Lack of appetite – Anorexia is often one of the first signs of illness in dogs. It can be difficult to determine if you feed your dog dry food only and keep the bowl full. For this reason, some veterinarians recommended feeding dogs a scheduled feeding at the same time every day so that you accurately assess their appetite.

 

Less active - Dogs that don't feel well are often less active. Many times this “less active” sign is mistaken for “getting older”. If your dog is less active, the safest thing to do is have your vet check your dog out.

 

Weakness - Weakness can be displayed as either being “less active”, having a lethargic appearance, or by displaying a loss of balance and coordination. All of these are potentially serious signs and should prompt immediate evaluation by your veterinarian.

 

Lethargy – Lethargy is a general lack of interest in the environment. It is a very common symptom and can be an early or late sign of illness depending on the severity.

 

Weight loss – Losing weight is another common sign of disease or illness. Sometimes it is difficult to notice weight loss, especially in longhaired dogs or dogs that you see every day and may not notice subtle changes. If your dog feels bonier, lighter, or you can easily feel the ribs, this could be a problem.

 

Increased water consumption – Drinking more is often associated with a few diseases including kidney disease and diabetes mellitus. If you notice your dog is showing these symptoms, see your veterinarian.

 

Not grooming – Dogs that don't feel well don't groom or you just notice a dull lusterless coat. If your dogs coat changes, have him or her evaluated by your veterinarian.

 

Bad breath – Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can result from dental disease as well as other metabolic disorders.

 

Sleeping more – Sleeping more can also be associated with lethargy. Dogs sleep an average of 13 to 16 hours each day depending on the age and personality of the individual dog. If you notice your dog is sleeping a lot more than he used to, don't assume it is just age. Make sure that is not an underlying disease or illness.

 

Less involved in social interaction with you or your other dogs

dogs that don't feel well don't tend to play or be as social with you or your other dogs.
 

Drooling – drooling or hypersalivation can be associated with oral or dental disease and should be evaluated by your veterinarian.

 

Vomiting - Gagging or vomiting is a very common sign of illness. Some dogs will vomit occasionally. Vomiting that occurs once a week or less frequently is generally not considered a big problem if your dog is otherwise healthy, maintaining his weight and having normal bowel movements. However, if your dog is vomiting on a regular basis or is loosing weight, this could be an indication of a serious problem.

 

Difficulty breathing – Trouble breathing is a very severe sign of illness. It is often caused by underlying heart or lung disorders. Difficulty breathing can be noted as increased respiratory rate or effort, open mouth breathing, or a posture in which the arms are slightly abducted and your dog neck is extended. This is a life-threatening emergency.

 

Diarrhea – Loose stools can be caused by dietary reasons, allergies and other gastrointestinal diseases.

 

Coughing – Coughing is serious symptom and should be evaluated when it occurs.

 

Bloody urine – This can be a sign of urinary tract disease or infection in dogs. It should be evaluated immediately. It can also be associated with frequent attempts to urinate as well.

Watch your dog carefully for any sign of illness. If you notice any of these signs in your dog, please contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic as soon as possible.

Legal Disclaimer

If your pet is showing any signs of distress or you suspect your pet is seriously ill, CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN immediately.

---

If I didn't have animals . .  . .

I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety. My house  could be carpeted instead of tiled and laminated. All flat surfaces,  clothing, furniture, and cars would be free of hair. When the doorbell  rings, it wouldn't sound like a kennel. When the doorbell rings, I could  get to the door without wading through fuzzy bodies who beat me  there. I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted,  without taking into consideration how much space several fur bodies would  need to get comfortable. I would have money ....and no  guilt to go on a real vacation. I would not be on a first-name basis with  6 veterinarians, as I
put their yet unborn grandkids thru college The  most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit,
down, come, no,  stay, and leave him/her/it ALONE. My house would not be cordoned off into  zones with baby gates or barriers. My house would not look like a day  care center, toys everywhere. My pockets would not contain things like  poop bags, treats and an extra leash. I would no longer have to Spell  the words B-A-L-L-, F-R-I-S-B-E-E, W-A-L-K, or T-R-E-A-T. I would not  have as many leaves INSIDE my house as outside. I would not look  strangely at people who think having ONE dog/cat ties them down too  much. I'd look forward to spring and the melting of snow instead  of dreading mud season.
I would not have to answer the question "Why  do you have so many dogs/animals? " from people who will never have the  joy in their lives of knowing they are loved unconditionally by someone  as close to an angel as they will ever get. How empty my life would  be.

Is this not perfect?

BACK TO INDEX