Have you noticed changes in your lovely furry companion and wondered what could be wrong?
Well, it may be feeling unwell.
Here are 5 signs that your dog may be sick.
Decreased Appetite
While the level of concern depends on how food-motivated a dog is, loss of appetite can be a sign of sickness in dogs. If your pup suddenly cuts down his food consumption, it could indicate an underlying problem especially if the loss of appetite is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Lethargy
Many illnesses including hypothyroidism, heart disease, or parvovirus cause reduced energy levels in dogs. This can make even the most energetic dog appear lazy. If your dog seems unusually sluggish or extremely tired, it’s best to consult a vet for an examination as this could indicate a serious health issue.
Changes in Behavior
A dog that is experiencing distress or discomfort will often display major changes in its behavior. Behavioral changes can be triggered by physical injuries and environmental changes. Contact your vet if your dog is showing unusual behaviors such as withdrawal, extreme neediness or clinginess, hiding, aggressive tendencies, or refusing contact or snuggles.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common signs of illness in dogs. If your dog experiences a single round of vomiting or diarrhea but is acting and feeding normally, just observe it for more symptoms. However, if the diarrhea or vomiting lasts more than one day and is accompanied by other symptoms, see your vet as it could be a sign of a more serious thing.
Difficulty Breathing
A dog that has allergies or infections may experience coughing, sneezing, wheezing, panting, or difficulty breathing. However, persistent difficulty in breathing accompanied by other symptoms could be a sign of a serious medical issue such as heart disease, kennel cough, or tracheal collapse. It’s thus important to take your dog for a check-up if it’s experiencing these respiratory symptoms.
