Dogs are well loved pets thus pet owners would be concerned if the dog gets sick. Inspite of the regular vet visits, of the nutritious food and the tender loving care of an owner, dogs still get sick. Pet owners know that a sick pet must have immediate medical attention but knowing the health condition of the pet can be difficult due to the fact that dogs cannot verbalize what they feel. It is therefore necessary for a dog owner to know the telltale signs of illness so that prompt medical attention can be given to the pet.
A change in activity level can be symptom of an illness. A dog owner should be concerned if the pet becomes suddenly lethargic, withdrawn or listless as it is possible that the naturally energetic dog is sick. The change in behavior and the decline in energy level can be attributed to the dog's old age. But if the decreased activity level is accompanied by loss of balance, limping and movement difficulties, something is certainly wrong with the pet.
A sick dog's eating and drinking habit will change as well. Any dog owner would say that his/her pet is a good eater. Dogs would eat anything, would raid trash cans and would filch food when the owner's back is turned so that something is really wrong if the dog refuses the food. A sick dog may refuse food but would drink lots of water. The increased water intake can be a symptom of diabetes or kidney diseases. On the other hand, hot weather or increased activity would make a dog drink more water.
Dogs are indiscriminate eaters so that a pet parent may not be too concerned if the pet occasionally vomits or have diarrhea as after a while the dog will be it normal self. But if the dog had been vomiting for more than a day and the diarrhea that has lasted for several days already contains mucous or blood, the dog must have medical assistance at once. Many dog owners use the pet's nose as a barometer of health. A dog's cold and wet nose is sign of good health. Dogs that are feeling under the weather are noted to have dry warm and runny noses.
A pet owner has to be aware of these symptoms so that the pet can be taken to a vet right away. Spotting the signs early on would not only save substantial amount on vet bills but would also save the dog a lot of pain.
A change in activity level can be symptom of an illness. A dog owner should be concerned if the pet becomes suddenly lethargic, withdrawn or listless as it is possible that the naturally energetic dog is sick. The change in behavior and the decline in energy level can be attributed to the dog's old age. But if the decreased activity level is accompanied by loss of balance, limping and movement difficulties, something is certainly wrong with the pet.
A sick dog's eating and drinking habit will change as well. Any dog owner would say that his/her pet is a good eater. Dogs would eat anything, would raid trash cans and would filch food when the owner's back is turned so that something is really wrong if the dog refuses the food. A sick dog may refuse food but would drink lots of water. The increased water intake can be a symptom of diabetes or kidney diseases. On the other hand, hot weather or increased activity would make a dog drink more water.
Dogs are indiscriminate eaters so that a pet parent may not be too concerned if the pet occasionally vomits or have diarrhea as after a while the dog will be it normal self. But if the dog had been vomiting for more than a day and the diarrhea that has lasted for several days already contains mucous or blood, the dog must have medical assistance at once. Many dog owners use the pet's nose as a barometer of health. A dog's cold and wet nose is sign of good health. Dogs that are feeling under the weather are noted to have dry warm and runny noses.
A pet owner has to be aware of these symptoms so that the pet can be taken to a vet right away. Spotting the signs early on would not only save substantial amount on vet bills but would also save the dog a lot of pain.
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Sarah's Dogs has more information about how to tell if the dog is sick and dog first aid.
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