4 Warning Signs That Your Dog Has a Serious Medical Condition

Because they can’t simply tell us what is wrong, keeping pets healthy can be challenging. Some animals will even instinctively attempt to hide signs of illness or injury, further complicating the issue. When a dog is seriously ill, however, there are some symptoms he won’t be able to hide and they will betray his condition. Know the signs of serious illness in dogs and get yours to the vet or emergency treatment center right away if you spot them.

4 Warning Signs That Your Dog Has a Serious Medical Condition

Loss of Weight or Appetite

Dogs love food, and if yours is turning up his nose at all of his favorites, there’s a reason. A dog can begin to suffer complications from not eating within 24 hours, so a lack of appetite is something that needs to be addressed quickly, especially in puppies. Weight loss is just as serious, especially if your dog is still eating while losing weight. A dog who loses 10% or more of his total body weight may be in serious trouble.

Coughing

If your dog has a single coughing episode or chokes up a piece of rawhide he was chewing on, you need not worry. Persistent coughing, however, is cause for concern and necessitates a vet visit. This is virtually always a sign of an underlying problem and could be something serious like a windpipe obstruction. Of course, your dog should also be seen immediately if he is having trouble breathing.

Bloody Diarrhea, Urine and Vomit

Blood anywhere it isn’t supposed to be is a problem. Bloody diarrhea may be very dark in color or bright red if the blood is coming from the colon rather than the stomach, Vomited blood may be red or the color of coffee grounds. If you see blood anywhere you shouldn’t, call 1st Pet Veterinary Centers or a local vet right away.

Urinary Habit Changes

Any change in your dog’s urinary habits can signal trouble. Dogs that urinate more frequently or start having accidents in the house may be having a medical issue like diabetes or kidney problems. One who strains to urinate, suddenly urinates less or whines and whimpers when urinating may have kidney stones, blockages or other problems that could be serious. Take changes in urinary behavior for the trouble signs that they are and be sure to get your dog checked out.

You know your dog better than anyone, so pay attention to changes in his behavior. Even subtle changes can indicate an issue. Trust your instincts and your knowledge of your furry friend. If something seems off, have it checked out.