Signs of Dog Illnesses You Need to Bear in Mind

As you watch your four-legged friend run around in the backyard, what do you think? Do you immediately think they are unwell? Or maybe you think your dog has a normal, healthy life. But the fact is, dogs are living longer than ever before—with lifespans ranging from 10 to 13 years. So, it’s important to learn everything about your dog’s health in order to expand its lifespan.

Certainly, dogs are your best friends, and you want nothing but the best for them. That’s why knowing about the dog illnesses to look out for is important. A dog’s feeling of well-being is a big part of how they behave, so knowing what to look out for can help ensure your dog’s health.

Here Are the Signs of a Dog’s Illness

Vomiting or Diarrhea

It’s perfectly normal for dogs to vomit from time to time. After all, it’s a necessary function, and it helps get rid of whatever your dog has ingested. But in some cases, those occasional episodes of vomiting and diarrhea may be a sign of something far more serious, and your dog may need to be seen by a veterinarian.

Increased Or Decreased Urination 

If you are noticing a darker color of urine from your dog, it could be a possible sign that they are suffering from an illness. There are several illnesses that can cause your dog’s urine to be darker in color, such as urinary infections or bladder stones. However, if your dog is not drinking enough water, it can also result in darker urine. Besides, some dog illnesses can also result in decreased urination. If your pooch is not urinating at all and appears lethargic, take your dog to the vet to check for illnesses. For example, diabetes can cause your dog to urinate very little or not at all.

Loos Of Appetite

Losing appetite is a cardinal sign of an illness in dogs. A dog may stop eating because it is in pain. The cause may be a response to internal disease, pain, or injury. Other possible causes are reactions to medication, insect bites or stings, or toxic plants.

Change In Drinking Habits

The eating habits of your dog can tell you if something is amiss. If your dog suddenly stops drinking, walks more than usual, or shows other signs of illness, it could be a serious problem. Most dogs drink an average of six cups of water a day, but the amount that your dog drinks can vary depending on the weather, age, gender, and health of your dog. Changes in the amount that your dog usually drinks can indicate dehydration, diabetes, liver problems, or other health concerns.

Unexplained Weight Loss Or Gains

When your dog is sick, the first symptom you will notice is probably a change of appetite. This can present as weight loss or weight gain. It isn’t uncommon for pets to gain weight when they are sick. Their immune systems are suppressed, so their metabolism slows. However, when a dog is losing weight, it can be easy to mistake this for normal aging.

Changes In Personality

Dogs are intelligent, loyal, and affectionate. But they can also be moody, and this moodiness can quickly turn into something more serious. Behavioral changes in your dog could be a sign of health issues. If your dog is acting differently than usual, you should talk to your vet about your concerns. In the meantime, take a look at some behavior changes to watch for, just in case.

Coughing, Wheezing, Or Trouble Breathing

Your dog’s health is important, so it’s important to monitor what is normal and what is not. Since dogs can’t tell you what’s wrong, it’s up to you to keep track of their symptoms. If you see your dog coughing, wheezing, or having trouble breathing, it could be a sign of a serious condition—so take note of any changes in your dog’s behavior to get to the vet right away.

Hair Loss/Itchy Skin

If your pet is experiencing extreme hair loss or skin irritation, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. Hair loss can be caused by a number of conditions, including dandruff, allergies, and an underlying condition like diabetes. Some amount of shedding is normal, but constant hair loss or hair loss that doesn’t stop may indicate an underlying problem. If your pet is itchy, it could be allergies. Some dogs also lick themselves excessively, which may indicate their itchy skin is secondary to an allergy.

Dogs are tougher than we give them credit for. They’re always there for us, ready to attack a burglar or follow us over even the toughest terrain. But, sometimes, dogs need our help. Sometimes, they need an urgent care hospital. So, be mindful of these signs to find out when they need your help.