Like their owners, dogs can get sick too. Starting from mild illness caused by a virus to dangerous illness accompanied by complications. Your dog can't tell he's sick. Therefore you must recognize certain symptoms. Always consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog is sick.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Examining the Dog's Outer Physique
Step 1. Watch for excessive drooling and bad breath
Excessive drooling or bad breath can be a sign that your dog's teeth need to be extracted. To avoid dental problems, try to train your dog to get used to brushing his teeth. Watch for the following symptoms that indicate a tooth-related disease:
- Eat less.
- Sensitive when you touch the muzzle.
- You may also notice that your dog is having trouble chewing.
Step 2. Listen for excessive coughing sounds
If your dog is coughing, you don't have to worry. However, if the cough doesn't go away for more than 24 hours, a serious problem is definitely going on. Get a severe cough checked by the vet.
- Coughing can disrupt your dog's sleep.
- Coughing in dogs can signal a variety of ailments from bronchitis to heartworms. Ask a professional to check it out.
Step 3. Watch for changes in your dog's behavior
Like humans, dogs can also behave unusually when they are sick.
- These changes can be seen from the increase or decrease in appetite and thirst. Or the dog turns into hyperactive or limp.
- If you notice a change in your dog's behavior, visit the vet immediately.
- If he only reacts when a certain part of his body is stroked, it may be injured or sick.
Step 4. Watch for cuts or swelling on your dog
Dogs can experience ingrown hairs, cysts, and other skin problems. So not all swelling or lumps are a cause for concern. However, experts can definitely recognize it.
- The lumps can grow in any size.
- The lump is getting attached to the muscle tissue.
- There is a bleeding wound.
Step 5. Take the dog's temperature
Dogs can get cold just like humans. If your dog has a fever, especially one that is accompanied by other symptoms, see your vet as soon as possible.
- Body temperature 39 degrees Celsius, including high. Take your dog to the vet immediately.
- Body temperature that reaches 40 degrees Celsius requires medical attention as soon as possible.
Part 2 of 4: Evaluating a Dog's Diet
Step 1. Watch out for excessive drinking
Monitor the amount of water your dog drinks each day. Take note if you notice a big change in the amount of water you drink. Drinking too much or too little can indicate a health problem that needs to be addressed by a veterinarian.
- Prevent dogs from playing too much, especially in hot weather.
- If you notice your dog is drinking more during the week, see your vet.
Step 2. Watch your dog's appetite
Changes in appetite, especially those that lead to weight gain or loss, can indicate your dog is sick. Unexpected weight gain or loss should be checked by a veterinarian.
- In the short term, a loss of appetite in your dog can be a hallmark of fever, pain, stress, and several other possibilities.
- If loss of appetite occurs along with other symptoms, you should see your veterinarian immediately.
Step 3. Watch for indigestion
Vomiting and diarrhea in dogs need to be watched out for. These symptoms can be a sign of many things, from ingested sharp objects, stomach ulcers, to parasitic disorders.
- No need to worry about vomiting and mild diarrhea.
- Vomiting or diarrhea that persists for more than 24 hours requires veterinary care.
- Blood in vomit or feces is a serious symptom that needs to be treated immediately.
Part 3 of 4: Evaluating the Dog's Active Level
Step 1. Observe your pet's energy
Prolonged lethargy is a strong sign that your dog is not feeling well. While you don't have to worry about your dog looking tired after playing, be aware of other signs such as a decreased tolerance for exercise or general weakness combined with lethargy.
- If your dog seems to be feeling sluggish for more than two to three days, see your veterinarian.
- Lethargy accompanied by other symptoms requires veterinary attention.
- High energy levels can also be a health problem that requires medical attention.
Step 2. Pay attention to how your dog scratches
All dogs often scratch their bodies. However, scratching too often can be a sign of a health problem. If your dog is scratching too much, don't ignore it! Take note of the possible causes below or contact your veterinarian for more information:
- Scratching is a common sign of lice, ticks or mites.
- Scratching can also signal an endocrine or hormonal problem in your dog.
- Dogs can also experience allergies like humans that make them feel itchy.
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Take your dog to the vet.
- Most veterinarians will examine it, try to diagnose it, or suggest tests to confirm the diagnosis.
- After the test, your vet will prescribe medication to treat the itching or at least make your dog feel more comfortable.
Step 3. Watch for difficulty standing or moving
If your dog begins to show signs of stiffness, such as difficulty standing or climbing stairs, you should get him checked out immediately.
- These symptoms can be the result of various diseases ranging from bone diseases such as hip dysplasia, arthritis, to Lyme disease caused by bacteria carried by ticks.
- The sooner Lyme disease is treated, the better the prognosis. So go to the vet immediately if you notice any of these symptoms, especially in a young dog.
Step 4. Watch for breathing difficulties in the dog
Difficulty breathing can indicate a problem with your dog's respiratory system. Identifying the cause will be difficult for you. Therefore, take your dog to the vet for an accurate diagnosis.
- Difficulty breathing requires immediate attention.
- If your dog's gums are bluish, seek help immediately.
Step 5. Watch for accidents that cause injury
Home-trained pets rarely get into accidents unless their health is in trouble. If your dog begins to experience it, and it seems unusual, your vet will usually schedule several checkups to find out what the problem is.
Having an accident for several days in a row indicates certain health problems
Step 6. Watch for changes in your dog's urination
Changes in urinary frequency can indicate a health problem. Also check for blood or discoloration in the dog's urine. If you notice anything unusual in your dog's urine or urinary habits, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Increased or decreased urine can indicate a disease.
- Urination problems can be related to kidney or kidney stones.
Part 4 of 4: Know When It's Time to Seek Emergency Help
Step 1. Watch for unnatural vomiting
If your dog tries to vomit without success, he may have bloating, a condition that can be life-threatening. Take your dog to the vet to be sure.
Step 2. Notice if the dog looks limp
If your dog has difficulty standing, staggers, or even falls, you should seek help immediately. Even if your dog feels exhausted, he can still stand and walk. Falling while walking is a sure sign that your dog needs medical attention.
Step 3. Monitor the dog's urine
If your dog tries to pee but can't, take him to the vet immediately. Inability to pass urine indicates a blockage. This is of course a serious problem.
Tips
- Always monitor your dog's food and drink intake for changes in appetite or signs of dehydration.
- It's important to know your dog well so you'll know when a change in physical, behavior, or behavior occurs.
- Save your vet's contact number so you can reach him quickly in an emergency.
- Keep a list of alternative veterinarians who serve at night and on holidays.
- If you are not sure your dog is sick, contact the nearest veterinary clinic.
