A sick dog can manifest this disease in different ways, many of which manifest in daily behavioral changes, while others require a little more attention. As important as identifying these signs is knowing that only a veterinarian can diagnose and recommend the most appropriate treatment for each case. If you think your dog is not doing well, in this article of Animal Expert we explain 13 common symptoms in a sick dog, so that it is possible to treat it as quickly as possible.
If you’re not sure your friend is sick, one of the key points is knowing that a sick dog changes routinely. To do this, you may notice some of these very simple but essential signs to detect the problem as quickly as possible:
- It’s easy to tell if your dog defecates more or less than usual.
- Trapped intestines and diarrhea are signs of a sick dog in some cases.
- The same applies to the consistency of stool or the presence of blood in them.
- In case of diarrhoea.
- It is essential to go to a veterinary clinic to avoid dehydration.
Gas ejection more often than normal may be a simple reaction to a change in diet, but it can also be a sign of stomach problems caused by indigestion, reactions, food infections or intestinal parasites.
You can also try to notice how much urine your dog has. If you think you have urinated less than usual or noticed an excess of the amounts (polyuria), look for the other symptoms and see a veterinarian.
A sick dog may also have symptoms related to water consumption. In general, the normal amount of water a dog drinks a day is 100 ml per pound. If you notice excessive thirst (polydipsia) or lack of thirst, it is essential to consult a veterinarian. These symptoms may be common in kidney or gastric problems, for example.
Behavioral changes are also symptoms of a sick dog. If you miss things I used to do, such as waiting at the door, asking for a walk, wanting to play or sitting on the couch, for example, you should know that they can also be signs that the dog is not well. Lethargy can be a sign of stomach, heart, anemia, or parasite problems.
Poor hygiene is often one of the common causes of canine bad breath, it can lead to other problems such as gingivitis or periodontitis, but it is not the only cause. Some pathological disorders also have halitosis as a symptom of the sick dog. A sweet or fruity breath, for example, can be a sign of diabetes, while a breath that smells of ammonia can be a sign of kidney problems.
If the dog follows a balanced diet and there have been no changes, the predisposition to gain weight and weight loss are warning signs of a health problem.
Weight changes, described above, are not necessarily related to changes in appetite. So, as in the case of hydration, it’s also worth monitoring how much food your dog has ingested. Canine anorexia, for example, can be a sign of parasites, stomach, kidney or liver problems.
Fur is an important indicator of canine health. A sick dog may have visible signs of hair such as color changes, excessive loss or lack of shine, for example. If you have noticed these changes, consult a veterinarian for a correct diagnosis.
Every guardian should know that vomiting is a clear sign that the dog is sick or has a problem at that time. This symptom can occur in many pathologies: stomach, kidney or liver problems. Nausea, in turn, is not always easily detected and can be mistaken for coughing.
The body temperature of dogs can vary between 38.5 and 39.4 degrees Celsius, much higher than that of humans, and puppies tend to have a higher body temperature than adults. The only way to know if a dog has a fever is to measure the temperature, usually with a rectal thermometer, as explained in the video below:
The symptoms of the sick dog described above are easily identifiable by a careful caregiver. However, symptoms of many canine health problems are not always detected in noticeable physical or behavioral changes. If you think your dog is not feeling well, it’s also important to pay attention to the following signs:
We do not always notice the stiffness of the abdomen of dogs, but if you have already detected other symptoms of a sick dog on this list, you can check the abdomen of the animal. Stiffness can be a sign of stomach problems.
Mucous membranes are another aspect that we don’t always notice in dogs. If you suspect the sick dog and have already noticed other symptoms, keep in mind that injuries and a change in the lining of mucous membranes (pale or yellowish) are also symptoms that should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
It’s never too much to repeat: a sick dog can and should be treated by its guardians, but the correct diagnosis to heal as quickly as possible can only be done by a specialist. Then, when you experience any of the symptoms listed above, don’t wait and ask for help. The sooner your friend gets care, the sooner he or she will feel better.
At Animal Expert we are aware that in many families veterinary care is not always included in the budget. Still, there are cheaper or even free options for maintaining canine health hours. If this is your case, we recommend our free veterinary station: free service spaces and affordable prices.
We wish your dog a speedy recovery!
This article is for informational purposes only, in Animal Expert.com.br we cannot prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any type of condition or discomfort.
If you would like to read articles similar to Dog Sick: 13 Common Symptoms, we recommend that you visit our First Aid section.