It’s not always simple to see sickness in your dog, so search for a variety of subtle indicators that might signal a problem. Dogs are unable to express their emotions. Anyone who has ever had a dog knows that canine body language can be quite expressive. In the early stages of an illness, dogs will automatically cover how they feel. Because you are familiar with your dog, you may be able to detect minor changes in their demeanor and activities.
Here are 5 warning signals to assist you to answer the question, “Is my dog sick?” and tell you whether or not they require veterinarian care.
1.Hair loss\ Itchy skin
Skin infections, parasites, or allergies can all cause hair loss, commonly known as alopecia, or chronic itching. This can be painful.
Examine your dog’s skin for fleas, flea filth (which resembles fresh ground pepper), redness, discharge, swelling, soreness, or an unusual odor. A bath can relieve mild symptoms, but more severe symptoms should be checked by a veterinarian.
2.Loss of appetite
A loss of appetite is even more alarming when it is accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, fever, lethargy, or discomfort, as these might all make your dog less likely to resume eating. The longer your dog goes without eating, the more other issues may arise, so it’s critical to monitor changes in appetite. If your dog has skipped more than one or two meals, it’s time to consult with your veterinarian.
3.Weight loss
If your dog looks to lose weight gradually over two to four weeks, or if he loses weight slowly but steadily over a long period, you should be worried. Weight increase that is unexpected might potentially suggest a problem. Sudden weight loss or growth might indicate a health problem. It may take a few weeks to see this symptom. Weight gain or loss that is unexplained can be caused due to a variety of diseases and is always a reason for concern. The best course of action is to get your dog assessed to determine the underlying reason.
4.Vomiting
Dogs, like people, might suffer an upset stomach from time to time. Dogs are prone to snacking on stuff they shouldn’t, such as a dead frog in the yard or delectable bits in the cat’s litter box, which can cause gastric problems. However, if your dog’s vomiting lasts for more than 24 hours, followed by other symptoms such as stomach pain, fever, lack of appetite, or diarrhea, it might be an indication that your dog is unwell and should be seen by a veterinarian.
5.Swollen gums
In dogs, Gum disease is indicated by reddened or swollen gums, especially when combined with foul breath. When the condition is severe, dogs may lose teeth, drop food from their jaws, and lose weight owing to trouble eating.
