The day you adopted your dog is the same day you chose to act as their parent. Dogs are lovable creatures that love you more than words can explain, but they can’t always show you if they are not feeling well. Since pets can’t tell us exactly when something is wrong, this is where you must utilize your instincts as their pet owner.
Fortunately, you won’t have to guess whether something isn’t right with your dog as we’ll talk about the common pet warning signs you must keep an eye out for
Pet Symptoms You Should Not Ignore
Pet owners know how bad pets are when communicating discomfort as they are experts at concealing pain. However, it is a pet owner’s responsibility to be on top of their furry companion’s health by monitoring any behavioral changes that might indicate a health problem. Below are five dog warning signs pet owners need to watch out for.
1. Loss of appetite
A loss or decrease in appetite is one of the indications of health problems in pets. If you are taking care of puppies, be attentive to this sign. Puppies below a year old are more susceptible to health issues brought by a loss of appetite. If your pet is not interested in food for 24 hours or more, consult your veterinarian for recommendations.
Canines with a lack of appetite are usually thought of as experiencing tooth pain. If you haven’t given your canine tooth brushing or teeth cleaning in years, this might show your pet suffers from toothache. Always take your canine to vet dental practitioners for their dental care and teeth cleaning for much healthier teeth and a jolly appetite.
To see the services pet dentists offer, you may check their website or visit their office directly to find out more.
2. Lethargy
Lethargy is a state of drowsiness and inactivity in their environment. They may experience slower or delayed responses to tactile, visual, and auditory stimuli than their normal state. As a result, your pet is not interested in exercising or playing with you. While this might not signify a dangerous illness, it’s best to talk to a veterinarian in an animal hospital in Riverbank if it continues after 24 hours.
3. Bloody diarrhea and vomiting
Blood in a dog’s feces might show bleeding in the rectum or colon. Moreover, bacterial infection or clog in the urinary tract might cause blood in the urine, also called hematuria. Vomiting may also include fresh blood or blood ingested partially. These can indicate minor health problems, while some can be deadly and serious.
In many cases, these signs might indicate your furry companion has intestinal worms. This is why you must never miss your pet’s vaccinations and parasite preventatives whenever you visit animal facilities like River Oak Veterinary Hospital to protect them from parasites and other lethal conditions.
4. Frequent sneezing and coughing
Like a canine’s fart sound, we sometimes find it charming when they sneeze or cough that we even take videos of them. However, constant coughing and a runny nose could be a warning sign that requires attention. This may be caused by bronchitis, viral infections, or serious conditions like lung disease and heartworms.
5. Drinking and urinating excessively
These indications might indicate conditions like thyroid gland problems, kidney failure, uterine infection, or other illnesses. Normal-sized dogs should consume 2.5 to five cups of water daily, so if you observe your canine drinking too much water, have an appointment with your veterinarian immediately.