How You Can Tell if Your Dog is Sick

Your canine can not describe his / her signs and symptoms, consequently it is the responsibility of you and your veterinarian to keep him healthy. Dogs are extremely good at hiding their condition therefore it is up to you to notice your dog with regard to abnormalities.

Typical indications of a "sick pet" include: sleepiness, disorientation, weakness, weight loss, seizure, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, unproductive retching, tensing to urinate, bloody urine, problems with or inability to walk, bleeding, pale mucous membranes, difficulty breathing as well as persistent cough. You know your dog best and will typically notice subtle early warning signals which someone else may well not detect. If you observe any of the mentioned symptoms or other signs that worry you, contact your veterinary hospital. The safest method should be to have your pet seen.

As soon as your dog is at the clinic, your veterinarian may ask more questions to help localize or identify the problem. It could help to be ready in order answer many of the following questions:

· Just how long have you owned your dog?
· Where did you obtain your dog (adoption center, breeder, previous stray)?
· What additional type of pets do you have?
· What is the age of this dog?
· Has your dog suffered any previous health problems?
· Is the dog presently under therapy for an illness or disease?
· Are any other pets sick?
· Has he/she already been vaccinated? If so, when? Which vaccines?
· Is the majority of the pet's time spent indoors or outside the house?
· Have there been any new variations in diet or eating habits?
· What brand name of food, how much and how frequently does your dog eat?
· Have you observed any coughing or sneezing?
· Have you discovered any lumps or bumps on your dog?
· Is the dog urinating normally?
· When is the last time he/she had a bowel movement?

Fort Collins Veterinarians is dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date tips to keep your dog healthy.

Author
JBruno
Fort Collins Veterinarians