Information on Dog Illness

Although pet owners work hard to ensure their dog remains healthy and active throughout its life, it is impossible to prevent every illness that comes your pet's way. Because of its natural desire to survive, dogs are good at hiding their illnesses. Pet owners who are knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of dog illness are better equipped to provide care to their dog in the event of an illness. Pet owners who are unaware of theses indicators may not recognize when their dog is battling an illness.

  1. Signs and Symptoms

    • A broad range of signs and symptoms usually accompanies a dog's illness. According to Pet Place, these symptoms can include loss of appetite, sudden weight loss, bad breath, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody urine, inattentiveness, coughing, difficulty breathing, loss of energy and clumsiness.

    Diagnosis

    • A skilled veterinarian can determine the underlying cause of a dog's illness. To gather more information about the dog's condition, the veterinarian may perform a physical examination, along with a series of diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, urinalysis, x-ray, MRI or CT scan.

    Treatment

    • There are many conditions and diseases that may cause a dog to present symptoms, so treatment is usually geared toward addressing what caused the dog to become ill in the first place. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment can range anywhere from oral antibiotics to surgery. Whatever the case, it is important that pet owners follow the treatment recommendations given by their dog's veterinarian.

    Prevention

    • Although not all dog illnesses are preventable, pet owners can decrease the risk of their dog becoming ill by following general health and safety precautions. Pet owners should groom their dogs regularly and inspect their skin, coats, ears, eyes and mouths for any signs of illness or disease. In addition, pet owners should provide their dogs with sound nutrition and plenty of exercise.

    Considerations

    • Many signs of dog illness are general and non-specific, so it is important that dog owners be aware of what is, and what is not, normal behavior for their dog. For example, if your dog is usually energetic, but suddenly becomes less active or even lethargic, this could be an indicator that your pet is ill. If a pet owner suspects their dog is acting out of the norm, he or she should contact their dog's veterinarian as soon as possible and report any relevant information that can help the vet determine if the dog needs to be evaluated.