Signs Of Dog Illness

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Lethargy, apathy, refusal to walk … these are just a few alarming symptoms that the dog is unwell. What other signs could be indicative of a dog's illness? What should you pay special attention to?

Recognizing that a dog is sick can be difficult. After all, she cannot talk about her problems. But there are several clear symptoms that indicate that a pet is sick. If you notice them, it is best to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.

1. Nausea and vomiting

Vomiting in a dog can begin if he overeats or uses something harmful on the street. In some cases, vomiting helps the animal's body to cleanse itself, but if it is repeated several times a day, then this should alert the owner of the dog. This condition can appear due to poisoning or ingestion of a foreign body into the intestines, with stomach ulcers, viral infections, parasites, pancreatitis, liver and kidney failure.

If frequent vomiting is accompanied by lethargy and lack of appetite, then the pet needs the help of a veterinarian. Blood clots in the vomit should also be a cause for concern. In any case, when vomiting, you need to give the animal more to drink so that there is no dehydration.

2. Diarrhea

The dog sometimes has loose stools. It depends on her diet and well-being. But if her diarrhea lasts more than 2-3 days, then this is an alarming sign. It is dangerous to the animal, like vomiting: it can quickly cause dehydration. If there is blood in the watery stool of the dog, there is a fever and severe vomiting, then you should immediately contact your veterinarian.

3. Cough and hoarse voice

Like humans, dogs can cough. This often happens when a foreign body gets stuck in their throat. A persistent cough signals that the pet may have bronchitis, cardiovascular disease, problems with the lungs, trachea, or heart failure.

A dangerous state of health in a dog if it is breathing heavily and is inactive. This could indicate the presence of respiratory problems and allergies. If a bluish tint is found on the dog's gums, it is urgent to show it to the doctor.

4. Poor appetite

Colds, fever, stress, and many other causes reduce the dog's appetite. The animal can lose weight due to liver problems, kidney failure, cancer, infection, dental and gum disease. Therefore, if for several days in a row the dog eats little and is reluctant, then it is better to take him to a veterinary hospital.

5. Body temperature rises

A dog's warm and dry nose indicates a health problem. Fever can be accompanied by chills, lethargy, depression, vomiting, coughing, and runny nose. In any of these cases, it is urgent to provide the dog with professional veterinary assistance.

6. The dog scratches itself

Dogs have a habit of scratching and scratching themselves. Most often they do this because fleas bite them. If the pet is combing itself harder than usual, this may be due to an allergic reaction to some foods or plants, the presence of fleas and ticks, problems with the endocrine or hormonal system, infection. If the dog is experiencing heightened anxiety, he too may scratch and scratch himself vigorously. In such cases, you need to bathe the dog, and if this behavior of the animal does not stop, then it is worth showing it to the veterinarian.

7. Prolonged lethargy of the dog

Prolonged lethargy of a pet for no reason (two to three days or more) is a dangerous phenomenon indicating serious illness. Among them may be: heart disease, viral diseases, diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia, distemper and others.

eight. Profuse salivation and bad breath

These are signs of diseases of the oral cavity. Bacteria in the form of plaque on a dog's teeth causes an unpleasant odor. Bacteria trapped in the blood damage the liver, kidneys and other internal organs. The dog's diet and hygiene must be well monitored.

9. Eyes become dry and red

Dryness and redness, cloudiness, lacrimation, conjunctivitis, different shades of pupils (for example, pale or light) in a dog indicate problems with its health. It is necessary for the veterinarian to diagnose and treat the animal in a timely manner.

10. Frequent urination

Frequent and difficult urination indicates problems with the genitourinary system in the dog. These can be symptoms of diabetes mellitus, kidney and adrenal gland diseases, urinary tract infections. If you notice blood in the urine, you should immediately show your dog to a doctor.

Finally, a few more common symptoms of diseases:

* Loose ears in a dog may be due to an ear infection.

* Black spots on the pink gums of an animal are dental problems.

* Cloudy eyes indicate cataracts.

* Unexplained dog aggression may indicate the presence of a rabies infection.

* Lameness can be caused by arthritis, a problem with articular discs, damaged ligaments, hip dysplasia.

* If blood flows from the nose - injury or parasites in the nasal mucosa.

* Shortness of breath, which appears in a pet, indicates respiratory problems, allergies.