Healthy dog.

While there are definitely times dog owners can wait for their dog’s problematic symptoms to subside on their own, it’s better to act when your pup is feeling bad. How can you tell when your dog is really sick? Keep your eye open for the following signs:

1. Switching Gears

If a normally social, engaged, or clingy dog suddenly can’t be found, it’s time to get to the bottom of their behavioral changes. Likewise, if a dogs’ normal habits are abruptly altered, it’s worthwhile to consider what’s going on. When dogs are sick, their general mood, appearance, and behavior is upended. They may be in pain, which makes them act aggressively or try to bite any hands trying to comfort them. 

Take note of when behavioral changes begin, and watch them closely over a short period of time to gauge if symptoms are worsening. 

2. No Appetite

Dog owners know that dogs are highly motivated by food. They not only love to eat, they love to sniff around for fallen morsels, sneak a taste or two, and anticipate when the sound of food is going to hit their bowl.

A dog with no appetite is incredibly suspicious.If food avoidance is accompanied by other worrisome signs on this list, it’s time to get help ASAP.

3. Unexplained Weight Loss

There are many possible health conditions that cause rapid weight loss, and none of them should be ignored. If your dog is not on a diet and unexpectedly losing weight, it is critical to run tests for cancer, diabetes, parasites, heart disease, kidney disease, and various metabolic disorders. 

4. Elimination

Accidental soiling inside the house isn’t automatically concerning, but if this goes on for more than a day or two we recommend seeking help. Other issues related to their GI or urinary tracts include difficulty passing urine or feces, increasing trips outside, diarrhea, vomiting, crying when going, and more urine volume than ever before.

5. Breathing

Any issues stemming from poor or compromised respiration should be promptly examined. A mild case of sneezing could have a harmless origin, but any labored breathing, bloody nose, coughing, nasal discharge, and bluish gums could be related to serious issues, including heart failure, trauma, cancer, and pneumonia. 

Always Here For Your Dog

Our veterinarians and staff members are always here to help your dog. Please reach out to us at (916) 349-2755.