Signs of ill Health in Dogs
How do you know if your dog is unwell?
Your partner or child can tell you if they are unwell, and it is easier to establish if they have a bad cold or something worse.
You love your dog just as much, but they can’t speak to you; therefore, it is much harder to establish if a dog is just under the weather or something more serious.
Daily health checks
You do not want to be one of those mother goose dog owners that rush your beloved pooch to the Vet every time they sneeze.
However, it is wise to do mini daily health checks on your doggie to make sure they are looking fit and healthy. This doesn’t have to be a lengthy examination; it is more about noticing subtle changes and possible issues. For example, if you have to brush your dog daily, then why not check for tick, fleas, and dry skin. Then on your daily dog walks, take a moment to see how they are moving. Are they limping, or do they seem stiffer on the morning walk than on the afternoon walk, etc.
Things to look out for
If your dog is healthy, then it should exhibit the following:
- Glossy Coat: Their coat should look and feel as it should look for their breed, there should be no areas of unusual baldness, and it should be dandruff-free.
- Skin: Their skin should be smooth and uniform in color. There should be no redness, lumps, scabs, rashes, or external parasites like fleas and ticks.
- Eyes: Their eyes should be bright and full of life. They should not be watering or discharging excessive amounts of gunk.
- Ears: Look for the same traits as their other skin areas and check for excess wax.
- Nose: Their nose should be just moist enough; it should not constantly be running, and it should not be dry and cracked.
- Teeth: Their teeth should be plaque-free, and their gums should look nice and pink (this can differ depending on the breed).
What are the signs of ill health in dogs?
If you notice something unusual in your dog’s health check, then you must work out if it is a one-off or if it is a tell-tale sign of a disease. For example, if a dog is sick after eating some grass, then that is nothing to worry about. However, if a dog is always ill after eating their dinner, that could be a sign of something more severe, and you should contact your Vet.
Things to look out for
You are trying to look for unusual changes from the norm, which aren’t just one-offs but seem to be getting worse or not improving.
- Energy Levels: Look out for consistent decreases in energy. Do they get tired quicker, does it take them longer to recover from exercise, are they less interested in going out for a walk, do they appear depressed or anxious, or are they sleeping a lot more than usual?
- Appetite: The next main thing to look out for is their appetite, which could work both ways. The most obvious is if they go off their food and stop eating, that is an obvious sign of constantly sick after eating. On both these occasions, you should ask for advice from your Vet. However, it works the other way too. If they suddenly become hungry and want more and more food, this could be a sign of internal parasites, hormonal issues, or diseases such as Diabetes. Your Vet will be able to do tests to establish what is wrong.
- Stools and Urination: It might not be the most pleasant thing to do, but you should always check their stools. After all, you must pick it up with a poop bag, so you might as well have a look at what you are picking up. Check for blood, mucus, parasites, or anything unusual. Consider if they are regularly constipated or have constant diarrhea. A bout of constipation or diarrhea isn’t uncommon and can be one of those things; however, if they have diarrhea for more than a couple of days or it happens regularly, it is best to have your Vet do a check-up. Also, keep an eye on your dog when they are weeing and pooing. If they seem to be having a problem or it is causing them pain, it could be a sign of a blockage or infection.
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- Skin and Teeth: A dog’s skin and dental health can be clear indicators of a problem. A little rash after a hike or a slight yellowing of the teeth does not necessarily mean you need to rush off to the Vet. However, if you keep noticing the same type of skin issue flaring up time and time again, or if they have bleeding gums or appear to have sensitive teeth. Then you will need to consult your Vet.
- Behavior: A dog’s behavior will naturally change over its lifetime, and they will be very different dogs as puppies, adulthood, and when they are elderly. However, you should be aware of sudden behavioral changes as this could be a sign that something is wrong. For example, have they suddenly become aggressive or become noticeably anxious all of a sudden. These changes can be brought on by ill health and disease.
Final thoughts
As with people catching a disease or illness early is very important. So, it would be best if you did regular checks on your dog. If you do notice anything, do not panic, as it is likely nothing. However, if the problem doesn’t seem to get any better, then it is time to give your Vet a call.
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