8 Signs Your Dog is Sick

Eight Signs Your Dog is Sick

Dogs can't talk, which means they can't tell you when they're feeling a little "off". So it's up to you to pay attention to your dog's appearance and behavior so that you can spot the warning signs of illness. It could very well save your dog's life.
Many of these signs are nonspecific (they can be associated with several different diseases).

Here are the problem signs that you need to look for:

1. Lack of appetite - Anorexia is often one of the very first signs of illness in dogs. It can be difficult to determine if you feed your dog dry food only and keep the bowl full. For this reason, some veterinarians recommended feeding dogs a scheduled feeding at the same time every day so that you accurately assess their appetite.

2. Less active - Dogs that don't feel well often become less active. This sign can be mistaken for simply "getting older". If your dog is less active, the safest thing to do is to have your vet do an exam.

3. Weakness - Weakness can be displayed in many ways - the dog can become "less active", he can appear lethargic, or he could display a loss of balance and coordination. All of these are potentially serious signs and should prompt immediate evaluation by your veterinarian.

4. Lethargy - Lethargy is a general lack of interest in the environment. It is a very common symptom. It can be either an early or late sign of illness, depending on the severity of the condition.

5. Weight loss - Losing weight is another common sign of disease or illness. Sometimes it is difficult to notice weight loss because you see the dog every day and may not notice subtle changes. Weight loss is also hard to recognize in longhaired dogs. If your dog feels bonier or lighter, or if you can easily feel your dog's ribs, this could indicate a problem. (Remember, in greyhounds, seeing some ribs is a good thing)

6. Increased water consumption - Drinking more water is often associated with a few diseases including kidney disease and diabetes mellitus. If you notice that your dog is drinking a lot more water, see your veterinarian.

7. Not grooming - Dogs that don't feel well don't groom themselves. Or you may notice a dull lusterless coat. If your dog's coat changes, have him evaluated by your veterinarian.

8. Bad breath - Also known as halitosis, bad breath can be the result of dental disease as well as other metabolic disorders.