Four Signs That Show Your Dog Might Be Sick

When your dog gets ill the chances are that you will know about it. It’s quite easy to see when your dog is not acting right, and as a responsible owner, you can respond before they get too poorly. Read on to find out the four big clues that your dog might need a little TLC, and maybe even medical intervention. 

They Are Lethargic

Dogs sleep during the day, but if you notice that your dog wants to sleep instead of participating in normal daily activities, then you might have a sick pooch on your hands. Lethargy is a disinterest in usual activities – maybe they don’t get excited when you bring out their leash, for example. It also looks like a floppy dog that just wants to lie down even when they are awake. If you notice that your dog will do nothing except lie down, or they can’t stay awake when they normally would, it’s a good idea to talk to a vet about potential causes. 

They Are Aggressive

Another tell-tale sign is when a usually placid dog becomes uncharacteristically aggressive. This could be anything from a full-blown aggressive episode to a snap in the wrong direction. Regardless, unusual aggression could be owing to sensitivity because of illness or injury. You can rule out injury by physically checking over your dog; if they are particularly sensitive in one area that is causing them to lash out, then you have your answer: Medipaw boots. It is a protective gear that provides maximum protection for a smoother, faster recovery all while keeping patients calm and stress-free. A dog suffering from an illness, such as sickness or something more serious, may also turn to aggression out of fear and discomfort. 

They Stop Eating

One of the biggest red flags you can see as a dog owner is when your pet starts refusing their food. When food is left in the bowl and completely ignored, or a treat is refused, run this past your vet. Food refusal is a fairly certain indicator that all is not well with your dog. It can indicate an upset stomach, or a more serious bowel obstruction. Let’s face it, dogs eat everything that they’re not supposed to, and unfortunately bowel obstructions, or stomach obstructions, seem to be a part of the role of the pooch parent. It can be anything from a sock to a discarded tennis ball you hadn’t noticed on your walk. They’re fast, they’re determined, and they are sneaky so you can’t always stop it before it happens.

Alternatively, try hand-feeding individual pieces of dog food. This may help comfort a dog who isn’t feeling well and encourage them to eat.

If you don’t see any physical symptoms of distress, maybe your canine companion is just being a picky eater. In that case, try cutting back on treats or swapping dry food for a fresh dog food option.

They Have Accidents

Toilet training happens fairly quickly when your dog is a puppy. It doesn’t take long for most dogs to realize where they go to do their business and where they don’t. So, if this suddenly changes, it’s worth investigating further. Conditions such as dog diabetes can lead to unwanted, uncontrollable, and frequent urination indoors, for example. A fecal incident is indicative of a stomach, or bowel, issue. Toilet habits are a good way of tracking your pet’s overall health and they are a fairly reliable source to let you know when something is not quite right. 

Common Canine Illnesses

Kennel Cough 

Kennel cough is so named because it spreads around kennels like wildfire. Unvaccinated dogs can spread this disease really easily onto other unvaccinated dogs as it is highly contagious. You can recognize kennel cough by the ‘barking’ and consistent cough. This cough will also bring up saliva and phlegm and your dog may look like they are struggling or even choking. It can cause a sore throat, dehydration and a fever, and it can put your dog off their food. Basically, your dog has a cold. It normally clears up within a week or so, but a fair number of canines will need medication to help them recover. The complications that can come from a dehydrated dog are also serious factors. 

Canine Parvovirus

A more serious virus for dogs is the canine parvovirus which can easily lead to death if left untreated or missed. Symptoms to look out for include lack of energy, severe vomiting, and severe diarrhea which can lead to severe dehydration which is very dangerous for any species and dogs are no exception. Complications can lead to septic shock and increased heart rates, all of which can put a drastic strain on your pup’s internal systems.

To avoid canine parvovirus there is a widely accessible vaccine that can be administered by your veterinarian. At home euthanasia is deemed appropriate; the veterinarian can explain the process and provide support during this difficult time.

Tetanus

There are two different types of tetanus in dogs. Native Pet, a natural-focused high-quality pet food company, highlights the importance of knowing about this potentially fatal disease. Not only do they sell products with a focus on inclusivity for dogs, but they work to raise awareness for owners around potential harm to their pets. Their focus on tetanus in dogs explains how it is caused by the Clostridium tetani bacteria which lingers in dirt and animal waste. It is generally transmitted through an open wound, which is where the bacteria enter the body. They then go on to multiply and die out causing a release of a tetanospasmin which is what causes our canine friends to go downhill rapidly. You can spot tetanus with three tell-tale warning signs. These are:

1. The dog’s movements slow down and even seize. 
2. The dog starts to develop muscle tremors and shakes. 
3. The dog might develop lockjaw. 

Without the right treatment, the prognosis is not good for dogs who contract tetanus. They need to see a vet and begin medication as soon as possible in order to boost their survival chances. If caught early enough, a simple antitoxin may be all your dog needs. If not caught early enough, a course of antibiotics is the next step. They will need to stay in a medical environment in order to be constantly monitored and potentially receive IV fluids. Now, this all sounds pretty serious, and it is. To avoid it, always check your dog for sores and open wounds that are bleeding and have the potential to become infected. If your pet sustains this type of injury, treat it immediately so they are at no risk of further harm. 

It can be hard to face the anxiety that comes with your pet getting ill. Remember that most things can be treated effectively if they are found in time.