How can I tell if my puppy is unwell?

If your puppy has diarrhoea, it’s best to make a note of the date, time and consistency so you can monitor it and share the details with a vet. Common causes of diarrhoea in puppies include: The stress of moving to a new home. A new diet, especially if it’s introduced too quickly. Eating something they shouldn’t such as house plants, rubbish, toys or dirt. Parasites such as worms. Infectious diseases such as parvovirus. Parvovirus symptoms in puppies include: Diarrhoea (possibly with blood in it) Vomiting Fever Lethargy Dehydration Severe weight loss or anorexia. Symptoms of mange include intense scratching, skin rashes, hair loss and crusted skin, which can lead to secondary infections. The most common symptom of kennel cough is a harsh, dry cough that may be followed by retching. Other symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing and eye discharge. If it’s extreme or doesn’t clear within a day or two, always consult your vet.

Vomiting and diarrhoea are signs that your dog could be unwell. An animal may vomit for many reasons other than being ill, such as if they have swallowed something they shouldn’t have. Diarrhoea could be the result of a change in diet, an allergic reaction or stress, or something more serious such as kidney or liver disease. A change in temperament could also mean your dog is ill, for instance, if they switch from a friendly pet that loves company to being irritable and isolated. Any unusual behaviour such as panting, excessive lip licking or aggression could be signs of illness. Lethargy and lack of activity also indicate that your dog is unwell. If your usually active dog seems to be spending more time lying down instead of playing with you, there will be a reason. A dog’s inability to tell their owners exactly how they feel can often be vocalised in other ways, if your dog whines, whimpers, cries or barks more frequently, or at unusual times of the day, they could be trying to tell you they are ill or in pain. Another sign that something isn’t right is your dog urinating more or less frequently than usual. Changes in weight, such as weight loss or gain, as well as bad breath, could also be a sign of dental problems or gum disease, digestive or respiratory problems, as well as many other ailments.

Any unexplained changes in your pet’s normal activity level, temperament, or mobility warrant a call to your veterinarian. Next, be aware of the physical and behavioral signs that could mean your dog is sick or your cat is sick. The experts at Bowman Veterinary Hospital have compiled some symptoms to watch for. Here are 10 common signs that your cat or dog is sick: Decrease in appetite accompanied by weight loss Bad breath or foul odor coming from the ears or skin Excessive thirst or urination Unexplained aggression or other behavioral changes Trouble walking or climbing stairs Inability to urinate or have bowel movements Respiratory problems: sneezing, coughing, excessive panting, trouble breathing Lethargy, hiding Frequent vomiting or diarrhea Abnormal whining, crying, or other vocalizations Emergency Warning Signs The best way to know for certain if your cat or dog is experiencing a pet emergency is to contact your pet’s doctor. However, some symptoms are clear signs that you should seek immediate treatment, including the following: Hard, distended abdomen Inability to urinate Excessive diarrhea and/or vomiting Seizures Trouble breathing Lack of coordination/inability to stand First, remain calm and make a note of your pet’s symptoms and when they began. Then contact your veterinarian to find out if you should schedule an appointment or visit the nearest emergency hospital.