As your dog's primary caretaker, you have the responsibility to protect her from harm and to care for her when she is ill. When she isn't feeling well, she can't verbalize it; she can't tell you that her stomach aches or that she feels feverish, but she will give you signs. One of the most important things that you can do for your dog is to know her well: How much does she normally eat and drink? How often does she nap? What is her normal level of energy? What weird habits does she have? If you know her well, then you'll recognize when something is wrong. Symptoms of canine disease vary--some are clinical, that is, they can only be detected by a professional medical exam. However, there are some signs, common to many illnesses and disorders, that can indicate something is wrong.
-
Change of Appetite
-
If your dog is refusing to eat, he probably has a minor gastrointestinal upset. However, loss of appetite can also signal a myriad of more serious illnesses or conditions that require immediate veterinary attention. For example, if your dog has ingested a foreign object or eaten a piece of low-quality rawhide, he could have a dangerous intestinal blockage requiring emergency surgery. Loss of appetite could also be a sign of a more serious condition, including but not limited to poisoning, kidney or liver failure, pancreatitis, cancer or diabetes. Conversely, if your dog is suddenly ravenous, this could be an indication of a hormone disorder or the onset of diabetes.
Vomiting
-
It is normal for your dog to occasionally vomit. Perhaps he ate too fast, drank too much water or decided to graze on the grass in the backyard. However, repeated episodes of vomiting (including an effort to vomit by heaving or retching), whether it be several episodes in one day, or one or two episodes per day for several days, is a sign that something isn't right. In fact, that much vomiting in and of itself could cause your dog to become dangerously dehydrated. Repeated vomiting could signal something simple like bilious stomach, which can be corrected with diet modifications. However, vomiting can also signal the presence of serious illness including but not limited to ulcers, cancer, kidney or liver failure, infection, diabetes, or bladder obstruction or rupture.
Fecal and Urinary Irregularities
-
A healthy dog should have a moist, firm stool and urine that is clear to amber-yellow colored. As unappealing as the prospect may seem, you should make a habit of observing your dog when she potties. Parasitic infestation can often be discovered just through observation--you will see the squirming creatures in your dog's feces. Diarrhea can be an indicator of mild gastrointestinal upset or of a more serious condition like a liver or digestive disorder. Mucus and/or blood in stools can indicate colitis or inflammatory bowel disorder, or something more serious like an intestinal blockage or perforation, parvo virus, intestinal tumors or liver failure. In addition, if your dog's urine is excessive, absent, bloody or dark, a bladder infection, urinary tract infection or diabetes may be indicated.
Behavioral Changes
-
If your dog is not feeling well, he may display signs of depression, which in a canine is manifested by fatigue, lethargy and loss of interest in normal activities. If your dog is depressed, he may sleep more than normal or find a quiet corner and spend his day there. He may even seem afraid for no reason. Watch for abnormal irritability in your dog. If a typically good-natured pooch suddenly lashes out at you or bites you, this may be an indication that he is ill or in a great deal of pain. If you observe your dog stumbling, walking with an unsteady gait or standing with his face in a corner or against the wall, this could indicate a neurological problem. In addition, you need to remember--every dog is different, and you know what is normal for your dog. If there is a sudden change in behavior, it's time for a check-up.
Changes in Appearance
-
A healthy dog should have a shiny coat, clear skin, bright eyes, a pink tongue and gums, and clean ears and nasal passages. Often, illness can manifest itself in your dog's appearance. Some changes in appearance are obvious--a thinning or ragged coat, bites or wounds, or abnormal discharge from her eyes, ears or nose, are all indications of illness or infection. However, some signs of illness aren't so obvious, therefore you need to routinely examine your dog for new lumps or skin irregularities, for changes in her teeth or gums, and for parasites like ticks and fleas.
-