Signs Your Dog May Be Sick

As a dog lover, you want your pet to be in the best of health. You may think that as long as they romp and play or eat a hearty meal, they are doing fine. However, some health conditions may come with subtler signs. You’ll want to pay attention to certain indications that your beloved pet may need to see the vet.

Signs of Illness Here are some signs you should watch for in your pet to indicate they may not be feeling well:

• Excessive drinking or urinating
• Lack of interest in things they once enjoyed or lower level of energy
• Appetite change and corresponding weight loss or gain
• Sleeping more than usual
• Bad breath or excessive drooling (this will depend on your dog – some breeds drool more than others)
• Coughing or sneezing
• Panting more than normal or difficulty breathing
• Dry or itchy skin, sores on the skin
• Shaking the head
• Dry, cloudy or red eyes
• Vomiting or change in bowel movements

Some of these symptoms may indicate a minor health problem while others may be linked to more major health concerns.

It’s Not All Old Age

Don’t assume that changes in your dog is just a normal sign of aging. Just because a pet is getting older, it doesn’t mean their condition is untreatable. While some medical issues are more common in older dogs, vets often have treatment options that can improve the quality of life even if it doesn’t cure them. For instance, lower energy levels are easily attributable to a dog getting older. They can also be signs that your dog lacks a key nutrient or has another problem.

Regular Checkups

Even if you’ve had a healthy dog and never took them to the vet very often, it’s important to begin getting regular checkups for your older pet. When you visit the vet, they will do a thorough exam, looking specifically for signs of illness that are common in older pets. They can often diagnose a medical issue before it becomes advanced. As your dog gets older, the vet may recommend certain tests. For example, thyroid issues are more common in older animals. A thyroid test will tell you if the gland is not producing enough hormones. An ECG can check for heart issues while bloodwork is often used to detect many different illnesses. Another benefit of regular checkups is that your vet will be able to establish a baseline for what is normal with your dog. It makes diagnosing an issue much easier when you can tell if something is “off.” Most vets will recommend an annual health screen just to make sure your dog is in good health. If you are concerned about the health of your dog or have noticed some signs that all isn’t well, you should contact Mayer Veterinary Hospital. The team can check your dog and let you know if treatment is needed or give you peace of mind that your beloved furry friend is well.