When your dog is sick, he can’t communicate it directly to you. That’s why as dog owners, we need to learn to understand the body language of our four-legged friends. Here, we want to highlight the most important signs that indicate your dog might be ill.
Signs of an Ailing Dog
Every dog owner should be able to interpret their dog’s body language. Habits, behavior, and the appearance of the four-legged companion reveal a lot about their well-being. Understanding these signs correctly allows you to act immediately and consult a veterinarian if your dog is sick.
Info:
The following list is to be understood as a recommendation; in case of doubt, always consult a professional veterinarian! The potentially high costs of treatment can be covered with dog health insurance. With pet insurance, you won’t have to worry about veterinary bills in the event of surgery or prolonged medication treatment.
Change in Behavior
When a dog is sick, it often comes with unusual behavior. You know your four-legged friend the best, so you are most likely to recognize a change in behavior. The dog often wants to communicate something through its behavior. Signs of illness may include:
- Mild irritability
- Lethargic behavior or general unwillingness
- Restless behavior
- Constant withdrawal
- Strong attachment
Digestive Problems
Every dog may experience digestive issues, including vomiting or diarrhea. Typically, these manifestations are harmless and can often be attributed to eating the wrong things. Frequent feeding at the table and picking up indigestible items during walks are common factors for the rapid expulsion of consumed food.
However, if the dog exhibits the mentioned symptoms along with a lack of appetite or lethargy, it’s advisable to promptly consult a veterinarian. Other possible signs of a more serious illness may include:
- Repeated diarrhea or vomiting within a day
- Swollen abdomen accompanied by pain
- Bloody diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
Special caution is required if the dog attempts to vomit repeatedly without success, coupled with severe restlessness and a swollen belly. In this case, a life-threatening condition known as gastric torsion could be present, and a veterinarian should be consulted urgently!
Respiratory Problems
Respiratory problems can have life-threatening effects on the dog in the worst case. In this situation, closely observe the dog’s behavior and consult a veterinarian.
- Recurring cough within 24 hours.
- Repeated strong nasal discharge with mucus or blood.
- Loud coughing.
- Wheezing or loud breathing.
- Recurring gasping for air.
- Labored breathing.
If the dog generally has difficulty breathing, check its tongue and gums. Both should be pink. If a bluish color is observed, a veterinarian must be consulted immediately!
Issues with Urination and Defecation
If your dog suddenly changes its behavior during walks and the following signs appear, a veterinarian should be consulted:
- Markedly increased urgency to urinate.
- Problems with urination or defecation.
- Loss of house training, leading to urination or defecation in the home.
Other External Changes
Not only changes in behavior but also physical changes are often indicative of illness. If any of these abnormalities occur, a visit to the veterinarian is advisable:
- New lumps or swellings or changes in existing ones.
- Bumps or blisters with fluid or even blood discharge.
- Rapid weight loss or weight gain.
- Redness of the skin.
- Hair loss.
- Constant itching and persistent scratching of the ears or head shaking.
Fever
When a dog is sick, it often develops a fever. Many dog owners believe the rule that a healthy dog has a cold and wet nose while a sick dog has a warm and dry nose. Unfortunately, this is incorrect! The nose is a poor indicator of the dog’s body temperature. Therefore, it is essential to use a thermometer to accurately measure the pet’s temperature. If the dog appears sick and has a temperature above 102,92°F (39.4°C), a visit to the veterinarian is necessary as soon as possible!
Pain
Dogs typically behave quietly when in pain and do not express themselves through loud noises. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to the animal’s signals. The following signs may indicate pain in the dog:
- Persistent stiffness and lameness.
- Reluctance to walk, jump, or move in general.
- Swollen joints or bones that feel warm.
- Problems with eating or excessive drooling.
- General restlessness.
- Guarding a body part and growling when approached.
Neurological Abnormalities
Lastly, neurological abnormalities should be considered. Anything following now indicates that the dog is ill, and an immediate visit to the veterinarian is recommended:
- General weakness.
- Walking difficulties; stumbling.
- Noticeable heat waves.
- Seizures.
- Repeated and uncontrolled twitching.
- Constant “circling.”
- Disorientation.
- General drowsiness.
If the dog becomes unconscious, an immediate visit to the veterinarian is unavoidable!
Very important: Never administer painkillers made for humans! These can be toxic to the sick dog! Please use only medications prescribed by the veterinarian!
If the dog is sick, being able to interpret the signs correctly is crucial. Our overview of potential signs of illness in the four-legged friend is meant to provide a brief overview and is certainly not exhaustive. In general, if there is uncertainty about the dog’s health, seeking veterinary advice cannot hurt. After all, we want our four-legged friends to be free from suffering!
