You know your dog better than anyone – yet it can still be tricky to spot when they’re under the weather. The signs may be small and you might be unsure whether the change indicates that something’s off.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of common signs and symptoms to look for that could indicate your pooch is poorly.
- Behavioral changes
Is your dog usually waggy-tailed and keen to say hello to people? Are they suddenly snappy or wanting to be alone? This could be a sign that they’re not feeling well. Look out for any uncommon behaviour such as aggression, isolation, apathy or cowering that could indicate they’re ill.
- Different sleep patterns
It’s normal for dogs to sleep for a significant proportion of the day. Pet MD say that “most dogs spend about 50% of their day sleeping—about 12 hours in a 24-hour period”. However, if your dog is sleeping a lot more than they usually do or is uninterested in going for a walk, they may be struggling with health issues.
- Weight changes
If your dog has suddenly gained or lost a lot of weight, it could be a sign of an underlying illness. Possible causes of increased weight, bloating or appetite changes include illnesses like Cushing’s syndrome, hypothyroidism, and diabetes. Parasite infestations in the gut can also cause weight changes, vomiting and diarrhoea.
- More or less frequent urination
Does your dog need to pee way more than usual? Or have they not been out to the loo in ages? Then something may not be right. If your pooch is also not eating or drinking as normal, has blood in their pee or the urine is an unusual color, it’s important to get this checked out by a vet.
- Bad breath
While you may not think much of your dog having bad breath, it can be a sign of an underlying health condition. Most often this is gum disease or tartar and plaque accumulation around their teeth. However, it can sometimes be caused by illnesses such as kidney or liver disease.
- Changes in eating or drinking
If your dog is refusing to eat or drink (no matter what you give them) they may be struggling with an upset stomach, pain in their mouth, an infection or virus. Some pooches may also refuse to eat if they are suffering emotionally due to separation anxiety or disruptions to their home environment.
If you notice any changes in your dog’s demeanor, it could be a sign that they’re unwell. It’s important to monitor their behavior, jot down any signs/symptoms and take them to the vet for a check-up. Your vet will be able to figure out what’s wrong and give your pooch the appropriate treatment to get back to full health.