Ten signs of Illness to Watch For

Ten Signs of Illness to Watch For

 v LACK OF APPETITE

Ø If your Doggie normally devours its dinner but seems to have lost its appetite, Doggie may just have a little gastrointestinal upset. If Doggie misses two meals in a row, get them to a veterinarian for tests.

v WEIGHT LOSS OR WEIGHT GAIN

Ø Unexpected changes in weight, however, can be a sign that Doggie’s not well. Doggies may lose weight during prolonged illnesses if they aren’t eating.

v SHORT TEMPER

Ø Doggies who suffer chronic pain may seem to be trying to bite, but they may actually be trying to keep people and other Doggies away so that they won’t bump into them and hurt them more. So, if your Doggie suddenly becomes grouchy, take them to your veterinarian to see if it is a medical reason.

v LACK OF ENERGY

Ø Doggies who are acutely ill frequently act dull and depressed. They may even leave the room and find a quiet place to lie down away from the bustle.

v FEVER

Ø Fever is usually indicative of an infection, because the body’s response to the presence of a foreign invader such as a virus or bacteria.

v EXCESSIVE SHEDDING

Ø If your canine companion is shedding more than usual, especially if Doggie has flaky skin and excessive dander, Doggie may be ill. Look for signs of illness before you rush to the vet.

v VOMITING

Ø If your Doggie vomits over a period of greater than 12 hours and refuses to drink water, take them to the vet. If Doggie vomits for more than 24 hours but is still drinking water, take them to the vet, too.

v DRY OR LOOSE STOOLS

Ø Diarrhea in the intestine, and this can lead to dehydration. If your Doggie has diarrhea for more than 24 hours, take Doggie to see your veterinarian.

v DRINKING TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE

Ø Doggies vary in the amount of water they drink. Doggies may refuse to drink when they’re excited or stressed. Increased water consumption can be a sign of fever, kidney failure, or hormonal disturbances, so if your Doggie has started drinking a lot more than Doggie normally does, take your Doggie for a vet check.

v LIMPING

Ø A Doggie who is lame will try to get the weight off the painful leg by reducing the amount of time Doggie spends on that leg. If your Doggie becomes lame, you may have trouble figuring out if it’s serious enough to take to the veterinarian. If Doggie is still lame after 24-hours rest, I schedule an appointment with the vet. Don’t wait several days after an injury to see a vet.

 

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