EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF ILLNESS IN DOGS

Dogs do not advertise the fact that they are ill. It is up to you to know your dog, and spot any tell-tale signs.

The following signs of illness can indicate potentially serious problems. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should call your vet:

She seems tired or sluggish.
She has trouble urinating or she’s urinating more than usual.
She’s dragging her rear on the floor. This is an indication of worms or blocked anal glands or kidney disease or diabetes.
She’s drinking a lot more water than usual.
She won’t eat and misses more than two meals.
She eats a lot but is losing weight.
She’s drooling a lot. She might have tooth or gum problems, or she could have picked up something poisonous.
Her gums are red or swollen.
Her eyes are cloudy or red, she’s squinting, or has a lot of discharge from her eye.
She’s gasping or short of breath.
She flinches or whimpers when she’s touched.
She has any kind of lump on her body.
She vomits, gags, sneezes, or coughs repeatedly.
Her coat is rough or dull.
She is unspayed and has a vaginal discharge.
She coughs or vomits up blood.
She has a fever.

The following signs of illness can indicate an emergency. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet immediately:

She’s dehydrated. Pinch the skin at the back of her neck. If it doesn’t return back in place quickly, she might be dehydrated.
Dry or tacky gums also indicate dehydration.
Her gums are pale, white, or blue.
She can not urinate.
She faints or collapses.
She has a seizure or convulsion.
She becomes overheated.
Her abdomen is enlarged. She might have a gastric torsion (a twist in her stomach), mammary tumour, heart or liver disease, peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining), or pyometra (uterine infection).
She’s unable to use her back legs.

Heronbank Cavaliers