12 Signs Your Pet Dog is Sick

Seeing signs your pet dog is sick is disheartening and knowing when your dog is really sick, is a tough job, Obviously, they can’t tell you how they feel; however, they can show it.
Anyone who has kept dogs knows that they have expressive body language; they often convey what they are going through and how they are feeling.
Subtle changes in your dog’s posture, behavior, or habits might indicate something is wrong. If you want your dog to lead a happy and healthy life, you need to be able to identify these early signs of distress.
Identifying before they get to a life-threatening stage is crucial for the betterment of your dog.

Here are some symptoms you may encounter if your dog is unwell
You need to visit a vet even if nothing serious is diagnosed as soon as you notice these symptoms.

12 Signs Your Pet Dog is Sick

Lethargy

Dogs that are usually playful and energetic may become withdrawn and sluggish when they are sick. This is usually the first sign of illness that pet owners notice. If your dog has lost interest in playing, going for walks, or eating, it might signify that something is wrong.

Change in Appetite

Another common sign of sickness in dogs is a change in appetite. Usually, ravenous dogs may start to eat less, while others who usually only nibble may wolf down their food. If you notice any sudden changes in your dog’s eating habits, it could signify that they are not feeling well.

Change in Behavior

Becoming more aggressive or shy, for example, just like people can act out of character when they are unwell, so can dogs. If your usually friendly dog has become snappy or aggressive, it could be a sign that he is in pain or feeling sick. Alternatively, if your usually independent dog has become clingy and needy, it could be a sign that he is feeling insecure or anxious.

Vomiting or Diarrhea

While vomiting and diarrhoea are common symptoms of sickness in dogs, they can also indicate more severe problems. If your dog is frequently vomiting, has bloody diarrhoea, or contains mucus, it is essential to take him/her to the vet as soon as possible.

Weight loss

If your dog starts to lose weight without changing his diet or activity level, it could be a sign that he is sick. Several different health problems can cause weight loss, so it is important to take your dog to the vet for a check-up if you notice any sudden changes in his weight.

Difficulty breathing or excessive panting

If your dog has difficulty breathing or is panting excessively, it could be a sign of a respiratory infection, heart problem, or something obstructing the airways.

Excessive thirst or urination

If your dog is drinking more water than usual or urinating more frequently, it could be a sign of diabetes or kidney disease.

Coughing

Coughing is another common symptom of sickness in dogs. It can be caused by anything from a respiratory infection to heart disease.

Changes in appearance

If your dog’s coat starts to look dull or lifeless, it could be a sign of illness. Additionally, if your dog starts to lose hair or develops bald spots, it could be a sign of a skin condition or allergies.

Eye discharge

If your dog has any discharge from his eyes, it could be a sign of an infection or allergies.

Ear infections

Ear infections are one of the most common health problems in dogs. If your dog is shaking his head excessively or scratching at his ears, it could be a sign that he has an ear infection.

Limping

If your dog is limping, it could be a sign of several different health problems, such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, a foreign object stuck in the paws, or ligament damage.

Dogs can’t tell us when they don’t feel well, so it is up to their owners to be perceptive of the subtler changes in behavior and body language. Knowing the early signs of an illness can make all the difference for your furry friend. Have you been able to identify any subtle changes in your dog? Let us know in the comments below.

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