- Because our pets are family, after all…
Dogs are the most precious to humans and will always be their best friends. But sometimes, our furry friends are easily getting ill, and the signs are late to show. So, to make sure your dog is in great shape and his lifespan increases, here’s how to figure out the signs of an illness.
Changes in behavior
All dogs are always happy and excited to play and snuggle with their owners, but if their mood suddenly changes, you should watch their behavior closely. For example, if they’ve suddenly become more irritable, withdrawn or even aggressive, they might be in pain or experiencing discomfort.
Also, some illnesses can make your dog appear lost, disoriented and not like himself. Such disorders, like Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, will affect your dog’s memory, so they may forget some of their training or fail to recognize familiar people.
Physical signs
Physical symptoms are easier to notice but try not to ignore them to avoid going to the vet because having an illness sometimes doesn’t display any critical signs, even in humans. Getting affordable pet insurance may help you solve such problems before they get worse.
Some examples of worrying signs include:
Vomiting should be immediately assessed, especially if it lasts more than 24 hours. Plus, if it’s accompanied by fever, loss of appetite or diarrhea, it’s a sign of an emergency.
Diarrhea can be caused by parasites, infections, dietary indiscretion and even cancer. Most cases resolve on their own in 24-48 hours, but if your dog’s diarrhea is bloody, you should take them immediately to the vet.
Loss of appetite accompanied by nausea, fever, lethargy, or pain is a sign your dog might have problems with their gums.
Itching, scratching, and licking can be a sign of skin conditions, allergies or parasites. It’s mandatory to make an appointment with the vet because your dog may need antibiotics, allergy medications or anti-parasitic to help treat the problem.
Changes in drinking and urinating habits, like drinking too much water or not at all, might signify hormonal imbalances, which are more frequent in older dogs.
Decreased mobility might be a sign your dog is in pain, but you should also look for limping, hiding and tiredness behaviors.
Bad breath can be caused by dental disease or digestive problems. If your dog can’t chew or swallow properly, and they drool too much, it’s definitely a medical problem.
How to take better care of your dog?
First, it would be best to always ensure medical consultation, so pet insurance will cover your pet’s most frequent problems, and you’ll worry less about money and illnesses. Then, you should provide them with fresh water daily, nutritious food, and frequent exercise. Basically, take care of them as you’d do with yourself. You might need to brush their teeth daily and groom them regularly so that you’ll minimize the risk of dental problems and external parasites.
In the end, make your dog’s life easy, fun and full of love so they can live longer and be happy at all times.
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