Having a furry friend is so much fun but it can also take a lot of work. Not only do you need to feed, dog shelter and care for a dog, you also need to be able to understand its health needs, and that can be difficult since a dog can’t speak to you and tell you how he feels. Luckily, you can learn to read some signals in your dog to understand when he is sick and when he is well.
If you suspect your dog is sick, you should know what steps to take next to ensure he gets well. Not every illness will need a trip to the vet but there are some specific signs that show a dog really does need professional medical care. Learn the below signs, and if you spot them in your dog, make sure you take him to a vet. That way, you can get your dog the proper treatment he needs to ensure he lives a long, healthy life by your side.
He Is Excessively Thirsty
Lots of dogs love to drink water. But if your dog develops an endless thirst all of a sudden, you may want to take him in to see his vet. Excessive thirst can be a sign of a major health problem such as diabetes or kidney disease. Take your dog into a vet quickly to get treatment for a disease that could otherwise take a severe toll on your dog’s health.
He Is Vomiting
It’s pretty normal for a dog to vomit every once in a while. But if your dog vomits repeatedly, or starts doing it regularly, it’s time to go to the vet. Severe vomiting can result in dehydration and death, so if your dog is vomiting nonstop, head to the emergency vet right away. If your dog vomits and has some diarrhea, make sure you get in to see your vet, who can treat any dehydration and diagnose what’s causing the gastric trouble.
He Won’t Eat
If your dog stops eating, there’s a pretty good chance that he’s not feeling well. Make an appointment to go see your vet, and he can help you determine whether the lack of appetite is caused by a food allergy, a dislike for a particular food or a more serious illness. You want to make sure you take your dog to the vet before he becomes too weak or malnourished from not eating.
He Has a Seizure
It’s scary when a dog has a seizure. If yours does, it doesn’t mean he has a life-threatening condition, but it does mean he could use the help of his vet. Take your pup into see the doc, and he can determine what caused the episode and how to prevent one from happening again.
When your dog gets sick, you might wonder whether you’re overreacting or whether it’s time to seek out professional help. If your dog seems under the weather, look for signs of severe health problems then consult with his vet. Today, there are lots of treatments available that can help your pet live a longer, healthier life even with serious medical conditions, such as Vetmedin for congestive heart failure.
For less severe health problems that seem like they can wait, check with your vet when the office is open. And don’t forget to schedule an appointment for preventative treatment for ticks and fleas.
Listed below are some helpful resources referenced in the article that can provide some guidance for those looking for helpful information on pet supplies & medication:
http://www.allivet.com/p-2500-vetmedin.aspx
https://www.petcarerx.com/article/flea-and-tick-prevention-and-treatment-options/94
