It’s incredibly important to recognize the signs of sickness in your dog, as they can be subtle and you may overlook them at first. Even if your dog seems fine, it’s good practice to check in on him regularly just to make sure he isn’t feeling under the weather.
There are many things that you can do to help your dog whenever he or she is sick. However, you should be aware of the fact that dogs usually won’t show any symptoms in an obvious manner. So, how will you know if your dog needs your help?
Your Dog Has Lost a Lot of Weight
If you’re used to a certain weight of your dog, then it is probably hard for you to notice their weight loss. Only when you see how much they have lost will you begin to wonder what is going on.
The first thing to do is to determine whether the dog is simply underweight or if they are suffering from an illness.
The next thing to do is to make sure that your dog is getting enough food. The best way to do this is by weighing them before and after they have eaten. If they are ill, then there is not much that can be done at home. In this case, you should visit a vet as soon as possible.
They are Throwing Up
Your dog throwing up could be a sign that the dog is ill. The best way to tell if the dog is sick or healthy is to look at the color, texture, and volume of the vomit. If it’s green, yellow, or brown, this could mean that your dog has eaten grass or something else that came with a lot of dye. If it is white or chunky, then it could be something serious. If it’s watery and clear, then your dog might have food poisoning or infection. If you see your dog throwing up white foam, then it could be an allergic reaction to something they ate. What you want to do if this happens is try withholding food from your dog for 12 hours and then try feeding it easily digestible foods like rice or boiled chicken. If the problem persists, you need to visit the vet as soon as possible. If your dog is throwing up and it’s black, then there is a chance that the dog has eaten something that could have been poisonous.
Having Trouble Breathing
A dog having trouble breathing is a very serious matter. When your dog is not breathing normally, it can lead to a lot of complications. You need to know the warning signs of respiratory problems in dogs since they are prone to this sort of illness. If a dog is not breathing normally, we need to act quickly to avoid any major health issues.
The first thing you should do is check the dog’s mouth to see if it is breathing normally. If it is not, you need to check its chest for movement. If there is no movement, you need to start CPR immediately.
Limping
Possible reasons for limping could be injuries or muscle weakness. If a dog is suffering from injury, then it would be advisable to get an X-ray done to rule out any fractures. But if the lameness persists even after treating an injury, then you will have to investigate other possibilities. It is also possible that the dog has muscle weakness in its leg. The best way to check this is by taking your dog for a walk and observing how it walks. If you notice that the lameness is not consistent, then it is probably a muscle weakness.
Not Eating as Much as Usual
Many conditions can make a dog eat less than usual. The most common is dental disease, which affects more than 50% of dogs. Some diseases in the mouth have the potential to spread to other parts of the body. This can cause additional symptoms and lead to chronic illness. For example, if your dog’s teeth are infected, it may not be able to chew its food properly or enjoy its meal as much as usual. Your pet might also develop bad breath or drool a lot, which can deter it from eating.
Seems to Be in Pain
As in humans, dogs can suffer from many different ailments that can be painful, and it is important to rule out serious illness as the cause of the dog’s limping before giving it any kind of treatment. The vet will look for anything that might be causing pain, like an injury or a tumor, and they will also look for underlying conditions that can cause pain, like arthritis.
Discharge from Eyes or Nose
Infection of the eyes, nose, or ears is a common ailment in dogs. Often, they are due to bacterial infections that can be treated with antibiotics. However, dogs can also develop discharge from their eyes or nose due to allergies or other diseases.
Dogs may have a watery discharge from their eye(s) or nose if they suffer from conjunctivitis (pink eye). Discharge from the eyes may be clear to yellow or something else that is not normal for your dog.
Proper care of your dog is one of the most important things you need to do regularly. Paying attention to all symptoms and finding a cure will help your friend lead a healthier and more comfortable life.
