How to Tell if
Your Dog is Sick
Owners who observe and handle their healthy dogs
have a head start on recognizing early signs of illness in their
pets. Those who know what a healthy pet acts, feels, and smells
like can spot differences in behavior and bodies and determine
whether a trip to the vet is necessary.
Healthy dogs have a temperature of 101-102º F, a
respiratory rate of 15-20 breaths per minute, and a heart rate of
80-120 beats per minute. They have pink mucous membranes (gums,
inside of lips, tongue, inside of eyelids) and rapid capillary
refill action in these areas.
They have clean-smelling ears and skin and a full hair coat.
Their skin is pliant, an indication of proper hydration, and their
eyes are clear and bright.
If your puppy or dog shows any of the following
signs, be prepared to call your vet.
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Eyes: swelling, discharge, redness, etc. |
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Nose: running, crusting, discharge, etc. |
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Ears: discharge, debris, odor, twitching,
scratching, etc. |
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Coughing, gagging, sneezing, retching, or
vomiting. |
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Irregular breathing, shortness of breath, or
heavy panting |
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Bloody stool |
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Evidence of parasites |
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Change in amount of food intake |
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Change in body weight |
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Change in water intake |
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Change in urine color or frequency |
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Straining or dribbling when urinating |
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Unusual odor |
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Change in coat or skin (hair loss) |
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Wounds |
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Tumors |
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Biting, scratching or licking |
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Depression |
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Anxiety |
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Fatigue or sleepiness |
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Trembling |
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Stumbling |
Noticing signs is half the battle. Keeping a
record helps the vet make a diagnosis. Be sure to note when the
symptom first appeared, and whether it has been intermittent,
continuous, increasing in frequency, getting better, or getting
worse before calling the veterinarian.
For some great vet recommended home remedies that
could save you a trip to the vet or even save your dog's life, take
a look at this resource.
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Top Resources |
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Training |
Online
Dog Training
Highly effective online puppy and dog training with great audio and
visuals. |
Sit
Stay Fetch
Diagrams and pictures are excellent and really make this course easy to
follow. |
Potty
Train Your Puppy In 7 Days
Turn any breed puppy into the well disciplined, potty trained companion you've always
dreamed of. |
|
Health |
Veterinary
Secrets Revealed
Written by a vet, another must have if you own a dog, especially a puppy.
Take care of most ailments at home. |
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