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.
What to look out for:
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.
