It is never easy to see a family member suffer from an illness, especially if he cannot communicate to you what is going on. This is always the case with the four-legged kind. Your dog may be suffering from something simple, such as fleas, or a serious, complex condition, perhaps involving the heart or kidneys. By monitoring the severity and duration of your dog's symptoms, you can gauge if he should go to the veterinarian or just get some rest until he feels better.
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Fatigue
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Dogs suffering from a heart condition may exhibit chronic fatigue, even to the point of fainting after exercise. Lethargy is also a sign of kidney failure.
Appetite Issues
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Poor appetite is indicative of both heart and kidney problems in dogs. A heart condition may result in poor circulation to the digestive organs, resulting in loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea. Dogs with kidney disease, as well, may be less interested in food and experience bouts of vomiting.
Drinking and Urination
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Increased drinking and urination are the first signs of a kidney condition in a dog. When the kidneys do not filter properly, blood flow increases in response, which causes more frequent urination. Increased urination makes the dog drink more to compensate and, in turn, increases urination. Frequent urination and water intake are also indicative of heart problems.
Cough
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Dogs suffering from heart conditions may develop a cough as fluid builds up inside the lungs.
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