When bringing a furry friend into the home, we want our dogs to feel happy, healthy, and comfortable. However, just like with human beings, dogs can develop all sorts of diseases throughout their lifespan which can impact their quality of life. It’s your responsibility as their owner to keep on top of your dog’s health and look for any warning signs that could suggest something is wrong.
Thankfully, most warning signs are fairly easy to identify. To help keep your dog in tip-top condition, here are some red flags to look out for which may require a visit to your vet.
Changes in Eating Habits
No matter how old your dog is, or their breed, you will have a hard time finding a canine that doesn’t love food. As a dog owner, there’s bound to have been many times when you’ve been tucking into your grub to find your canine by your side displaying puppy-dog eyes. This means that should your dog go off their food, you will notice within an instant. If your furry friend is turning their nose up at treats especially, this is a cause for concern that shouldn’t be ignored. To give you peace of mind, make sure you contact your vet right away.
Diarrhea
There are many reasons why your dog may have diarrhea. Your pooch may have eaten spoiled food, developed a bacterial infection, or caught a viral disease. Intestinal parasites can also be the cause of diarrhea. No matter the reason behind it, diarrhea can be incredibly dangerous for your pet as they could lose a huge amount of fluid and become dehydrated. Make sure you keep a close eye on your dog to monitor their bowel movements and if they are becoming distressed, you need to call your vet immediately.
Vomiting
Just like with humans, vomiting is one of the most alarming and obvious red flags that something is up with your dog. Seeing them be sick can be distressing, but it’s usually down to food poisoning or swallowing a foreign object. Liver failure can also be a cause of vomiting; however, this is normally in extreme cases. Many dogs also never know when to stop eating, so they may simply have eaten too much food. If your dog is vomiting and you have concerns, seeking professional help is important.
Rapid or Difficult Breathing
After a long walk around the block or on a hot summer’s day, it’s normal for your dog to pant. However, they shouldn’t have difficulty breathing once they return to a cooler temperature or have a brief rest. Should your dog have difficulty with breathing, or rapid breathing, this is a warning sign that there is something wrong. While there are many causes that could be behind problems with breathing, usually there is a direct impact on your dog’s lungs such as a chest infection. Make sure you keep close tabs on your dog if they have problems with their breathing.
Constant Sneezing
While the occasional sneeze in your dog is nothing to panic about, repeated or frequent dog sneezing could signal there is a problem with your pooch. Before you dial the vets, check this guide on how to stop your dog’s sneezing from Native Pet. They have various pet guides on all things health-related, helping you to stay one step ahead of your dog’s wellbeing. Native Pet crafts organic supplements for pooches and are also teamed with leading vet nutritionists in the country, meaning your dog’s health and wellbeing will always be put first.
Excessive Licking
Although it’s perfectly natural and normal for your dog to lick themselves during their grooming, there may come a point where their behavior is a little out of the ordinary. If your furry friend is constantly grooming and licking, this could signal a sign of illness, particularly if they’re focusing on one part of the body. While infections are usually the root cause for this, reactions to medication and allergies may be to blame too. Your natural instincts will kick in if you believe something is out of character, so don’t hesitate to speak to your vet.
Persistent Coughing
Although it’s normal for your pooch to cough every so often, persistent coughing could indicate that there is something more serious going on. Long-lasting coughs could be a sign of a serious health problem for your dog, and even be a cause of cardiac issues or pneumonia. Obviously, persistent coughing makes a sound, so you will know whether it’s right to visit your vet or not. If your dog has a kennel cough, for example, one of the best remedies to try out is manuka honey.
Jaundice
If you have noticed your dog’s skin yellowing, jaundice may be the cause which should be treated as an emergency. Jaundice is usually the first sign of kidney or liver failure, so if your dog is presenting red flags, you must call your vet immediately. Should your dog have jaundice, their organs will no longer be able to filter toxins out of their blood, resulting in a yellow-hued skin. There are additional health symptoms that your dog may experience if they have jaundice, including loss of appetite, lethargy, and weakness. You may notice a change in their feces, which can have an orange tint. The sooner you take your dog to the vet, the better, as they can provide a course of treatment and action plan to nurse your pooch back to health.
Lethargy
Most dog breeds love nothing more than to go on walks and explore new territories. While it’s normal for your dog to act lazy every once in a while, if they begin sleeping for longer and lying around the house, there could be something up. Inevitably, your dog’s age will play a factor in this. If your pooch has entered their senior years, they may not have the energy and stamina like they used to. However, if you have a pup who is disinterested in exercise, there could be something more sinister bubbling under the surface, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Any concerns should be addressed with your vet as they can perform an examination and give your dog a full-rounded checkup.
Unusual Behavior
As dog owners, we tend to know our canines inside out. Each dog will have their own personality and character, but you should be able to pinpoint if they’re acting differently. For instance, if your dog is normally loving and happy to be by your side but is now becoming agitated and aggressive, this is a sure-fire sign that there is a problem. When you are in pain or discomfort, you may become cranky. The same can happen with your dog, so don’t put off going to see your vet if you believe your pooch is playing up. There are a wide range of reasons why your dog may be showing signs of aggression, and in most cases, you can fix the matter and get your dog back to their old self.
If any of the signs above resonate with your dog’s current condition, it’s wise to contact your vet. No owner wants to see their dog in pain or discomfort, so you mustn’t hold off making an appointment. Speaking to a professional can be a great way to gain advice and support to keep your dog living its best life.