Just like us, dogs can get sick. The only problem is that they don't talk, which makes it much more difficult to detect if they are sick. Rest assured, there are several signs to know if your dog is sick. If your dog shows one or more of the following symptoms, visit your veterinarian immediately.
Contents
1. He doesn't eat anymore
2. He is down
3. He drinks a lot
4. He is vomiting and/or has diarrhea
5. He has a fever
6. Isolates himself
7. He is irritable
8. He licks himself excessively
9. He urinates frequently
10. He/she gains or loses weight
11. He/she has trouble keeping his/her balance
12. Has a runny nose and/or eyes
13. Has bad breath
14. He loses his hair
15. He has trouble moving
16. He scratches all the time
17. He coughs
18. He moans
19. He often puts himself in a "prayer position
20. He seeks your affection
1. He's stopped eating
If your dog used to eat in the morning and in the evening and, from one day to the next, he doesn't deign to touch his bowl, something is wrong. If he still hasn't eaten after 24 hours, consult a veterinarian.
2. He's down
Usually ready to go for a walk and always in a good mood, your dog has been completely down for the past few hours. He spends his time sleeping and seems terribly sad. In this case, a visit to the vet is in order.
3. He drinks a lot
If your dog suddenly starts drinking more than usual, he may be suffering from diabetes or kidney failure.
Credit: iStock4. Vomiting and/or diarrhea
Digestive problems are common in dogs. They can result in vomiting or diarrhea, which can sometimes last a whole day. But if the symptoms do not pass after 24 hours or if there is blood in the vomit or in the stool, it is urgent to consult a veterinarian.
5. He has a fever
The only way to know if your dog has a fever is to take his temperature with a thermometer. If your dog's temperature is over 39°C, it's not a good sign.
6. He isolates himself
A dog that prefers to hide so he can stay quiet all day and no longer greets you to party when you get home is not well.
7. He's irritable
If your dog suddenly starts behaving aggressively toward you, especially when you touch him in a particular area of his body, it's a sign that something is wrong.
8. He licks himself excessively
If your dog spends all day licking his paws, his buttocks, or any other part of his body, he is bothered by something (parasites, worms...).
9. He urinates frequently
Your dog has been perfectly clean for years, but now he starts urinating in the house. If he urinates a lot and you feel he just can't hold it in, it could be diabetes, liver, or kidney disease. And if there is blood in the urine, make an emergency visit to your veterinarian.
Credit: iStock10. He is gaining or losing weight
If your dog suddenly loses weight or gains weight abnormally, without any particular reason (no change in diet, physical activity...), your pet should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
11. He has trouble keeping his balance
A dog that can't keep its balance when it moves should immediately be seen by a veterinarian.
12. He has a runny nose and/or eyes
Whether it's a sign of allergy, conjunctivitis, or any other reason, a runny nose and eyes are not a sign of good health in dogs.
13. He has bad breath
A dog with bad breath (let's put it that way) probably has an infection, either in the gums or in the teeth.
Credit: iStock14. He's losing his hair
A soft, shiny coat is a sign of a healthy dog. But if your dog's coat is dry and brittle, a veterinary visit is in order.
15. He has trouble moving
If he limps frequently or has trouble getting up, your dog may have hip dysplasia, a herniated disc, or even Lyme disease.
16. He scratches all the time
Dogs scratch, that's normal. But a dog that scratches too often is a sign of skin disease or irritation caused by parasites.
Credit: iStock17. Coughing
If your dog is coughing all the time, he may have bronchitis, heart disease, or lung disease.
18. He whines
Your dog never complains, but you suddenly hear him whimpering for no reason? There is reason to be concerned about his health.
19. He often puts himself in a "prayer position".
A dog with abdominal pain usually adopts the following position: he adopts the same position as a cat stretching, with both back legs raised and both front legs extended forward.
Credit: iStock20. He seeks your affection
If your dog is used to asking for a pat or two here and there in normal circumstances, and suddenly starts pawing at you, he's trying to draw your attention to a problem.