Top Signs of Sick Dogs
You may have noticed a difference with your dog lately. He is not eating as much, ignoring your play times together, and is not responsive to activities he used to be interested in.
You may think that your dog is just feeling under the weather. However, do not ignore these signals. They are warning signs that something’s wrong with your pet, and you should never mistake these as nothing but normal fluctuations in your dog.
It can be frustrating especially if you’ve been with your dog for many years now. For sure, you are confident that you know your dog enough; however, in times like these, you may receive mixed signals from your beloved pet.
Unless you are a “dog whisperer,” you cannot tell what your dog is trying to communicate to you. You do not work on the same language, so you do not exactly know when your dog is sick. Therefore, you must rely on your pet’s signs and signals.
It can be difficult to tell when your dog is sick because all dogs show different signals when they feel off. One dog may show lethargy, and another may exhibit oversleeping. While one dog may have decreased appetite, another may show increased appetite. There are differing signs even among dogs with the same breed, age, and sex.
How would you know if your dog is sick, given the many avenues for miscommunication between you and your pet?
Here are some of the top signs that show your dog may be ill:
1. Changes in appetite
Sudden changes in your dog’s appetite is never a good sign, unless you’ve given your pet appetite-boosting supplements, or have recently subjected him/her to vaccination.
If you notice a sudden increase or decrease in your dog’s appetite, make sure you rule out external factors that may be causing this change. Stress can be a factor, especially when you have to leave your dog with a sitter when you are away. Dehydration can also cause a decrease in appetite.
If you are sure that something else is causing your dog’s appetite change, bring your pet immediately to the vet. Many underlying medical conditions can cause appetite changes, including cardiac, endocrine, and circulatory diseases. Old age can also cause a decrease in appetite, so you must consult your vet for the best vitamins that you can give your elderly dog.
2. Bad breath
While some breeds (e.g. Shih Tzu, Pug, and Yorkshire Terrier) have naturally bad breaths, bad breath coupled with drooling and pale gums are alarming signs that your dog may be sick.
Bad breath comes from disorders in the liver and kidney, and it is often associated with disrupted circulation with the body unable to flush out toxins. You must immediately bring your dog to the vet because liver and kidney disorders are dangerous conditions and can never be treated with diet alone.
Other serious disorders associated with bad breath include diabetes, liver poisoning, and cancer. Do not waste time ruling out yourself what is causing your dog’s foul breath.
These are the top symptoms that show there is an underlying medical condition causing these changes in your dog. After ruling out nutritional, behavioral, and environmental factors, bring your dog to the vet for immediate professional assistance.
