When taking care of a pet, one thing you need to be on the lookout for is signs they might not be feeling well. Catching early signs of sickness can help you to get proper treatment for your dog. Pay attention to your dog when you play with them and groom them. Look for changes in their appearance and behavior. We have gathered a list of potential signs that may signal your dog is not feeling well. This list is not a complete list so keep an eye out for any odd behavior. If you notice anything off about your dog be sure to notify your vet.
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Pay attention to your dog’s appearance when grooming and petting them. Weight loss due to loss of appetite is a common sign of sickness. Bad breath and a foul odor can also be indicators of an issue in your dog’s health. Keep an eye on how much your dog is scratching and any hair loss. Excessive scratching due to itchiness, or a dry, dull coat, are signs your dog may have a skin issue. Keep an eye on any respiratory problems such as sneezing, coughing, excessive panting, or trouble breathing. Lumps and sores in the skin are also a sign that there is something wrong. If you see any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your vet to get a checkup.
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Monitoring your dog’s diet is an effective way to keep an eye on their health. When your dog is not feeling well their appetite may change. While dogs may occasional refuse to eat a meal, refusal to eat for more than 24 hours is a cause for concern. Excessive thirst or urination is something else to watch. On the other hand, straining to urinate is also a cause for concern. Vomiting and diarrhea are other signs your dog is not feeling healthy. Occasional incidents of vomit or diarrhea is common but excessive amounts of digestive upsets for long periods of time are not common. If you see any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your vet.
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Keep an eye on your dog’s activity levels. Their energy and behavior can be indicators of their health. Your dog becoming lethargic is usually a sign they are unwell. If your dog is usually happy and playful, then suddenly seems tired and drained of energy, it may be a sign that your dog is feeling unwell. Your dog may just be tired from overworking, but they may also have health issues. That is why it’s important to pay attention to other symptoms. Unusual changes in behavior like unexplained aggression or hiding are other signs something might be wrong. Motor issues like trouble getting up, walking, or climbing stairs are also signs your dog might need a trip to the vet. If you see any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your vet.
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Looking for signs your dog is not feeling well is important and early identification of issues can help your dog get treatment in time. It’s also important to keep your dog active and healthy to prevent any health problems you can. Feeding your dog a healthy diet, getting them plenty of exercise, and scheduling regular checkups to the vet can all help you and your dog stay healthy and happy!
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