A dog owner will certainly be concerned if the pet gets sick because dogs are considered as members of the family. Dogs are provided with high quality food and regularly taken to the vet for checkups and vaccinations but illness cannot be totally avoided. One of the responsibilities of a dog owner is to get prompt medical assistance for the pet but as dogs cannot speak of how they feel, a dog owner may find it hard to know if the dog is sick. It is necessary for a pet owner to be very observant of the telltale signs so that the needed medical treatment will be promptly given to the pet.
A change in activity level can be symptom of an illness. A dog owner should be concerned if the pet becomes suddenly lethargic, withdrawn or listless as it is possible that the naturally energetic dog is sick. The change in behavior and the decline in energy level can be attributed to the dog's old age. Something is definitely wrong if the lethargic dog is also note to have movement difficulties.
The eating and drinking habits of a sick dog will definitely change. We know that dogs have huge appetites. Dogs would eat anything, would raid trash cans and would filch food when the owner's back is turned so that something is really wrong if the dog refuses the food. A sick dog will be noticed to drink more water. The need for more water may be due to diabetes or kidney disease. A pet owner has to be observant as the increased water intake can be the dog's way to combat an extremely hot weather.
Most dog owners would not worry if the pet throws up or have diarrhea as these animals are indiscriminate eaters. Dog owners should be concerned if the vomiting bouts have been going on for days and the diarrhea is bloody. Many dog owners use the pet's nose as a barometer of health. A dog's cold and wet nose is sign of good health. Dogs that are feeling under the weather are noted to have dry warm and runny noses.
Knowing the telltale signs that the dog is ailing is very important so that prompt medical assistance can be given to the pet. Recognizing the signs early is necessary not only to prevent the illness from worsening but also to save on vet bills.
A change in activity level can be symptom of an illness. A dog owner should be concerned if the pet becomes suddenly lethargic, withdrawn or listless as it is possible that the naturally energetic dog is sick. The change in behavior and the decline in energy level can be attributed to the dog's old age. Something is definitely wrong if the lethargic dog is also note to have movement difficulties.
The eating and drinking habits of a sick dog will definitely change. We know that dogs have huge appetites. Dogs would eat anything, would raid trash cans and would filch food when the owner's back is turned so that something is really wrong if the dog refuses the food. A sick dog will be noticed to drink more water. The need for more water may be due to diabetes or kidney disease. A pet owner has to be observant as the increased water intake can be the dog's way to combat an extremely hot weather.
Most dog owners would not worry if the pet throws up or have diarrhea as these animals are indiscriminate eaters. Dog owners should be concerned if the vomiting bouts have been going on for days and the diarrhea is bloody. Many dog owners use the pet's nose as a barometer of health. A dog's cold and wet nose is sign of good health. Dogs that are feeling under the weather are noted to have dry warm and runny noses.
Knowing the telltale signs that the dog is ailing is very important so that prompt medical assistance can be given to the pet. Recognizing the signs early is necessary not only to prevent the illness from worsening but also to save on vet bills.
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Sarah's Dogs has more information about how to tell if the dog is sick and dog first aid.
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