Few things can cause pet owners more stress than when something is wrong with their dog. Without words, it's difficult to figure out what ails your dog, or to know how to respond to their pain. An understanding of common dog ailments and treatments can help dog owners make better decisions about which conditions require a vet.
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Determining if a dog is sick
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An observant pet owner might first notice that his or her dog isn't feeling well when his behavior changes. A dog who is feeling ill may exhibit pacing, whining or lethargic behavior.
If your dog exhibits this behavior, check his gums. A healthy dog will have pinkish gums. A sick dog's gums may be bluish or gray, white, yellowed, or dark brick red. Additionally, a healthy dog's gums will be moist and smooth while an ill dog's gums may appear to be dry or have a leathery, ridged appearance.
A dog's rectal temperature should be between 100.5 and 102.5. If his temperature is out of this range, it's best to see a veterinarian.
Dogs with Digestive Symptoms
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Sometimes a dog exhibits symptoms of illness, like diarrhea, with or without a fever.
A dog who loses control of his bowels, or has watery, squirting bowel movements may be suffering from a digestive problem, or from the effects of eating something bad.
If your dog has a tendency to "get into things" and you suspect that he's eaten something he shouldn't have, it's best to be sure that he has access to plenty of water and limit his food intake for 24 hours. After 24 hours, slowly reintroduce foods, beginning with plain rice instead of dog food. Over the next few days, mix progressively larger amounts of dog food with the rice, to help his body rid itself of the harmful bacteria that caused the illness. A rule of thumb is to replace 100% of his dog food with rice and then every two days replace one-fourth to one-third of the rice with dog food, so that after a week or so, the dog is eating his normal diet again.
A dog, especially a large-breed older dog, who is panting, weak and swollen on his left side may be suffering from gastric dilation volvulus, or GDV. It's a condition where the gassy stomach actually turns over, and can be deadly. A dog with GDV must be treated immediately, sometimes surgically.
Keep the Dog Comfortable
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A sick dog shouldn't be forced to participate in a daily run or walk. If his body needs rest, it's important to allow it. Limiting the dog's access to food and water, as prescribed by your veterinarian, is important. If medicine is to be administered, ask your vet if it's OK to mix with a small amount of ground beef.
A dog who is too weak to climb into his normal bed, or who is being kept outside until diarrhea goes away, should still have access to a soft place to stay, with a climate that doesn't cause discomfort.
Seek Medical Attention
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Even if you can't afford the vet's visit, you can call the clinic for a phone consultation. If your dog's symptoms indicate an emergency, the clinic will generally let you know. If it seems like a minor problem that can be managed at home, it will be nice to have confirmation, as well as warning signs to look out for.
If your dog's condition requires a vet visit, make a note of everything he's eaten and any other circumstances that may contribute to his illness.
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