How can I tell if my dog is sick?

Question

He just hasn't been himself lately.

Answer 1

If you notice any of the following symptoms, your dog has fallen sick-
1. Change in amount of food intake
2. Irregular breathing, shortness of breath, prolonged or heavy panting, etc.
3. Coughing, gagging, sneezing, retching, or vomiting.
4. Nose: running, crusting, discharge, etc.
5.Eyes: swelling, discharge, redness, etc.

Healthy dogs have a temperature of 101-102º F, a respiratory rate of 15-20 breaths per minute, and a heart rate of 80-120 beats per minute. They have pink mucous membranes

Answer 2

Dogs who are sick often stop eating and become lethargic ("lazy" or "unresponsive"). They may also vomit, have diarrhea, and refuse to drink water. Take your dog's temperature (you'll need a rectal thermometer) to make sure he's not running a fever. (Anything over 102 is too high.) If his "not acting like himself: goes on for more than a day or two, take him, and a sample of stool (poop) to the vet to get him checked out. He may have worms or other intestinal parasites, or have any of a large variety of bacterial or viral infections. Your vet will know for sure.

Feeling the dog's nose will not give you an accurate reading on its health. Healthy dogs can still have warm or dry noses.

Answer 3

The first thing any dog owner or pet owner should do if their dog is acting off colour is PHONE THE VET! You will notice yourself, any changes from their normal behaviour such as being generally quiet and lethargic, lying around more than normal, hanging their heads ie not holding them up, loss of appetite, profuse panting, restlessness, seizures/fits, loss of balance, inability to walk or even move, vomiting, diahorrea, vile smells coming from ears, mouth, backside, bad skin, limping, sudden yelping for no apparent reason. Judge for yourself, its the same as knowing if a member of your family is sick. They just appear out of character. Either way, if it is something serious, time is of the essence and it is vital you don't wait any longer.

Please see your vet ASAP.

Good Luck.

Answer 4

Any sudden change in behavior is a big sign of something wrong. Also monitor his eating behavior. Check if he is eating and drinking regularly and not puking. You can make sure his stool is healthy by looking to make sure it is hard and not soft or diarrhea.

And as always, check with your vet for a full check up. It wouldnt hurt.

Answer 5

If you think something is off, it probably is. Definitely get him to the vet. Spend the money to have a full blood panel done. It will probably save you tons of dough in the long run.

Answer 6

Oh my if his gums are pale that means that he is losing blood so I hope it isn't that bad. "Ain't doing right" is a common complaint that owners have with their animals. A veterinarian will be able to a complete physical exam and preform any needed diagnostic tests to see if there is a true unlying disease. Sometimes in tune owners who recognize a behavior change in their animals have allowed for life saving measures to be taken. Always better safe than sorry.

Answer 7

Lack of appetite, warmer than usual to the touch, warm dry nose, laying around more, constipation or loose stools, whining, difficulty getting up, not doing much tail wagging, or droopy tail..drinking more water..urinating often..
Any of these could be symptoms of illness...

Answer 8

you know you dog better than anyone! if you feel he is acting different, it wouldn't hurt to take it to the vet to be safe!

Answer 9

look at his gums if they are really pale do see a Vet with him

Answer 10

take it to the vet or feel its nose