These days, dogs can have a pretty cushy life.
They have the freedom to roam our yards, sleep on our couches, and eat just about anything they want.
But sometimes, this lifestyle leads to health problems for our furry friends—and you must know what those signs are to help them get better.
1. Loss of Appetite
The loss of appetite signifies something’s up with your dog. The first thing to look at is what they’re eating.
If they eat their food without chewing or swallowing, this could be a sign that they aren’t feeling well and having trouble eating correctly.
Watch them closely as they eat to see if they have difficulty swallowing or drooling afterward.
This may indicate an underlying health problem such as an upper respiratory infection or digestive issues like bloating and gas which can cause discomfort when swallowing food.
Try introducing new foods and treats as well. You would find them in any good online pet supplies store.
2. Vomiting and Diarrhea
If your dog suddenly starts vomiting or has diarrhea, it could be due to many things. For example, he may have eaten something wrong, like garbage.
Or he might have eaten something good like chocolate. Most commonly, though, dogs experience gastrointestinal upset from eating something healthy—like garlic!
This is because the compounds in garlic called allicin strongly affect the digestive system, causing it to relax and contract. When this happens, your dog may experience diarrhea or vomiting.
3. Yellowing of Skin and White of Eyes
It could be jaundice if your dog has yellowing skin and white eyes. This condition is caused mainly by liver or gallbladder disease.
When the tissues in these organs are damaged, or if they don’t function properly, bile can’t be transported from your dog’s liver to its small intestine, which helps with digestion.
Instead, bile builds up in his body and turns his skin yellow while discoloring his eyes.
Because this condition has serious consequences, you should see a vet immediately if you notice it in your pet!
4. Coughing
A cough is generally a symptom of many diseases, so it’s important not to jump to conclusions.
While a superficial infection can cause coughing, it can also indicate more severe health issues. If you notice that your dog has been coughing for a while and the cough doesn’t go away, it might be time to have them examined by a vet.
Several different things could cause your dog to cough up phlegm or mucus:
- Inhalation of foreign objects such as grass blades or toys
- Allergies or infections in the lungs
- Foreign substances like polyps or tumors
- Heart disease (this is rare)
5. Excessive Urination and Drinking
If your dog has a sudden increase in urination, it could be caused by several things.
Some dogs are naturally more active than others, so you may not notice an increase in urination until your dog becomes less active. Other causes include:
- Kidney failure
- Diabetes mellitus
- Bladder infections/urinary tract stones
6. Weight Change
It’s easy to tell if your dog is overweight or underweight, but it can be hard to pinpoint if they are sick.
A simple way to tell the difference between a healthy weight change and one that signals something more serious is by checking for symptoms of illness.
If your dog experiences any of the following signs for more than two weeks, they may need veterinary care:
- Persistent skin problems that do not respond to treatment
- Frequent coughing or wheezing
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Difficulty breathing
7. Bad Breath and Dirty Teeth
If your dog has a mouth that smells like death, he may have bad breath. This can be caused by many diseases, including dental and gum diseases.
In some cases, it could also be a sign of infection. Bring him to the vet immediately if you notice any foul odors coming from your dog’s mouth or throat.
If the issue is simple, like plaque buildup on his teeth or gums that need cleaning, this would be an easy fix.
You can clean it yourself by buying a toothbrush from an online pet supplies store.
Conclusion
If you notice any of the signs above, you must immediately take your dog to the veterinarian.
This will give them time to diagnose and treat the problem before it becomes a severe health issue. Let us know in the comments if we missed anything.