Dog Sickness Symptoms

As a responsible dog owner, you must be able to recognize dog sickness symptoms at the onset and relay the information to your vet for prompt care.



You know your dog and you can tell when something isn't quite right about him. He usually eats like a horse but suddenly has a loss of appetite. Your pet starts drinking lots of water when he only has a few slurps at a time. Fido is acting really weird!

These are the warning signs that something is wrong. The following are a list of "red flags" you should be aware of:

Fever

A dog's temperature, normally, is between 101 and 102 degrees. Anything higher could indicate an infection.

Biting or scratching any part of the body

This could be caused by flea bites or a symptom of pain.

Lumps

Check your dog over carefully. It could be just a bump, a non life threatening cyst or the beginning of cancer.

Limping or not able to get up from lying down

A sign of injury to the leg, the beginning of arthritis or a back injury.

Sudden incontinence

Possibly due to an infection in the kidneys or bladder or renal failure.

Hair loss

Usually from chewing or licking the effected area. Possibly hot spots or mange.

Discharges from anywhere on the body

This is a tough call. Seepage from the eyes and nose could be distemper or parvo. Discharge from the reproductive organs or urinary tract could be infection.

Change in weight (loss or gain)

Suspect infection or intestinal parasites, possibly blockage.

Foul smell from mouth

Check your pet's teeth. Any tarter build up should be removed by your vet through a dentistry. This is a cleaning of your dog's teeth, gums and possibly extraction of a few rotted teeth. Tarter can send toxins through the body into vital organs causing your dog to become very ill.

Open sores on the body

These happen when a dog chews or licks an area of the body constantly forming hot spots. It can also be the result of a fight with another animal.

Disorientation

A blow to the head, seizure or neurological infection can cause this, such as rabies. Your vet needs to check your pet thoroughly, as this is a very serious symptom.

If any of these dog sickness symptoms are occurring with your pet, get him to your vet as soon as possible. It could be something minor or the beginning of a serious medical condition.

Early diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions can save your pet's life.