As dog owners, we know how important it is to take care of our dogs. We get them their exercise, feed them well, and give them playtime and love. But one aspect that can be hard to regulate is their health. Since our dogs can’t really tell us when they’re hurting, it can be hard to know when it is time to go to vet. You don’t want to overreact and take your dog into the vet for ever little thing. But you also don’t want to let something serious slide. Here are some ways to know or signs of when it may be time to head to the vet.
Change in Eating and Drinking
If your dog hasn’t been eating the way they normally do, they need a little check up from the vet. Dogs can skip a meal or two, but anything more is a sign that they may be sick. If their eating habits are strange or they haven’t eaten in two days, it would be a good idea to see what the vet says. This can also go the other way, as some diseases could cause your dog to start getting into the garbage or eating a lot more. You should also be concerned if your dog is drinking a lot more than normal or you’re refilling their bowl a lot. This excessive thirst and need to go out side more to go to the bathroom can be a sign of kidney disease or diabetes.
Changes in Coat
If you notice a big change if your dog’s coat, this could be a sign of a health issue. When their coat becomes dull, rough, or dry instead of shiny, thick, and soft. Bald spots are also a sign of problem. These symptoms could be a sign of a food or environment allergy or a skin disease.
Change is Movement/Attitude
If your dog is normally quite active and upbeat and you notice they’re sluggish and tired, this can be a sign of another health issue. While fatigue or tiredness after a long day or walk is normal, if they’re uninterested in playing and activities they usually like, head to the vet to see what’s up. After two days of this, give your vet a call.
Vomiting and Bathroom Issues
While vomiting isn’t a huge deal or out of the ordinary for dogs, too much is a problem. Dogs can vomit when they eat something that doesn’t sit well in their stomach. But there are more severe concerns as well. If your dog vomits frequently or many times in a row, vomits blood, or has a fever while vomiting, you should call your vet. Lots of vomiting can lead to dehydration so you want to stay on top of it.
If your dog’s stool looks different than normal you should also call your vet. When their stool is dry, hard, has worms in, or is bloody, call your vet. Dogs who have diarrhea for more than 24 hours should also visit the vet. If they’re dragging their bottom or scooting after going to the bathroom, call your vet, as this could be blocked or infected anal glands, a urinary tract infection, or diarrhea.
Of course, you should also give your vet a call if your dog experiences trauma like a broken bone or is bleeding. These signs and symptoms should help you decide when it is time to go to the vet for less obvious health concerns!
