Signs and Symptoms of Dog Illnesses – What To Look For

Owning a dog, makes them a part of the family. As the owner, we are responsible for ensuring their health and wellbeing at all times. We want to make sure that they live long, happy and comfortable lives. There are some different signs and symptoms of a dog having an illness or being sick, the signs to look for are:

• A dry nose can mean an illness. Their nose should always be moist and this can be the first sign that something is wrong.
• A personality or behavior change, such a being down, not playing as much, almost a depressed attitude. This can also be due to aging and brain aging in dogs, similar to personality changes that take place in humans as they age too.
• Weight increases or decreases that are significant and happen rapidly. This can be from cancer, kidney problems or other diseases and illnesses, as well as that can also be due to lack of exercise or not eating enough as well.
• Not eating which can be a sign of many different problems, from having an illness to problems with their teeth or gums too. This is extremely important when it comes to the teeth and bad or foul smelling breath can be another sign of teeth, gum or other mouth problems.
• Drinking more water, but urinating less is usually the standard sign that the dog has diabetes. Their diet will need to be adjusted, the same as a human does when they have diabetes.
•  Scratching or licking themselves a lot, as well as having irritated or rough skin is usually a skin condition or allergic dermatitis.
• Limping or having problems standing up or laying down, could be a sign of arthritis or joint problems with a dog. Their joints can become swollen and inflamed when there is arthritis in the body.
• Vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss and other problems with their fur can be a sign of a food intolerance or allergy. Changing their diet may be all that is needed, however if it continues than taking them to the vet would be the best option.
• Cloudy eyes that look to have a film over them can be from aging, however it also happens when a dog may be losing their eye sight.
• Does not respond to commands or barks continually can mean that the dog is going deaf, they are not listening but are not being disobedient, they do not seem to hear what is being said. As well as constant barking when there are no other dogs around or anything that is happening that would normally cause them to bark.?
• Lumps on the body anywhere can be a sign of a tumor or cancer. In many cases these can be removed, before they spread.