As a lot of dog moms & dads will attest, their fur babies are just as much a part of the family as anyone else. Having a dog is very much like having a young child, and just like a parent of an infant, you need to be on top of things to be able to tell when your dog isn’t feeling well since they can’t verbalise those feelings to you. This is why you need to know your dog well so that you can spot the signs. Keep reading to learn more.
Changes in eating habits
If your canine is otherwise totally fine in themselves, then a missed meal or two is likely nothing to worry about, especially during the warmer months when the weather is hot; it can make their appetite wane. There are a few diets and foods that are meant to be better for your dog and promote their health, like a raw food diet, perfectly exemplified by ProDog Raw’s extensive range of frozen raw dog food meals, and these might be worth exploring.
Additionally, consider delving into online reviews, such as Dr. Marty Pets reviews to gain valuable insights into their products to help you make an informed decision. Before purchasing, it’s beneficial to consider others’ experiences to ensure they will be a good fit for your dog. That being said, if your dog has stopped eating and it’s out of character/ongoing and your dog has missed more than a full day of meals, you should make an appointment. In the same vein, if you notice a sudden drop in weight, this could also be a cause for concern. There are a number of human foods that will also merit a trip to the vet (and some of these are highly toxic for dogs), like:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Xylitol
- Grapes
- Raisins
Changes in behaviour
You know your dog the best; you know their personality and their quirks inside and out. If you notice a sudden change in behaviour, it could be indicative of a health issue, and you will want to get them checked out. These changes in behaviour could mean increased aggression, trouble settling, listlessness and restlessness, or perhaps the opposite, maybe they’re suddenly lethargic and have no energy.
Extreme changes in behavior that are otherwise out of character for your woofer should definitely warrant a trip to the vet, especially if you suspect conditions such as cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, or even rare cases like a dog with Down syndrome.
Changes in their toileting
Arguably one of the grossest parts of owning a dog is picking up after it, but it is necessary, and you do get used to it. When picking up your dog’s poo, you should take note of what it looks like; any changes to your dog’s excrement could mean that they will need to see a vet. Sometimes your dog might just have a dicky tummy. If they have diarrhoea or constipation that doesn’t clear after a day, then make that appointment. Finally, if you notice blood, mucus or worm eggs in their stool, then this can be serious. Their bum can also be cause for concern. If they begin to scoot on the floor, chew or lick their bottoms, then they might have an issue that needs addressing. Similarly, if you notice changes to their wee, like blood in their wee, straining to pass urine, changes in smell or colour or suddenly beginning to urinate inside when they have previously been toilet trained and have always gone outside.
Their bodies
Your dog can also present a number of physical symptoms that you might want to keep an eye out for. Their skin and coat should always look healthy; if it doesn’t, it could point to fleas or grooming needs, or it could be a sign of illness. If they start to shed, have more scurf than usual, if their coat is dull, matted, greasy or smelly, or if they are losing fur or they have some scabs or sores, then you should take action. Even if your dog is still eating normally, their teeth and gums might still be causing an issue. If their gums are inflamed, they have more tartar, discolouration of the teeth, difficulty eating, lumps or a bad smell – worse than the usual dog breath – then you should contact your vet. Finally, if you spot sores or lumps of any kind on your dog’s body, you should get them checked out as soon as possible – they might be nothing, especially if your dog is getting older – but it is still well worth checking.
Final thoughts
You know your dog better than anyone, trust your gut and listen to your intuition – if you think something isn’t right, then it probably isn’t. Your vet is there to provide a service, so don’t hesitate or worry about bothering them or taking your dog in for nothing; it is always better to be safe than sorry! Vet visits can be stressful; introducing your dog early and providing positive reinforcement can help to get them more used to the process. Finally, some conditions and vet visits can be expensive, and it is easy to run up a hefty bill which is why you should look into getting your dog insured – if they aren’t already, it can save you a tonne of money!