How can I tell when my dogs are not feeling well?

Question

So it's been said dogs get headaches, depression and such. How can I tell if my dogs are feeling some sort of illness? (Do their tails go up/down...etc). Thanks much =)

Everyone's answers are really good. I wish I could pick all. I'll just let you all vote for the best. Thanks, I've learned a lot from your answers!

Answer 1

I always tell clients that there are a few ways to tell if your dog is not feeling well. First, don't be afraid to take your dogs temperature. 103 degrees is the normal temperature for canines, but remember, like humans it is ok if your dog is a few degrees higher or lower. Second, take a look at their gums. The gums are such a HUGE indicator of illness. If your dogs gums appear lighter (more white than usual) then you know your dog is ill. Third, the more obvious is if your dog is not eating, drinking, or acting like normal. Also look for things like bowels not being passed or frequent/infrequent urination. All can be signs that your dog is ill. Listen, you know your dogs the best, better than anyone else, if you suspect your dog is sick... it doesn't hurt to call a vet. I hope this helps!!!

Answer 2

No, the tail go's up when it's ready to attack and down when it's frightened. You can tail if your dog gags and sighs plenty amounts. If he does not move around normally he probably does not feel well, if it is a dog that does not move around then watch for uncomfortableness, what i mean by that is look and see when it's laying if it keeps changing positions or rolling back and for worth trying to get comfortable. Dog's do not regularly get sick. If it does it's because of the owner not spending time with it, or if it is going through a really tough time like if it's companion just died. They get headaches from lack of water and other illnesses Good Luck! Hope this was helpful

Answer 3

If your dog is not acting "normal",has its tail tucked,walks humped over,lays ina corner,refuses to get up, has pale gums,drinks more than normal,vomits,coughs excessively,pants excessively,constantly shakes its head, etc then it probably doesn't feel well.

Answer 4

i agree with most of these, but with my older puppy(11m) he doesnt want anything to do with anyone except me or even my younger puppy(6m) or the 1yr old in the yard. he acts just like a child who is sick. he doesnt want to eat or play. he will however drink. he wants to follow me around, lay on my lap, go with me when i leave. as for eating grass, well that im told by my vet that it is to help clean out their tummy

Answer 5

You'll notice changes in their behaviour - they will stop eating, seem quiet or lethargic, or perhaps even whimper or whine with pain. As you get to know your pet, you will become more atuned to what is normal behaviour for him/her, and when you need to be worried and seek medical attention.

Chalice

Answer 6

Everyone is right , but to be honest with you I don't have to take temp. or look at gums or what ever. I am do in tune with my dogs I know right away when something is wrong. I can just by looking at them. Use to freak my vet out. Once I took my female in and told him something was wrong. He look at her and said she doesn't 't look like anything is wrong. I told him I know my dog and I know when something is wrong so I made him check her out. She had a sore throat Maybe me not having kids got me into these dogs of mine, but I know each and every one of them. I know by what bark they use to what is going on. I can tell by their walk what is going on. I can look in their eyes and and no what is going on. I may not be able to pin point what it is , My vet went to school to know better than me, but I do know something is wrong.

Answer 7

The will act lethargic, not eat, perhaps even growl or nip. They will not act as they normally do. Animals that hide also mean that they can be extremely sick.

Answer 8

when they eat grass