4 Common Signs of Illness in Dogs

It can be difficult to recognise when your pup is feeling under the weather. Because of the obvious communication barrier between human and canine, the best and only way to ensure that you’re on top of how your pup is feeling is by looking out for signs and symptoms that it tends to show.

While not every unusual behaviour is a symptom of illness, other subtle signs such as sleeping more than usual might be something that you may overlook. It can be tricky to differentiate and identify symptoms of illness from other behaviours, here are four common signs to watch out for.

Vomiting and/or Diarrhoea

Source: dogster

Dogs vomit for various reasons with one of the most common reasons being due to consuming foods that they don’t agree with. However, when accompanied by diarrhoea, it may indicate that your dog is experiencing more than just a disagreement with food.

Once your canine starts to vomit, observe what comes out to explain it to the vet. At the same time, keep a lookout for signs of blood in the vomit or in the stool. If there is no improvement after the first episode of vomiting and diarrhoea, immediately drop by the nearest vets in Singapore.

Decreased Appetite/Activity

Dogs may stop eating for a number of reasons and may be due to a number of reasons including stress. However, this hunger strike doesn’t go past a few hours.

If your canine’s loss of appetite lasts more than 48 hours or if it refuses more than two meals, it’s a cause for concern. Immediately bring your pup to a trusted vet to have it diagnosed as well as to replenish the nourishment it lost.

Too Much or Too Little Urination

Dogs generally need to urinate once every four to six hours, however, this also depends on various other factors such as water intake and activity level.

If you notice your pup having to urinate more than usual, or vice versa, despite not having any changes to its lifestyle or diet, you should make a trip to vets in Singapore.

Coughing

Coughing in canines is very rarely a serious cause for concern. For adult dogs, it may simply be a kennel cough – a type of infectious tracheobronchitis which tends to fade within a week or two. However, if your dog’s cough lasts longer than that, it may be more than just the usual kennel cough.

Other factors that cause coughing in your canine include heart disease, heartworms or lung diseases. At the same time, do note that kennel cough can also be fatal in puppies. If you notice that your little furkid has a harsh, hacking cough, consult a vet immediately.

Hair Loss 

Source: holistapet

One of the more obvious signs, when your dog starts to scratch at their ears, it may mean that they are suffering from infestation, allergies or Cushing disease.

Allergies may occur from food or environmental triggers such as pollen and dust mites. Flea or tick infestations can also cause hair loss and excessive itchiness.

Lastly, a serious cause for concern when your dog loses hair is Cushing disease. This is caused by exposure of the body’s tissue to a hormone known as cortisol. Symptoms include hair loss and skin darkening.

If you notice your canine displaying any of these or unusual signs that seem to be a cause for concern, err on the side of caution and immediately call your vet.