Signs that you need to watch out for...

1. Lack of appetite - Anorexia is often one of the very first signs of illness in dogs. It can be difficult to determine if you feed your dog dry food only and keep the bowl full. For this reason, some veterinarians recommended feeding dogs a scheduled feeding at the same time every day so that you accurately assess their appetite.

2. Less active - Dogs that don't feel well are often less active. Many times this "less active" sign is mistaken for "getting older". If your dog is less active, the safest thing to do is have your vet check your dog out.

3. Weakness - Weakness can be displayed as either being "less active", having a lethargic appearance, or by displaying a loss of balance and coordination. All of these are potentially serious signs and should prompt immediate evaluation by your veterinarian.

4. Lethargy - Lethargy is a general lack of interest in the environment. It is a very common symptom and can be an early or late sign of illness depending on the severity.

5. Weight loss - Losing weight is another common sign of disease or illness. Sometimes it is difficult to notice weight loss, especially in longhaired dogs or dogs that you see every day and may not notice subtle changes. If your dog feels bonier, lighter, or you can easily feel the ribs, this could be a problem.

6. Increased water consumption - Drinking more is often associated with a few diseases including kidney disease and diabetes mellitus. If you notice your dog is showing these symptoms, see your veterinarian.

7. Not grooming - Dogs that don't feel well don't groom or you just notice a dull lusterless coat. If your dogs coat changes, have him or her evaluated by your veterinarian.

8. Bad breath - Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can result from dental disease as well as other metabolic disorders.

9 comments:

easy rider said...

thanks for a great check list to find out asap that something is wrong. it's good to read the signs and to act before a little thing turns into a big one...

Bell Fur Zoo said...

Great tips!!
xoxo,
Matt & Matilda

Mitch and Molly said...

Absolutely correct, girls! Thank you for posting this. It is great information!

BeadedTail said...

Good tips since we can't talk so our peeps need to pay attention!

Two French Bulldogs said...

Very good post. What is scary is sometimes there are no symptoms
Lily & Edward

Cathy C Bennett said...

Such common behavior for dogs, yet when they are continuous it could be a problem. Great reminder for us all to look for.

The OP Pack said...

Very good points to keep in mind. Sadly our poor Thunder never gave any signs he was sick until that one day when he walked away from his food bowl. He NEVER did that so Mom knew something was wrong. But for him it was too late.

Woos - Ciara and Lightning

ann thompson said...

good information to know since they can't tell us when they aren't feeling well

Murphy Campbell said...

Good post! Sometimes hoomans don't notice too much!

Keep Calm & Bark On!

Murphy & Stanley