When we have a dog in the family one of the things we have to do is check it from time to time to detect any problem that may be affecting it. In addition to an annual veterinary check-up, at home it is highly recommended that daily, taking advantage of those moments in which the dog is enjoying a pampering session, let's look at every part of your body looking for something that shouldn't be, be it a lump, a wound, ... well, anything that makes us suspect that the furry's health is beginning to weaken.
To help you, I will explain how to know if my dog is sick, so you will know when it is time to take him to the vet.
Main symptoms of dog diseases
If you detect any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to take him to a specialist for you to examine:
- Loss of appetite: dogs are usually very gluttonous, so if two or three days pass and they do not want to eat, or they do not finish the plate, you may suspect that something is wrong with them.
- Vomiting and / or diarrhea: If one or both of these symptoms do not disappear within 24 hours, you probably have a parasitic disease, such as parvo virus.
- Apathy: dogs must be active, playful and alert. When they are not, it is because they are undoubtedly ill, and may even have depression.
- Urine with blood: If your furry urine is bloody, go to the vet as soon as possible, as it may have an infection.
- Excess water intake: When dogs suddenly drink more water than normal on days they don't get much exercise or it's not very hot, they may have a disease like diabetes.
In general, any sudden change in their behavior and/or body should make us suspicious. Therefore, don't hesitate to observe your dog every day.
Other signs that require attention
Dry or hot truffle along with weakness, cough or lack of appetite may suggest fever or respiratory infection, such as bronchitisA healthy truffle is usually moist and free of cracks.
Acute and chronic cough: Thick mucus and sneezing are usually a cold; if the cough persists, it could indicate tracheal collapse in small breeds or heart disease.
Polydipsia and polyuria (drinks and urinates excessively) with pérdida peso Despite an increased appetite, this suggests diabetes; very frequent and infrequent urination suggests cystitis.
Altered mood: Apathy or, conversely, hyperactivity and sleeplessness can be related to anxiety, chronic pain or cognitive impairment.
Abnormal breathing (very fast or slow) outside of your normal resting range, approximately 15 to 30 breaths per minute, requires evaluation.
New mass or lump on or under the skin should always be checked; some tumors are common, such as mammary tumors in unspayed females.
Ears with twitching, discharge, or a bad smell usually indicate otitis; avoid inserting cotton swabs.
Hypersalivation In the case of breeds that drool a lot, it may be due to wounds, burns or oral infections; bad breath also alert.
Pain: how it manifests itself
Behavior changes such as withdrawal, whining, or irritability; mobility with stiffness, limping, or difficulty getting up; strange postures to avoid pain; disturbed sleep y rejection of contact in painful areas. Trembling, licking, or persistent scratching of a specific area are common clues.
Recommended veterinary tests
To detect hidden problems early, your veterinarian may request blood chemistry and electrolytes, complete blood count, urine analysis, test of parasites (heartworm, ticks), thyroid profile y ECG if you suspect cardiac abnormalities. These tests help confirm diagnoses and decide on the most effective treatment.
What to do at home and when to go to the emergency room
Ante mild vomiting or diarrhea In a lively dog, a soft, temporary diet such as homemade soup for dogs: cooked chicken with rice without seasonings, bone broth defatted to hydrate and pumpkin cooked for its fiber. If symptoms persist, if there is blood, fever, or weakness, consult a veterinarian.
Do not self-medicate: Human drugs such as ibuprofen, paracetamol or aspirin are toxic to dogs. If there is respiratory distress, seizures, bleeding, inability to urinate or stand up, severe pain or dehydration, is a urgencia.
Prevention and healthy habits
Plan periodic reviews, vaccination y deworming according to your lifestyle. Keep balance diet, fresh water, exercise adaptable to your age, environmental hygiene and avoid the extreme heat, avoid spoiled food or raw meat. Observe your daily activity, sleep, appetite, urination and defecation allows for the timely detection of any relevant changes.
Live attentive to your partner's signals and seek professional help At the slightest suspicion, it is the best way to protect your health and ensure well-being and a longer, happier life.
