Pet parents in the Big Apple and beyond never want to see their four-legged friends feeling under the weather. However, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of illness and bring them to a New York veterinary hospital for treatment.
Do you know how to tell if your dog is sick? Get answers in this helpful guide.
Eight Telltale Signs Your Dog Needs Veterinary Attention
Your dog is your best friend, but unfortunately, they can’t tell you when it’s time for them to see a doctor. It’s up to you to pay attention to any behavioral changes or physical health concerns and act accordingly.
The following signs often indicate that your furry friend needs an urgent trip to the vet to address serious health issues.
1. They Lose Their Appetite
When your dog’s eating habits suddenly shift, take note. Loss of appetite and weight loss could be due to dental disease.
When a dog’s gums become inflamed, chewing dry dog food can become painful, leaving them to ignore their food bowl entirely. Even eating wet food may prove difficult, so seek expert advice from a professional in Manhattan.
Bad breath and dental issues often go hand in hand. If your dog’s breath emits a foul odor and they have pale gums, bring them to a vet as soon as possible to treat dental issues.
2. They Lose or Gain Weight Suddenly
Weight changes serve as a clear sign of illness in dogs. Unexplained weight loss can stem from a variety of medical issues. Make sure you take your pet for regular check-ups so veterinarians can monitor their weight.
If you feed your pet a healthy diet but their weight still changes drastically, bring them to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible. Doctors will have to run a series of diagnostic tests to uncover the root of the problem.
3. They Suffer From an Upset Stomach
Ask an expert how to tell if your dog is sick, and they’ll tell you not to ignore excessive vomiting and diarrhea. Several medical conditions may lead to these digestive issues, including kidney disease, intestinal parasites, and liver disease.
The best thing you can do is keep your dog hydrated and let a veterinary healthcare provider examine them.
4. Your Dog’s Normal Demeanor Changes
Is your pup always full of energy and happy to see you? If so, it can be quite jarring if they suddenly retreat to a private corner and sleep for most of the day. Lethargy and behavioral changes are among the more subtle signs that your pet’s health may be declining.
Monitor your dog’s behavior for any sudden changes, such as:
- Loss of energy
- Abnormal neediness
- Being withdrawn
- Increased aggression
- Persistent whining or crying
Keep an eye out for other obvious signs that your pet is sick, such as trouble walking or breathing issues.
5. They Constantly Scratch Itchy Skin
Pet owners usually don’t think twice about dogs grooming themselves and scratching behind their ears. However, it’s a good idea to pay attention to how often they do so.
Persistent scratching could be due to fleas or allergies. Some animals experience hair loss along with their skin irritation.
Frequently check your dog’s coat for fleas and ticks. If you remove a tick from their skin, monitor subtle changes in their health and bring them to a vet to rule out Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases.
6. Their Drinking Habits Change
Knowing how to tell if your dog is sick can be as simple as checking their water bowl. Not drinking enough water can leave dogs dehydrated, which usually presents the following symptoms:
- Excessive panting
- Dry nose and mouth
- Decreased urine volume
- Lethargy and weakness
Excessive thirst and urination, on the other hand, should be a concern for pet parents. These are notable symptoms of Cushing’s disease and a urinary tract infection.
7. They Experience Respiratory Problems
Does your furry friend suddenly experience difficulty breathing and coughing? Is nasal discharge constantly dripping from your dog’s nose?
These are common signs that your dog has kennel cough, a highly contagious illness among canines. The infection often goes away on its own, but some animals need dedicated treatment. If your dog has trouble breathing or a persistent cough and they have an underlying health condition, it can’t hurt to bring them to a vet.
8. Their Eyes Irritate Them
A healthy dog’s eyes should never be red or have a runny discharge. Watch for these symptoms, as well as excessive squinting or pawing at the eyes. Your pet could have an infection, glaucoma, or other serious issue.
What Is the Best Way To Keep Your Dog Healthy?
Knowing how to tell if your dog is sick and providing the proper care is vital for maintaining pet health. However, dog owners should prioritize year-round care.
Use the following tips to keep your dog’s health under control:
- Schedule regular vet visits: Whether you have a puppy or a senior dog, monitor their health with yearly veterinary exams. Doctors can administer necessary vaccinations and check vital organs.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Avoid unhealthy weight gain by feeding your pup a nutritious diet as recommended by a professional.
- Prioritize exercise: Take your dog on daily walks or let them play in the park for joint health and mental stimulation.
- Groom them properly: Grooming involves more than just haircuts and manicures. Use gentle shampoos to maintain a shiny coat and brush their teeth to avoid dental problems.
- Monitor their overall health: Pay attention to your pup’s behavior as well as physical symptoms like abnormal bowel movements, ear infections, and difficulty walking. Bring them to a vet for peace of mind.
Don’t Delay a Vet Visit When You Have a Sick Dog
Now that you know how to tell if your dog is sick, take swift action if their health condition changes. Hudson Animal Hospital diagnoses and treats serious conditions canines face, including heart disease, diabetes mellitus, bacterial infections, and dental problems.
Let our compassionate team of providers keep your pet happy and healthy. To schedule an appointment, call 212-706-4088.