Top 5 Signs Your Dog Is Sick and What You Can Do
A nightmare shared by most dog owners is a sudden and completely confusing dog illness. No one wants to jump to conclusions, but it can feel so paralyzing to wait and see if symptoms will persist or, hopefully, improve. Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital knows this scenario all too well, which is why we’ve narrowed down these dog health warning signs.
How to Know
There are lots of symptoms that can resolve fairly quickly without medical intervention. Yet again, the same symptoms can be caused by serious illness. Consequently, adhering to a better safe than sorry mentality can save both you and your dog trouble in the long run. The early detection of common dog health issues can result in a better prognosis, fewer medical bills, and more effective treatment.
Top 5 Warning Signs
If your dog demonstrates any of these symptoms, please reach out to us as soon as possible.
- Lethargy is a symptom of many different illnesses. As such, it’s really important not to ignore uncharacteristic sluggishness or social withdrawal. An effective test is to bring out items that you know your dog typically goes crazy for, like a special treat or toy. If they show zero interest, call your veterinarian.
- Any changes to a dog’s appetite are worthy of close inspection. As they are often incredibly motivated by food, dogs that show little or no interest in their favorite snacks or treats may be suffering from something serious, especially if there are other symptoms happening concurrently.
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea are way more than a messy inconvenience. Sure, sometimes these symptoms could be caused by something they ate and can resolve in a day. However, without an examination and diagnostic testing, vomiting and diarrhea can lead to extreme dehydration in a short period of time.
- Increased water consumption and increased urination can be linked to kidney disease and diabetes. Measure the amount they appear to be drinking and try to gauge how much urine they produce when outside.
- A dull, dry coat alongside flaky, itchy skin can make a dog extremely uncomfortable and unhappy. They could have a nutritional deficit, allergy, infection, or other health problems in need of attention.
Knowing Your Dog
When a dog owner knows and can easily recognize what’s normal for their dog’s appearance and behavior, they can better identify what’s not normal. Close observations every day can serve many purposes, and really help to provide for a dog whenever they need it the most. If you have questions or concerns about our veterinary care for dogs, our staff at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital is happy to assist you at (916) 624‑PETS (7387).