Monday, June 20, 2011

Signs That Your Dog Is Getting Sick

It is not always that easy to tell if your dog is sick or getting sick. There are a number of things to watch out for that should raise red flags, however, so keep these in mind and you’ll know when a trip to the vet’s office is in order.

First of all, if your dog is getting on in years, she could be having some of the same problems that humans have with regard to joint problems like arthritis. If your dog starts limping, favoring one paw or one side, or seems to have trouble going up steps or is slowing down on walks, she may be developing degenerative arthritis. Here is an all-natural product that can help. It is in liquid form and easy to administer, and there is a risk-free offer to try it out.

For younger dogs changes in eating or drinking habits are good indicators of problems. If your dog seems excessively thirsty and starts drinking more than is normal, she could be developing a disease like diabetes, or it could be an indication that a change in medication is warranted. If your dog stops eating for a period of time or starts wanting a lot more food and raids the garbage can or the table, then something is probably out of order.

Vomiting is another indicator. Some vomiting in dogs is not a problem, but if this continues for a couple of days or if you see indications of blood coming up, you should take the animal to the vet.

A dog’s coat should be full and shiny. If the sheen has gone out of the animal’s coat or especially if you see splotches of missing hair, then something is amiss. It could be a problem with parasites like fleas or ticks, or there could be disease of some sort.

Observation of your dog’s stools from time to time is also a good idea. A dog’s stools should be firm and moist. If your pet has diarrhea for a period of time or has hard, dry stools and strains a lot when having a bowel movement, then it is time to visit the vet’s office.

General lethargy is another indicator, although it can be a subtle one. If you dog doesn’t want to play or go for a walk, for example, then something is probably wrong. If this condition continues for more than a couple of days, it would be wise to see your veterinarian.

A good rule of thumb is to keep a close eye on your dog and look for any sort of changes. If those changes persist for a while then there is probably a reason, and it is also probably a good idea to have the animal seen by a veterinarian.