If you’ve got a pup, you know that determining the health of your animal is not always easy on your own. Just like humans, dogs get sick too, which means doctors must look into the state of their physical and mental condition in order to determine some of the more serious issues. With this in mind, let’s take a look at 7 signs your dog might be sick and it might need treatment.
7 Signs Your Dog Might Be Sick
If you are noticing any of the following signs in your dog, it is important to take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible:
1. Your dog is lethargic or appears to be feeling unusually tired.
2. Your dog has been vomiting or has diarrhea.
3. Your dog is having difficulty breathing or appears to have difficulty breathing easily.
4. Your dog has lost weight or looks thin despite eating a normal diet.
5. Your dog has scabs, wounds, or areas of inflamed skin.
6. Your dog cannot seem to stay warm or is shivering frequently.
7. Your dog does not seem interested in playing with toys or biting when playtime is offered.
Types of Common Illnesses your Dog can get
There are a number of different types of illnesses that can affect your dog, and if left untreated, they could quickly become serious. Here are some of the most common:
Flea Infestation:
Fleas are tiny arthropods that feed on blood. When they infest your dog, they can transmit a range of parasites, including tapeworms and roundworms. These parasites can cause a host of health problems, including intestinal blockages and vomiting. Treatment typically involves flea combing and insecticide therapy.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough):
This highly contagious respiratory illness is caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It is most commonly transmitted through airborne droplets from an infected person, such as when coughing or sneezing. Symptoms typically include fever, coughing spells that produce frothy liquid, and heavy breathing. Your dog may also exhibit decreased energy levels and seizures days. Treatment typically includes antibiotics to fight the infection and rest for your pet.
Symptoms of Common Illemies
If you notice any of the following signs in your dog, it might be time to take him to the vet for a checkup:
• Your dog is constantly lying down or sitting in one spot
• He’s not eating or drinking enough
• He’s having trouble breathing or panting normally
• He’s vomiting or has diarrhea
• He appears to be in pain
How to read behavior clues on your Dog
If you think your dog might be sick, the first step is to look for behavior clues. These clues can help you decide if your dog needs treatment and, if so, what type of treatment is best for him or her.
Here are some behaviors that might indicate that your dog is sick:
1. Dog acts lethargic or weak. This might be a sign that your dog isn’t getting enough hydration. Make sure you give your dog plenty of fresh water and food. If the problem persists, see a vet.
2. Dog’s coat becomes sparse or greasy. This might be a sign of an illness called ‘bloat.’ If bloat occurs, untreated it can lead to death in dogs. Take measures to prevent bloat by feeding smaller meals several times per day and making sure your dog doesn’t eat large chunks of meat or hard objects like bones. See a vet if the problem persists.
3. Dogs start eating things they normally wouldn’t eat, like trash or dirt. This might be a sign that they’re trying to find nutrients they missed while they were sick. If the problem persists, see a vet.
Wasting Away: What to watch for when your dog is wasting away
One common sign your dog is sick is if he or she starts to lose weight inexplicably. This might mean your dog is not getting enough nutrition, or it might be a symptom of a more serious illness. Other symptoms you should watch for when your dog is suffering from a sickness include lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If you notice one or more of these signs in your dog, it’s important to take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible. If left untreated, a sickness can lead to serious health problems, including death.
