Even the most dedicated dog owner who spends all day, every day with their precious pooch can sometimes find it difficult to determine whether their dog is simply tired and having a rest day, or there is something wrong.
Continue reading to help you best diagnose and decide whether your dog needs to go to the vet – a decision which is best made quickly if the answer is yes,
Here are four warning signs that your dog needs to go to the vet.
Your Dog Refuses to Eat
An upset stomach due to too much food in the morning, or else an afternoon where your dog has not eaten a thing is not always cause for concern.
However, if your dog refuses even her favorite ever treat, or you know that they have not eaten all day, then it may be a sign of a health issue.
Loss of appetite in dogs can be caused by a number of different things, but the best thing to do is to take your dog to an excellent and commended surgery such as the Tehaleh WA Vet clinic.
Your Dog’s Weight Dramatically Changes
If you have been advised by a vet during a previous appointment that your dog has to either put on or lose weight, then disregard this next point.
However, if not and your canine best friend has recently either gained a substantial amount of weight, or else has lost a lot of weight in a small amount of time, then this needs to be looked into by a medical professional.
Your Dog Starts Wheezing or Coughing
Canine flu is a relatively common health problem in dogs and should be seen as a sign they need to see their vet as soon as possible.
Signs and symptoms of canine flu include the following:
- Nasal Discharge
- Running & Sticky Eyes
- Lethargy & Tiredness
- Sneezing
- Dry Coughing
- Moist Coughing
- Trouble Breathing
- Holding Their Head at an Unusual Angle
Canine flu needs to be treated by the veterinary surgeon as soon as possible and it is likely that your dog will need to be placed on a drip to replace valuable fluids they have lost while they recover.
Your Dog is Reluctant to Exercise
Usually, unless your dog is getting on in years and much prefers a leisurely potter around the garden, they will naturally be excited to go outside on their walk as soon as you pick up the leash.
If a usually excitable pup refuses the offer of a walk and is generally much more lethargic and reluctant to play, then this could be a sign of something serious.
If the temperature outside is particularly hot, it may just be this, but there are other causes of lethargy in dogs which certainly need to be looked into further. As a rule, if you notice a change in behavior in your dog, of something related to their appearance, which does not seem usual, you should make an appointment with your vet as a matter of course.
