You often hear dog owners referring to their canines as their “fur-babies.” With any baby, you’re going to want to do everything you can to make sure they’re feeling well.
Sometimes, you can’t tell if your dog is tired, ate too much (or something they weren’t supposed to) or feeling unwell.
There are some visible signs, like dog diarrhea, but other times the symptoms may not be so obvious.
Here’s a look at some signs that point to your dog feeling ill and sick.
Sudden Appetite Change
By now, you may have figured out your dog will eat just about anything. You have their favorite treats ready for when they are good or do a trick and their three meals a day.
But, if you notice your dog has stopped eating or is eating more and more, that may a sign of illness. A sudden appetite change is something to monitor, and if it doesn’t improve, then you may want to head to the vet.
Excessively Bad Breath
No one is rushing to make a “Dog’s Breath” cologne or air freshener anytime soon, but excessively putrid dog breath could point to a more significant issue.
It may mean they just ate something rotten, or it could be pointing to an issue with their stomach or intestines.
Tummy Problems
With your dog eating almost everything in sight, they sometimes may put something in their body they shouldn’t.
Now and then, this results in dog diarrhea or vomiting. If it happens once or twice, it may not be that big of a deal. If it’s occurring over 24 hours, then it’s time to take your dog to the vet.
Bathroom Issues
All that food has to go somewhere, right? If you notice your dog having issues passing urine or defecating, that’s a sign of illness.
Also, if your perfectly house-trained dog is suddenly going all over your carpet and around the house, that could be another issue you’re going to want to have looked at.
Breathing Troubles
Breathing issues are some of the easiest to notice because of how unique they sound. Every dog, and pet owner, for that matter, has had moments where they’ve noticed their pet having difficulty breathing.
You run over and find out your dog has decided to try and swallow a rock, so you stick your finger in there, dig it out, and receive dog kisses as thanks.
But, if you notice your dog has a harsh cough, difficulty in breathing, and doing normal things, then you should head to the vet right away.
Behavior Changes
When you’re sick, you don’t feel like yourself. And neither does your dog.
Dogs do strange things from time to time, but if you notice your dog acting strangely for a prolonged time, such as high levels of irritation or withdrawal, that could mean they’re trying to tell you something.
It also goes the opposite way, if your normal-acting dog all of a sudden becomes incredibly clingy, then you may notice something is wrong.
Neurological Issues
If you see twitches or constant circling from your dog, then there is likely a problem with their brain. Unfortunately, the only thing you can do here is taking them to the vet to get them checked out properly.
