Dogs

Top 10 Symptoms In Dogs That You Should Never, Ever Ignore

When your pup starts exhibiting abnormal behaviors or appears disoriented for no apparent reason, it’s hard to know whether to wait or worry. This is especially true when the signs are related to both minor conditions and those that can be life-threatening.
The symptoms that follow are labeled “Do Not Ignore.” While they may or may not point to a severe illness, they must be checked out immediately by a vet or an emergency animal hospital. Therefore, be sure to read the entire article.

1. Loss of appetite, weight loss.

The absence of appetite in pets is usually the initial indication of an existing ailment. Many reasons may be responsible for why your pup is not eating, and lack of nourishment can have a detrimental effect on its health within a day. Puppies that are 6 months or younger are even more susceptible to this issue.
Weight loss can result from a deficit of calories, either because of anorexia or when a canine’s body expends or gets rid of dietary necessities quicker than they can be restored. If your dog has experienced a reduction in its body weight that is more than 10% of its regular weight, your vet should be alerted. Various underlying causes, some of them potentially severe, could be responsible for this.

2. Lethargy, extreme fatigue.

An animal exhibiting signs of lethargy can appear drowsy, sluggish, and disinterested. Responses to sights, sounds, and other environmental factors may be significantly delayed. If your pet remains in this state for over 24 hours, it is time to seek the help of a veterinarian, as this could be a sign of a more serious underlying issue

3. Coughing.

If a dog begins coughing, it is often indicative of a greater issue; a single instance of coughing could be an isolated event, however, typically this behavior requires further investigation and possibly treatment. Potential causes of coughing in canines can include windpipe obstruction, kennel cough, bronchitis, influenza, heartworm disease, heart failure, and lung tumors.

4. Fever. 

If you find your canine companion feeling warmer than normal, this may be a sign of infection. Normally, the temperature of a dog is within the range of 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If your pup’s temperature exceeds this, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

5. Difficulty breathing.

If your dog is struggling to breathe, they may experience labored breathing, panting, or even difficulty inhaling and exhaling. This could mean that their tissues are not getting enough oxygen, and in some cases, even be a symptom of heart failure if the heart is unable to circulate enough blood. Coughing and difficulty breathing are both symptoms of respiratory distress, which can be caused by an accumulation of fluid in the lungs or chest area. If your canine companion is displaying these signs, they need to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.

6. Trouble urinating.

Your canine may display uneasiness while voiding, strain while doing so, or make repeated attempts without success. If your pooch is whimpering, obsessing over the urinary area, or excessively licking, you must quickly consult a veterinarian. Urinary ailments may lead to death in a short span of time if not treated expeditiously.

7. Bloody diarrhea, urine, vomit.

Digested blood in your dog’s excrement will present as black, tar-like stools. The presence of fresh blood in feces points to either rectal or colonic bleeding, a cause for worry that should be swiftly addressed. Hematuria, or blood in urine, may appear visibly or only be discernible through microscopic analysis. Serious medical problems, such as blockages, bacterial infection, or even cancer, may be responsible for this manifestation. Consequently, these issues must be attended to quickly.

Vomited blood may range in color from a vivid red to a dark, granular texture, similar to that of coffee grounds. Such a symptom can indicate a variety of causes, ranging from minor to potentially fatal.

8. Pacing, restlessness, unproductive retching.

Pacing behavior from a dog which suggests a lack of willingness to relax may point to a physical condition causing them discomfort or anguish. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), otherwise known as Bloat, is a medical emergency that often presents these types of signs. Vomiting without production is also a warning sign for Bloat, a fatal disorder which primarily impacts large breed canines with deeper chests.

9. Fainting, collapsing.

When a dog falls to the ground and is unable to get back up, it is known as a collapse. In extreme cases, the dog may even lose consciousness, otherwise known as fainting. Regardless of the speed of recovery, these are considered to be serious medical emergencies and the dog should be brought to the vet as soon as possible. The causes of the fainting or collapsing can vary greatly, ranging from nervous system problems such as the brain, spinal cord, or nerves to issues in the circulatory system, musculoskeletal system, or respiratory system.

10. Red eye(s).

When a dog’s eye has a bright red hue, it is often an indication of an underlying inflammation or infection. These medical conditions can involve the external eyelid, third eyelid, conjunctiva, cornea, and sclera. Redness may be the result of disorders inside the eye, of the eye socket, or glaucoma, any of which could lead to vision impairment or blindness.
In some instances, a condition will need to be allowed to run its course, like with a gastrointestinal upset due to indiscriminate snacking. However, if your pet experiences an unexpected, grave symptom, then they should be taken to the vet or emergency animal hospital immediately.
By considering the 10 possible symptoms outlined above, it can help pet owners determine the seriousness of their pet’s condition and provide appropriate care.

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