When to worry about dogs

It’s not out of the ordinary for your dog to skip a meal or two, especially if it’s hot outside — but any more than this should be a red flag that something’s off. Two days without eating is a clear sign that your dog needs an examination. Lethargy is a sign that something may be troubling your dog. A lethargic dog may be uninterested in playing, going for a walk, or participating in activities they usually enjoy. Normal fatigue or sore muscles can sometimes be due to high temperatures, but you should see a vet if symptoms persist for more than two days. Even in an overweight dog, sudden weight loss should prompt you to take them to the vet. Losing weight quickly and unexpectedly could indicate a serious health condition. If your dog drops in weight by 10 percent, bring it to your vet’s attention. Take your dog to the vet or an emergency vet clinic if they show any of the following symptoms: open wounds or possibly broken bones, such as from being hit by a car or other trauma, stopped breathing or unconsciousness, repeated vomiting or vomiting blood, seizures, sudden collapse or difficulty breathing, bleeding from their mouth, nose, or eyes, possible poisoning from eating something toxic, extreme pain, seen as whining or shaking, hard and swollen abdomen. Due to a dog’s survival instinct, they will work to appear healthy on the outside. It’s important as a pet owner to be observant and aware of the subtlest changes. You know your dog better than anyone, so if something seems wrong, take them to the veterinarian for a checkup.

Any unexplained changes in your pet’s normal activity level, temperament, or mobility warrant a call to your veterinarian. 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. 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.

Look for these signs in your dog Changes in eating habits: A sudden loss of appetite can indicate an underlying health issue. Similarly, if your dog shows an unquenchable thirst, it could indicate a problem such as kidney disease or diabetes. Lethargy: Dogs are naturally energetic creatures. Hence, if you notice a sudden and unexplained decrease in your dog’s activity level or a lack of interest in their favourite activities, it may be a cause for concern. It can be due to infections, pain, or organ dysfunction. Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea: While occasional digestive upsets aren’t uncommon, persistent or severe vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and further complications. Respiratory distress: You should not ignore your dog’s breathing difficulties. Pay attention if your dog is coughing excessively, wheezing, or experiencing rapid and laboured breathing. Unexplained weight loss or gain: Significant changes in your dog’s weight can indicate an underlying health issue. Changes in behaviour or mood: Uncharacteristic aggression, excessive restlessness, disorientation, or increased anxiety may indicate pain or neurological problems.

Dogs have complex needs. Dogs use a range of methods to communicate Including scent information, sounds such as whines, whimpers, growls, barks and howls, and also body language using their body, face, tail, ears and limbs. Dogs can be athletic – but every one is different. But while all dogs need exercise, the levels of physical activity should go in line with their heath, age, athleticism and individual needs. Dogs are highly social. Many dogs enjoy the company of other dogs, but they'll also form strong social bonds with humans, becoming very attached to particular people in their lives.

If your dog seems unusually tired or sluggish, it could be a sign that something is wrong. If your dog is much slower to react, not as playful, or simply much lazier than normal than they usually might be, It's best to take your dog to the veterinarian for a thorough examination. If your dog suddenly stops eating or cuts down on his food intake, it could be a sign that he's not feeling well. Vomiting and diarrhea are both common signs that something is wrong with your dog. If your dog has vomited more than once or has diarrhea that lasts more than a day, it's best to take him to the vet. If your dog is acting differently than normal, out of routine, or seemingly acting unfamiliar in a home environment it could be a sign that something is wrong. If this is accompanied by other symptoms on this list, it's worth taking him to the vet for a check-up. Often noticing these symptoms as soon as possible can be a potentially life-saving act and help your best friend mitigate pain. Because signs of disease are not always obvious, you must take measures to implement preventative care into your normal routine visit to your veterinarian.