How To Tell If Your Dog is Sick

How To Tell If Your Dog is Sick

Every caring dog owner will agree, there is nothing more upsetting than when our pups don’t feel well, especially when we don’t know why!

Obviously, they can’t tell us by using words, but they can tell us in many other ways.

Symptoms of Sickness in Dogs

Two of the most common symptoms of sickness in dogs is vomiting and diarrhea, but there are many other signs to be aware of when your pup is feeling under the weather, including: 

  • Constipation
  • Lethargy
  • Restlessness
  • Weight loss, and/or lack of appetite
  • Excessive thirst
  • Red Gums
  • Elevated temperature

It’s also important to note that changes in behavior may also be present, and are often indicative of pain due to illness. 

Your dog may exhibit obvious signs of pain, such as panting, whining, pacing, hiding, and snapping, or the signs may be more subtle, like not wanting to participate in activities they typically enjoy, like playing or going for daily walks.

Causes of Sickness in Dogs

As mentioned above, two of the most common symptoms of illness and sickness in dogs is vomiting and diarrhea, both of which can have hundreds of possible underlying causes including:

  • Serious illnesses and diseases, like cancer and dangerous viruses.
  • Ingesting something potentially poisonous, like chocolate or anti-freeze.
  • Eating something that becomes stuck in the digestive system causing a blockage.
  • Emotional issues that cause anxiety, like fear of being left alone, and even simple changes in normal daily routine.
  • Allergies, although not typically life-threatening, can make your dog feel bad and cause discomfort.
  • Pain, whether acute due to injury, or chronic from an underlying cause like arthritis, will present as discomfort and overall malaise.

The first step is to have your dog examined and assessed by a veterinarian. They will be able to run the necessary tests to determine a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.

If necessary, your vet can prescribe medications to provide relief. Along with prescription medications, having some simple solutions at home will not only make your life easier, it will also make you pup more comfortable.

At-home Treatment Options for Common Symptoms of Sickness in Dogs

The following products can be very beneficial in your dog’s recovery process, and depending on the cause of their sickness, may be all that they need, but they are not to be used as a substitute for medical treatment, and are only recommended after you have consulted with your vet.

Vomiting

If your dog throws up once or twice within a short period of time, it may not be something to be concerned about, and putting them on a bland diet will help soothe digestive upset until normal digestion is restored. 

Diarrhea

Along with a bland diet, you can treat minor or intermittent diarrhea by adding probiotics. Link RB and Probiotic chews and powder.  For acute diarrhea, a fast acting solution like an anti-diarrhea liquid is suggested. 

Constipation

For minor constipation, add a supplement to promote soft stools and regular bowel function.

Allergies

Many dogs suffer from the same type of allergies as people do, including food and seasonal allergies. Providing ongoing relief and support with all-natural products like Allergy & Itch Chews and Powders.

Chronic Pain due to Arthritis

Although joint pain and stiffness may not seem like a major cause for concern, it should not be overlooked or ignored. Chronic pain can be very debilitating, and can affect your dog’s overall quality of life. Adding supplements that reduce inflammation can ease joint pain and promote mobility. 

Acute and Chronic Pain due to Spine and Disc Problems

As people continue to breed dogs with shorter legs, more and more dogs are developing IVDD, Intervertebral disk disease. Unfortunately, altering dogs genetically simply for the “cuteness factor” is wreaking havoc on their bodies that were not designed to have long backs and short legs. While providing Spine and Disc Supplements, along with significant life-style changes can help, IVDD
remains a very serious disease that can quickly lead to a lifetime of pain due to recurring disc ruptures. And with veterinary neurologists being hard to find, and treatment options extremely costly, IVDD almost always leads to a significant shortening a dog’s lifespan.

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If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.