Identifying Unwellness in Dogs: Key Signs to Watch Out

Dog Health Concerns: Signs of Illness

Weight Loss

Imagine an adult suddenly shedding 10 pounds from a 100pound frame. For those who have experienced weight loss, losing even 34 pounds can be a monumental task. Imagine shedding 10 pounds without making any changes to your diet or exercise routine. That's when you might start to wonder if there's an underlying health issue and consider a trip to the doctor. Dogs can experience the same thing. If your furry friend, who used to love treats, suddenly loses interest in food, refuses to eat, and stands by the bowl without taking a bite, it's a sign to pay attention. This could indicate a gastrointestinal problem.

Especially when there's a combination of irregular eating habits and bowel movements, it's often a sign of a serious illness.

Abnormal Posture

Many pet owners know that a dog limping on one leg might be trying to alleviate pain from patellar luxation, joint wear, or arthritis. However, older dogs may also develop a limp due to joint and bone issues. If your dog is walking with an unusual hunched back, it might be a sign of a spinal problem. Moreover, if your dog is arching its back, gasping for breath, and howling in pain, these are common symptoms of a sick dog. It's best to take your pet to the vet if you observe these behaviors.

Abnormal Discharges

A little bit of discharge from a dog's eyes or ears is normal, much like we have eye boogers after waking up. However, if there's an increase in black, smelly discharge from the ears, it could indicate an ear infection. If your dog isn't in heat and there's an unusual, thick,脓性 discharge from the private area, combined with thick urine, it could be a sign of uterine pyometra or cancer. Excessive drooling might be a sign of an oral inflammation. A clean, slightly moist mouth and nose are normal in healthy dogs.

Abnormal Breathing

Dogs with labored breathing, especially with a loud whistling sound, might be experiencing a heavy, panting breath. This is particularly common during the humid, transitional seasons, like the rainy season in the south, when dogs can suffer from respiratory infections. While respiratory issues might not seem serious at first, they can easily worsen and lead to pneumonia. I firmly believe that prevention is better than cure. Don't let a small illness become a big problem, and don't let a big problem turn into an incurable disease!