If your spouse or children get sick, they will tell you. There will be tears and cuddles and requests for special foods. But when your fur baby gets sick, they can't express themselves with words. How are you supposed to know when they need medical help?
Dogs will express how they are feeling, but you might have to pay attention to notice. Their communication can be difficult to interpret. However, there are some warning signs that you should take note of and seek medical advice from a vet.
This isn't about skipping a meal because it's hot, or a sneaky vomit because they ate something they shouldn't have. This is about a change in their habit and is a red flag that something may be amiss. If they are consistently eating less or missing meals altogether, take them in to see their vet.
If your dog is unusually hungry, trying to eat everything they can get their furry paws on, and begging for food more than usual, this could be a medical problem. This might not be an emergency, so schedule an appointment with your vet.
You know your dog best, and it depends on the animal. If your healthy, young, Saint Bernard misses a meal, it's not a big deal, but a diabetic elderly pug should be given attention. If you're not sure, call your vet.
If it's super-hot or your dog has been out all day doing exercise, thirstiness is normal. But if it's over a few extra days, the thirst is sustained even with no increased activity or warmer weather, then seek medical advice. It could be a sign of kidney disease or diabetes.
Changes in your dog's eye are something to get checked out quickly. Cloudiness or red colored eyes may indicate injury or infection. If the dog is pawing at their eyes and squinting, there could be pain or damage. Things can get bad quickly with the delicate eye area, so contact your vet quickly. A rule of thumb is that if one eye is affected, it's likely an injury or infection. Both eyes could indicate allergies or a systemic health issue.
Vomiting is normal for dogs and humans. It's a way to remove something that doesn't agree with the body, such as something they shouldn't have eaten, or a form of food poisoning. Vomiting two or three times in a ten minute period and then feeling fine an hour later is normal. Keep an eye on them, but if they resume eating and drinking and exercise, it's no cause for alarm.
However, if they vomit blood, vomit frequently over a longer period of time (eight hours, for instance), then schedule a time to see your vet. Vomiting can lead to dehydration, so it's better to get them checked early.
If the dog is vomiting, has poor appetite, and diarrhea, it could be an emergency. Contact your vet right away.
Healthy dog poop is moist and firm. If there's a change and they become dry and hard, or there's loose diarrhea for more than 24 hours, it's time for a checkup.
If they are having problems defecating due to hardness it could be dehydration, illness, or dietary issues. Loose stools with worms, blood, or mucus also warrant a trip to the vet. Dark tarry colored stools indicate old blood, and this needs a vet check-up too.
If your dog had a big day of exercise yesterday or it's really warm, then lethargy is expected and no cause for alarm. But if they are consistently sluggish, tired, and no longer interested in going for a walk for more than two days, it's time to make an appointment with your veterinarian.
Weight loss in dogs is a cause for concern. Even if they are overweight and on a diet, their weight loss should be slow and steady. Any quick and unexpected loss of weight could indicate a serious health problem. Any weight loss more than ten percent of their body weight warrants a trip to the vet.
While it could be a symptom of zoomies or typical dog silliness, scooting could also signal a health issue. If they do this as part of their normal antics, it's fine. If it's increasing or they have started doing it for the first time, it could be worms, an anal gland issue, urinary tract infection, or bowel movement issues.
All of these symptoms mentioned above should be monitored, and help sought if they continue or worsen. Most don't need a trip to the emergency vet. However, the following symptoms all require emergency attention immediately.
It's worth discussing this list with your vet, as there may be additional items or clarifications distinct to your dog or their breed. For example, poorly bred pugs can really struggle to breathe; when is this normal and when should you seek assistance?
Most importantly, you know your dog, its habits and behaviors and idiosyncrasies. Every dog has their own habits and routine, and you are the best person to spot it. If something makes you alarmed, trust your instincts and call the vet.
