Signs & Symptoms of a Sick Dog

Dogs are wonderful companions, most often being involved in a loyal, dedicated relationship with their owners. However, just like humans, dogs are also prone to many different health conditions. Because your dog doesn’t have the ability to let you know when they’re feeling ill, it’s important for you to keep an eye on their behavior to notice any changes. In addition to this, there are certain symptoms that can help you to determine if your dog is sick. Here are some of the most common symptoms of a sick dog, along with a few of their possible causes.

LETHARGY

Lethargy is one of the most common symptoms seen in sick dogs. A sick dog will be feeling ill, so will not show as much enthusiasm for daily activities. Lethargy is usually characterized as a general change in your dog’s activity level. For example, a lethargic dog will also display a loss of interest in food, will spend much more time sleeping, and not be as excited about any activity that involves physical exercise. This may also be accompanied by weight loss, hair loss, or some of the other symptoms that can help you to determine when your dog is sick. Lethargy is usually caused by a virus, bacterial infection or other health condition. However, lethargy can also be caused by changes in diet, medication or lifestyle.

DIARRHEA

If your dog has diarrhea, chances are that they are suffering from a health condition that is causing them gastrointestinal distress. Diarrhea can be a sign of many different diseases, though is usually cause for concern. Some parasitic infections can cause diarrhea, which may or may not be accompanied by the appearance of parasites in your dog’s fecal matter.

HAIR LOSS

Sometimes you may notice that your dog is losing their fur. This can either be present in patches, or be a general loss of hair all over your dog’s body. Hair loss can be caused by a number of health conditions, which aren’t always associated with the condition of your dog’s skin. Though some types of fungal infections on your dog’s skin can cause hair loss, this is usually present in patches. If your dog is experiencing generalized hair loss that is not localized to one area, this could be a symptom of a food allergy in your dog. However, there are many other health conditions that can cause hair loss, some of which require immediate medical treatment. If your dog is experiencing hair loss, it’s best to schedule a veterinary visit as soon as possible.

FEVER

If your adult dog has a temperature that is over 103 degrees (97 degrees in puppies), this means that they are suffering from an increase in temperature. A fever in your dog can be indicative of many health conditions, though is most commonly associated with viral and bacterial infections. If your dog has a fever, chances are that you will need to schedule a visit to your veterinarian in order to have them tested for certain infections. After the cause of the infection is determined, your veterinarian may be able to prescribe antibiotics in order to help cure this condition.

What tel-tale signs do you notice when your dog is sick?  Please post a comment below and let us know!