What are the signs your dog is unwell?

Dogs can't express their physical discomfort with words. As their closest companions, it is crucial for owners to keenly detect any abnormalities in their health. Only by understanding how dogs behave when they are sick can we provide timely help and safeguard their well-being.

When a dog's body gives off "warning signs", its behavior will often be the first to signal something is wrong. A dog that used to be lively and energetic, wagging its tail excitedly when seeing its owner, suddenly becomes listless and shows no interest in its favorite toys or games. Lying lazily on the ground all day long may be a warning of physical discomfort. Under normal circumstances, dogs are enthusiastic about food. If there is a decrease in appetite, and they even ignore their favorite snacks, special attention should be paid. Some dogs may also exhibit the abnormal phenomenon of a sudden increase in food intake but still lose weight day by day. Behind this may lie serious diseases such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes.

The dog's excretion situation is also an important indicator of its health. Difficulty in defecation, straining but only being able to pass a small amount of dry and hard feces, or frequently assuming a defecation posture but being unable to defecate, may indicate constipation or intestinal obstruction. On the contrary, diarrhea should not be ignored either. Formless, soft feces, or even feces with bloodstains and mucus, may be caused by intestinal infections, parasites, or accidental ingestion of irritating foods. Abnormal urination is also a cause for concern. A significant increase or decrease in the frequency of urination, and abnormal urine color, such as dark yellow or red, all suggest that there may be problems with the urinary system. Diseases like cystitis and kidney stones can cause these symptoms.

Observing the details of a dog's appearance can also reveal potential health hazards. The coat is an external manifestation of a dog's health. A healthy dog has a smooth and shiny coat. If the coat becomes rough, dry, and prone to shedding, and there are even symptoms such as local hair loss, increased dandruff, red spots, and itching, it is likely that the dog has been infected with a skin disease, such as fungal or mite infections, or it may be due to a lack of nutrients. The eyes are the windows to the soul. A healthy dog has bright and clear eyes with no excessive secretions. When a dog's eyes are red, swollen, teary, have increased eye discharge, or even have a white film or become cloudy, it may be suffering from an eye infection, conjunctivitis, or keratitis. In severe cases, it may even threaten the dog's eyesight. The condition of the ears should not be overlooked either. Under normal circumstances, the inside of the ears is clean and odorless. If a dog scratches its ears frequently, there is brown secretion in the ears, and an unpleasant smell is emitted, it may have ear mites or otitis media.

The oral health of dogs is often overlooked by owners. Bad breath is a common sign of oral problems. In addition to simply insufficient oral cleaning, it may also be caused by diseases such as periodontitis, tartar, and oral ulcers. Carefully observe the dog's gums. Under normal circumstances, the gums are pink. If the gums are pale, yellow, or even red, swollen, and bleeding, these are signs of poor health. In addition, if a dog suddenly has difficulty chewing, drools, and is afraid to bite hard objects during eating, it may be due to loose teeth, gum pain, or foreign objects in the mouth.

Abnormal breathing is also an important indication that a dog is sick. Under normal circumstances, a dog breathes steadily with a uniform frequency. When a dog shows rapid breathing, wheezing, or coughing, especially when there has been no strenuous exercise, it may be caused by diseases such as respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, or heart diseases. Some dogs may also experience difficulty in breathing, manifested as open-mouthed breathing, flared nostrils, and the abdomen heaving forcefully. This is a very urgent situation that requires immediate medical attention.

Abnormal behavior is also worthy of attention. A dog that suddenly becomes extremely quiet, unwilling to interact with people or other animals, and always hides in a corner may be suffering from listlessness due to physical discomfort. On the other hand, a dog that was originally gentle and docile but becomes irritable and prone to growling or biting at the slightest touch is likely to have pain in a certain part of its body, and the discomfort is aggravated when touched. In addition, if a dog shakes its head frequently, spins around, walks unsteadily, or even has symptoms such as convulsions and spasms, these may be manifestations of nervous system diseases or brain problems.

Dogs can't tell us about their pain. They place all their trust in their owners. As owners, we should always pay attention to the subtle changes in our dogs' lives, and with keen observation and full of love, promptly detect these warning signs of health problems. Once we notice any abnormal behavior in our dogs, don't hesitate. Take them to a professional pet hospital for examination as soon as possible. Early detection and early treatment can keep dogs away from the torment of illness, allowing them to continue to accompany us through more wonderful times and maintain the precious emotional bond between us.