In this blog, Is My Dog Sick? 10 Signs and Symptoms of a Sick Dog, we explore 10 common signs and symptoms of illness in dogs. If you’re a dog owner, you’re probably familiar with their loyalty, protection, and spiritedness. But what about when something goes wrong? In their lifetime, most dogs will get sick. If you suspect your dog is sick, it’s essential to know the signs and symptoms of illness to help you make the right decision for your dog.
**This blog does not constitute medical advice and should not be used in place of seeking medical advice if you suspect your dog is ill.
10 Signs And Symptoms of a Sick Dog
Build-Up In Their Eyes
If your dog has any discharge or a filmy build-up in its eyes, especially if it has any color to it (yellow or green) and/or is located in just one eye, you need to have their eyes checked as soon as possible. This is most likely a sign of an infection requiring antibiotic drops.
Any concerns with your dog’s eyes will need to be diagnosed early to prevent any damage to their eyes.
Changes in Urination
Changes in urination may be one of the earliest signs of illness, and it’s important to take your dog to the vet as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and needed medical treatment.
Urine may become dark, concentrated, or fruity – all signs that your dog is sick.
Additionally, there may be blood in the urine or vomiting or diarrhea, all of which may signal a more severe illness.
If you notice any of these changes, bringing your dog in for a check-up as soon as possible is crucial. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Coughing
If you notice that your dog has begun to cough regularly, this should also be cause for concern.
There are many illnesses, such as kennel cough, that cause a dog to cough, and your dog needs to see by the vet.
If you notice your dog coughing, make sure they drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest.
Dull Coat
Dogs are susceptible to a wide range of skin and coat issues, from hair loss to dry skin. However, if you notice a dramatic change in their coat’s sheen, giving it a powdery look, this is a symptom of a sick dog.
Dull coats can signify dehydration, which quite a few illnesses can cause. This includes the deadly diseases parvo and distemper, so this should never go unchecked.
Nasal Drainage
If your dog has any amount of thick drainage from their nose, this is a pretty good indicator that they’re sick!
A minimal amount of clear fluids is typical with exercise or brisk walks in the cold, but anything with any consistency or color is bad. It could be that he has a sinus infection or possibly pneumonia.
Both of these will need to be addressed and diagnosed by your vet and will likely require antibiotics or corticosteroids.
Vomiting
Certain breeds of dogs are known for vomiting easily, such as bulldogs. This is primarily due to difficulty breathing. If they drink water too fast or in excess, this can cause a small amount of vomit. If a healthy dog does vomit because of this, it will look like water with a touch of foam (stomach acids).
However, if your dog has vomited several times or in large amounts, you will definitely want to watch this. Any sign of blood or foreign objects in their vomit will require an immediate visit to the vet.
Also, if vomiting is severe and/or accompanied by diarrhea for more than a few hours, you will want to call your vet right away. Not only is this a sure symptom of being sick, but dogs can also dehydrate quickly, which is a major cause for concern.
If your dog starts vomiting frequently, he may need to be hospitalized for further evaluation.
Lethargy or Laziness
If you notice that your dog is sluggish or lethargic, it’s time to take her to the vet. These are signs that your dog may be sick.
Refusing Food or Water
If your dog refuses his dog food and water, it’s always a good idea to take him to the veterinarian for a check-up. During the visit, the veterinarian can take a sample of your dog’s urine and blood for further examination.
Shaking or Trembling
If your dog is shaking or trembling, it’s essential to get them checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Several diseases can cause this type of behavior.
Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain
It can be tough when your dog starts to lose weight or has unexpected weight gain, but it’s important to seek veterinary care to find the underlying reason.
Help to Prevent Your Dog From Getting Sick
Dogs, like people, can get sick for a variety of reasons, and many are not preventable. But taking steps to help keep your dog healthy is important not only for the dog’s health but for yours as well.
One way to do this is by immunizing them regularly. Make sure they’re also getting the right diet and exercise – enough protein and fiber each day will help maintain their overall health.
Pay close attention to any changes in your dog’s behavior that could signal an illness.
You may want to consider pet insurance to help pay vet bills. With insurance, you may be able to avoid significant medical expense if your dog does become ill. Do be aware, however, that most insurance will not pay for pre-existing conditions.
FAQs
What is considered a fever in a dog?
When a dog’s temperature reaches 103 degrees or higher, he is said to have a fever and should be seen by a veterinarian. When a dog’s temperature reaches 106 degrees, internal organs may be damaged, and death can occur.
Can I give my sick dog pumpkin?
In general, you can give a sick dog pumpkin. However, it’s recommended to contact a veterinarian before feeding your dog pumpkin if they are sick.
Pumpkins are rich in fiber and water, which helps dogs stay healthy by keeping them hydrated. Pumpkin also contains antioxidants that may combat illness-causing bacteria or viruses and help with an upset stomach.
Recommended Reading
A Helpful Book I’ve Found To Have Is: Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook
Final Thoughts
If you’re noticing any of the following changes in your dog, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up: changes in urination, vomiting, nasal drainage, coughing, shaking or trembling, and weight loss or gain that’s not explained. In addition to these common signs and symptoms, be on the lookout for changes in appetite, lethargy, and diarrhea.
This concludes Is My Dog Sick: 10 Signs and Symptoms. Thank you for reading.
Do you have anything you would like to add? If so, please comment below.
