Signs That Indicate Sickness in Your Dog
Just like humans, dogs’ health is influenced by age. Generally, they age faster than humans. As the owner and protector, you are responsible for helping the dogs combat their illnesses. Your pet might be unable to describe its symptoms, but you can spot when it is diseased.
As a responsible owner, you should familiarize yourself with the symptoms of common diseases that affect dogs. Statistics show that 10 percent of pets appear normal to owners yet have underlying diseases.
Here are signs that show your dog might be sick:
The Behavior Seems Quite Off
All canines have a fairly consistent behavior pattern. That means any drastic mood change can easily be noticed. A change in behavior is the first indication of a dog that’s unwell. Each canine has its unique behavior, so it’s important to look into the duration in which those changes have been witnessed. For instance, if the pet develops an unusual sleeping pattern, you can raise this with your vet.
Grumpy Attitude
If your puppy is always enthusiastic for a hug or pet, take note if it starts growling or snaps when touched. This is a form of reactive behavior witnessed when the canine is in pain or discomfort. Sometimes, people assume that the dog is exhibiting behavior traits when it acts out. Do not assume. You should investigate whether it is a health-related issue.
Poor health brings about pain. A good example would be an ear infection, which causes pain when the head is rubbed.
Sudden Isolation
Unlike the enthusiastic, aggressive type, dogs might retreat and hide as they try to avoid socializing. If you notice a sudden change in the level of playfulness, you should be concerned. When laying or hiding in a remote area rather than playing with family, this might indicate illness.
Diarrhea
If you notice its poop is watery, you better visit your nearby vet. It might be a case of simple diarrhea, which often arises from consuming bland diets. In the event of chronic diarrhea, a vet must carry out an examination to discover the underlying cause.
Eating
Most dogs are food-centric, so it’s worth observing their consuming habits. Any indication that the dog has lost its appetite might indicate illness. If you have not made any changes to its regular diet or daily routine, then there must be a problem. A veterinary office can help determine why the dog has lost its appetite.
Refuses to Drink
Just as with eating, it’s a bad sign if your dog refuses to drink water. This is not only a sign of a health-related issue, but it can also bring about health problems. It is very easy for your pet to become dehydrated, which is dangerous.
Check for dehydration by pinching the loose skin on the back of their neck. If it does not bounce back immediately, this shows that the canine is dehydrated and needs vet attention immediately.
Summary
Having basic knowledge on any of these signs or symptoms, you can spot a …