Warning Signs You Should Take Your Dog to the Vet

Some dogs are incredibly healthy, eat premium food, receive regular vet visits, and get plenty of sleep and exercise. But others aren’t so lucky– they get more unwell and act strangely.

When it comes down to it, dog sickness can be scary for pet owners but scratch the surface of it, and you’ll likely find that a few common symptoms can hint at a serious illness.

So, learn a thing or two about dogs’ health. Understand what causes arthritis in dogs, and how it can be dealt with. Try an identify tell-tale signs of hip dysplasia, and learn about the different symptoms your dog would show if he or she has an upset stomach. Now, you should consider taking reference from the below-mentioned warning signs so that you can be better attentive to your furry friend’s health.

Odd Eating Habits

You love your dog, but sometimes their problems seem a bit puzzling. Their odd eating habits, for instance, can make it hard to figure out exactly what they’re eating. Sometimes they stop eating altogether, and other times they go a little overboard with the process. Their mouths are sore, and their gums and teeth look a bit yellow and stained. This is a sign that something is wrong with your dog.

Remember that if your pet has suddenly begun to exhibit strange eating habits, it could be a sign of a more serious problem like indigestion or gastrointestinal irritation. Possibly, they ate something they shouldn’t have, such as trash, non-food items like socks, or even prescription medications.

Excessive Panting

It is true that panting is common among healthy dogs –they do this when they feel hot or tired. However, extreme panting, also known as exercise intolerance, is a sign of stress and poor health. It may signify that your canine friend is in discomfort–perhaps it is dehydrated or may be suffering from an underlying illness that you are not possibly aware of.

Excessive Thirst

It’s normal for some dogs to drink more than usual when hot or stressed. But a dog that drinks nearly all the time, to the point where it has to drink multiple glasses of water, needs to be taken to a vet.

Vomiting & Diarrhea

If your pup is throwing up, it’s usually not a good sign. However, sometimes throwing up can be part of the dog’s normal digestion process. That is why, if it vomits more than once a day, without a stomach upset, such as nausea or diarrhea, it could be a sign of a more critical problem. Hence, you should see your vet immediately. Remember that puking multiple times could make your canine friend feel uneasy; in some instances, it could even lead to severe dehydration.

Loss of Vision

Changes in your dog’s eyesight can be indicative of various underlying health issues, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or other ocular conditions. If you notice your dog bumping into objects, reluctant to navigate familiar spaces, or having a cloudy appearance in their eyes, it’s essential to seek professional veterinary care promptly. Loss of vision can significantly impact your dog’s quality of life, and early detection is key to managing and treating potential eye issues effectively. Even if they do go blind, Luna the blind husky and other similar pets are proof that living with a bling dog is possible. They offer guidance on how to provide the best care and companionship to your furry friend adjusting to life without sight.

Swollen Abdomen

If your dog has suddenly developed a large belly, there might not be enough time to wonder if it’s serious. It could essentially be a death sentence because it is a sign of pancreatitis. However, know that the abdomen does not swell suddenly. Prior to this, there will be signs like abnormal posture and loss of appetite displayed by your pet. Whenever you notice these symptoms, seek the advice of your vet.

Sudden Weight Loss

Dogs don’t lose weight suddenly for no reason. So, if your pooch starts losing weight abruptly, it must be due to diabetes or intestinal infection. In that case, they would need a strict diet consisting of proper dog food for diabetics along with a routine check up with vet every now and then.

Extreme Pain

Dogs don’t complain about pain basically because they are stoic. But this doesn’t mean they don’t suffer. Like humans, they too experience conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and dental disease. That is why it is prudent for pet owners to learn the behavioural changes that dogs can exhibit when they’re in pain. For instance, some dogs lick themselves continuously; others narrow their eyes and look away from the light. Besides these, there are several other changes that one can easily notice to differentiate between the run-of-the-mill tummy ache and more critical diseases.

Lack of Energy or Lethargy

Dogs are full of energy, vitality, and playfulness, but signs of an illness can disrupt this happiness. Sometimes, health issues go unnoticed until it is too late. Therefore, it’s important to pay attention to changes in your dog’s health so that you can bring them in for an examination. Remember that changing behaviour of your four-legged friend, such as losing energy, becoming lethargic, or eating less than usual, does not necessarily indicate aging. Perhaps there is something more serious going on.

With all these points in mind, it is important to note that in some unfortunate cases, pets might succumb to their illness, especially if the signs of one are unnoticeable. In that event, owners might find it difficult to cope, however, it is important to give your beloved friend a proper goodbye. Depending on whether you want to bury them or cremate them, you can reach out to Tendering Pet Cremation or similar pet funeral service providers to help you organize the service so that you do not have to go through the ordeal yourself. This will also give you some closure and allow you to mourn them thoroughly. Surely, it can be one of the toughest things to say goodbye to a beloved family member, however, life is not likely to go our way on most occasions, and the need to prepare for different eventuality is important.

Take your dog to the vet immediately if you notice these warning signs. It’s not always obvious when a pet’s health is at risk, but it’s important to pay attention to any warning signs to understand when your pet is unwell.