6 Signs You Need to Check Your Dog's Health Right Now

Summary:

It's important to keep on top of your dog's health by checking for certain signs that may indicate an illness or health problem. Some of the most common signs that something may be wrong with your dog include changes in behavior, excessive panting, weight loss, abnormal feces, and vomiting. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to take your dog to the vet right away for a check-up.

dog not feeling well

1. Change in behavior

If you notice your dog acting differently than usual, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Maybe they're sleeping more than usual, or not as playful. Pay attention to any changes in your dog's behavior and if you notice anything out of the ordinary, take them to the vet. Also, if you feel like you can't care for a dog, please visit a professional. A vet can help you determine if there's something wrong and put you in touch with resources to get the help you need.

Additionally, if your dog is suddenly aggressive, it may be a sign of pain, and you should take them to the vet right away. This can be a sign of illness or injury, so it's important to get them checked out as soon as possible. Also, keep an eye out for any changes in your dog's eating habits. If they're not eating as much as usual or seem to have lost their appetite, this could be a sign of illness, and you should take them to the vet.

2. Excessive panting

Panting is normal for dogs, but if you notice your dog panting excessively, it could be a sign of dehydration, heatstroke, anxiety, or pain. If your dog is panting heavily, and you can't figure out why, then take them to the vet.

Additionally, rapid breathing could be a sign of respiratory disease, so if you notice your dog's stomach moving more than usual when they're resting, take them to the vet.

3. Weight loss

If your dog starts to lose weight without changing its diet or exercise routine, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition. Take them to the vet to get checked out and find out what's going on.

For example, weight loss can be a sign of diabetes, so the vet will need to run some tests to determine if that's the case. Additionally, weight loss can be a sign of cancer, so it's important to get your dog checked out as soon as possible.

4. Abnormal feces

If you notice your dog's feces are abnormal in any way, shape, or form, it could be a sign of an infection, parasites, or another health issue. Contact your vet to have them check it out and determine what's causing the problem.

For example, diarrhea can be a sign of an intestinal infection, while blood in the stool could be a sign of colitis. If you're not sure what's going on, it's always best to err on the side of caution.

In addition, if your dog is straining to defecate or seems in pain when doing so, this could be a sign of obstruction. 

5. Vomiting

If your dog is vomiting, it could be a sign of something as simple as eating too fast or ingesting something they shouldn't have. However, it could also be a sign of a more serious health issue like poisoning, pancreatitis, or cancer.

Plus, if your dog is vomiting blood or has a black, tarry stool, this could be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, and you should seek emergency medical care.

6. Changes in urination

If you notice your dog is urinating more or less than usual, it could be a sign of a kidney or bladder infection. Additionally, if your dog is having accidents in the house when they normally don't, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection. If you notice any changes in your dog's urination, contact your vet to have them check it out.

For example, if your dog is urinating in small amounts frequently, it could be a sign of diabetes. On the other hand, if they're urinating large amounts infrequently, it could be a sign of Cushing's disease.

It's important to be aware of the signs that something might be wrong with your dog, as it could be an indication of a health problem. Some common signs include changes in behavior, excessive panting, weight loss, abnormal feces, and vomiting. If you notice any of these signs in your dog, take them to the vet for a check-up. Additionally, if you're unsure about your dog's health, please visit a professional to get the help you need.