Six Signs and Symptoms Your Dog Is Sick

Pets are more than just animals; they're integral members of our families, our loyal companions, and in many ways, a reflection of our love and care. As Darwin's Natural Pet Products maintains its commitment to a caring, compassionate, and scientifically informed approach to pet health and championing the bond between pets and their owners through conscious nutrition and care, we’ve established this guide to serve as a resource for how to tell if your dog is sick. With it, we hope it helps dog owners better recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a pet might be under the weather, and ensure our canine companions receive timely and appropriate care.

Recognizing the Early Signs of Illness in Dogs

Physical Signs & Symptoms

Their physical well-being can often give the first immediately observable signs if your dog is sick. Symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, and bad breath indicate that your dog needs attention. 

Conjunctivitis in dogs, often characterized by redness, swelling, and discharge from the eyes, can be a sign of various underlying health issues. Additionally, a noticeable change in your dog's weight, whether gain or loss without an apparent reason, can indicate conditions such as hypothyroidism or cancer in dogs.

Pet owners should be particularly vigilant about these signs, as early detection can significantly impact the treatment's success.

Behavioral Signs & Changes

Dogs communicate much about their health through behavior. A decrease in activity, reluctance to play, or changes in interaction can be signs of discomfort or pain in dogs. Behavioral changes like increased aggression, anxiety, or withdrawal may also indicate that a dog is unwell. 

These changes in behavior often serve as the initial indicators of illness in dogs, highlighting the importance of closely observing and understanding your dog's behavior to detect potential health issues early on.

When to Seek Veterinary Help

Emergency Symptoms

The unmistakable signals that you have not only a sick dog on your hand but one that already requires immediate veterinary attention include severe difficulty in breathing, profound lethargy or unresponsiveness, sudden collapse, or intense pain. These emergency symptoms are critical and could be life-threatening, emphasizing the necessity for prompt action and the importance of being prepared for such emergencies. 

Maintaining a proactive approach to pet wellness, which includes knowing the location of your nearest veterinary emergency service, is crucial for ensuring the well-being and timely care of your dog.

Regular Check-ups

In addition to responding to emergencies, regular veterinary check-ups are fundamental to maintaining your dog's health. These visits allow for the early detection of potential health issues and the management of ongoing conditions. Engaging with veterinary care professionals for routine assessments ensures your dog remains at their healthiest, supported by informed and responsible pet ownership.

Common Illnesses in Dogs

Digestive Issues

Digestive disorders, ranging from mild to severe, are common in dogs and can have a variety of causes. Symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea are not only uncomfortable for your dog but can also lead to dehydration and other complications if not treated promptly.

More serious conditions, like gastroenteritis or pancreatitis, require immediate veterinary attention. Darwin's believes in supporting digestive health through proper nutrition, offering natural pet food options that cater to your dog's specific dietary needs.

Respiratory Conditions

Respiratory conditions in dogs, like kennel cough, can present with symptoms such as persistent coughing, nasal discharge, and breathing difficulties. These conditions can be concerning for both dogs and their owners, often necessitating specialized care. 

Dog owners must remain vigilant for signs of respiratory illness in their pets, including coughing, sneezing, labored breathing, excessive panting, and other associated symptoms. Promptly contacting a veterinarian for guidance and treatment is essential to ensure the well-being and recovery of the affected dog.

Sources:

1. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) in Dogs

By Small Door Veterinary Container: Small Door Veterinary Year: 2024 URL: https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/medical/pink-eye-in-dogs

2. Hypothyroidism in Dogs - Causes, Symptoms

By Cedar Mill Veterinary Hospital Container: Cedarmillvet.com Year: 2023 URL: https://www.cedarmillvet.com/site/blog/2023/06/15/hypothyroidism-dogs-diet

3. A Review of Medical Conditions and Behavioral Problems in Dogs and Cats

By Tomàs Camps, Marta Amat, Xavier Manteca Container: Animals Publisher: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute Year: 2019 Volume: 9 Issue: 12 DOI: 10.3390/ani9121133 URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6941081/

4. Most Common Digestive Issues in Dogs and How to Relieve Them - Dutchtown Animal Hospital

By Dutchtown Animal Hospital Container: DutchtownAnimalHospital.com Year: 2021 URL: https://dutchtownanimalhospital.com/most-common-digestive-issues-in-dogs-and-how-to-relieve-them/