Dog Health Symptoms: A Guide to Understanding Your Pet

Understanding your dog's health symptoms is crucial to providing the best care possible. If your dog is vomiting, it could be a sign of gastrointestinal upset, which can be caused by eating something bad, food allergies, or even pancreatitis.

Dogs can be prone to vomiting, especially if they eat something they shouldn't. In fact, vomiting can be a symptom of a range of conditions, including food poisoning, kidney disease, and even cancer.

If your dog is lethargic, it may be a sign that they're not feeling well. Lethargy can be caused by a range of factors, including pain, infection, and even old age.

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Red eyes, runny eyes, squinting, or holding the eye closed can be signs of problems that range from a mild infection to an ulceration or glaucoma. If your dog is pawing or rubbing at the eyes, try to stop this behavior and call your vet, as rubbing can cause serious damage.

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It's essential to check your dog's eyes regularly for any issues. Bright, clear, and focused eyes are normal, but redness, drainage, or swelling may warrant attention.

A healthy mouth is also crucial, and you should check your dog's gums and breath regularly. Normal gums are pale pink, and neutral-smelling breath is also normal, but any signs of red gums, dark streaks, or bad breath could be a sign of dental problems.

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Your dog's eyes are like windows to their overall health. Red eyes, runny eyes, squinting, or holding the eye closed can be signs of problems that range from a mild infection to an ulceration or glaucoma.

If you notice your dog pawing or rubbing at their eyes, it's essential to stop this behavior and call your vet. Rubbing at the eye can cause serious damage.

A bright, clear, and focused eye is a good sign. Issues such as redness, drainage, or swelling may warrant attention.

An e-collar may be required in addition to medication administration as prescribed by your vet if your dog's eye problem is severe.

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Pale Gums can be a sign of anemia or shock in dogs. This is because normal dogs have pink, moist gums.

Lifting your dog's lip to check the gum color is a simple way to assess their oral health. You should look for any changes in color, texture, or moisture.

Dogs with pale gums may also exhibit lethargy, weakness, or trouble breathing. This can be a medical emergency.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to seek immediate medical attention from your veterinarian or a nearby veterinary emergency clinic.

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If your dog is experiencing hair loss or persistent itching, it's likely due to skin infections, fleas, or allergies.

Fleas can cause extreme discomfort, and examining your dog's skin for signs of flea dirt, redness, discharge, swelling, pain, or an abnormal odor can help identify the issue.

A bath can often soothe mild symptoms, but more severe signs should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

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Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, are bare, red areas that can appear on your dog's skin.

The location of the hot spot can help determine its cause, and treatment may range from topical medications to antibiotics depending on the severity of the hot spots.

If you notice a hot spot on your dog, it's essential to seek veterinary attention to prevent further complications.

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Parasites and Infections can be a real nuisance for dogs. External parasites like ticks, fleas, mange, and Cheyletiella mites can cause a host of issues, including diseases and worms.

These parasites can be picked up from the environment and other dogs, and often cause dandruff-like symptoms on a dog's trunk. They can also infest homes and humans.

Ear infections are another common issue, often caused by exposure to dirt and dust while outdoors. One of the main signs of an ear infection is a dog pawing at their ears or shaking their head.

Dogs with intestinal parasites like tapeworm, roundworm, hookworm, and ringworm often show symptoms like weight loss, diarrhea with blood, and grains of rice in their stool.

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Ear infections can be a real nuisance for dogs, especially those that spend a lot of time outdoors. They can be caused by dirt and dust exposure.

One of the main signs of an ear infection is pawing at the ears or tilting/shaking the head. This is a clear indication that something's not right.

Properly cleaning your dog's ears is crucial to prevent infections. It's a good idea to get into the habit of regular ear cleaning.

Treatment for ear infections usually requires an antibiotic administered by a vet. It's essential to seek professional help to get your furry friend back on the mend.

Dogs can pick up ticks, fleas, mange, and Cheyletiella mites from the environment and exposure to other dogs.

These external parasites can bring a host of other issues, including diseases and worms.

Fleas and mites can also infest homes and humans.

There are many products available that can safely prevent and treat these parasites.

Dogs with intestinal parasites often scoot on their bottom, a behavior that's quite noticeable and a sign that something's not right.

Tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and ringworms are just a few of the many intestinal parasites common to dogs.

A dog with worms may have what looks like grains of rice in their stool, which can be a dead giveaway that something's amiss.

Dogs with worms can also experience diarrhea that may be bloody, which is a serious health concern that requires immediate attention.

If you suspect your dog has worms, it's essential to take them to the vet to determine what type of internal parasite they have and get the proper medication.

Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that can affect your dog's gastrointestinal system. It's caused by the canine parvovirus type 2. This virus is transmitted through contact with other dogs and contaminated stool and objects like leashes and bowls. It can even survive for years in the soil.

Symptoms of parvovirus include fever, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. If your dog is showing these symptoms, it's essential to seek veterinary care right away. Treatment often doesn't work, which is why vaccination against parvo is highly recommended for all dogs.

Heartworm is a serious parasite that can infect dogs. Infected mosquitoes can transmit the parasite to dogs through bites, and the worms then enter the dog's bloodstream. The worms grow in the dog's heart, causing inflammation and forcing the heart to work harder.

Often, there are no clinical symptoms, and worms are only found at a vet screening. Treatment can be expensive and taxing on the dog, so prevention is preferable.

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Dental and Oral Health is a crucial aspect of dog health, and it's often overlooked until it's too late.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is much more common in dogs than it is in humans.

Loose teeth, bleeding gums, and difficulty chewing food on one side of the mouth are common symptoms of advanced gum disease.

Dogs with gum disease are at a higher risk for liver, heart, and kidney disease, making prevention crucial.

Brushing teeth twice a day is a simple yet effective way to prevent gum disease.

Regular dental cleanings are also essential for maintaining good oral health.

Feeding a healthy diet is another key component of preventing gum disease and promoting overall dental health.

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Coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing can be signs of a respiratory problem in dogs, ranging from a simple cold to canine flu, kennel cough, or heart failure.

A honking noise can indicate a condition called tracheal collapse, common in some small dog breeds. If your dog has difficulty breathing or a blue tint to the tongue and gums, consider it a medical emergency.

Some dogs may sound like they're honking, kind of like a goose, or make a gargling sound when they cough. A wet cough can be accompanied by a heaving chest or moving abdomen.

Here are some signs of coughing in dogs to watch out for:

Coughing or breathing issues in dogs can be a sign of trouble. A coughing dog may make a honking noise, similar to a goose, or sound like they're gagging or clearing their throat.

Some dogs may produce a wet cough, which can sound like a gargling noise. Others may try to cough up a hair ball or produce liquid while coughing.

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A dog that's coughing a lot may end up vomiting, which can be mistaken for a gastrointestinal issue. However, if your dog is coughing or showing other concerning symptoms, it's essential to monitor them closely.

If your dog has difficulty breathing or a blue tint to their tongue and gums, consider it a medical emergency. An occasional cough should be evaluated if it doesn't resolve or is associated with other symptoms.

Kennel cough is a common respiratory disease that can be transmitted between dogs, especially in boarding facilities or dog daycare. A dog can be sick with kennel cough before showing symptoms, which include a runny nose and a hacking, nonproductive cough.

Here are some common signs of coughing in dogs:

Dogs can't sweat like humans do, so they're more prone to overheating in the summer.

Certain breeds, known as brachycephalic or flat-faced dogs, are especially at risk for heatstroke.

Keeping your dog in a cool area can help prevent heatstroke.

Providing plenty of water is also crucial to keep your dog hydrated and cool.

Never leave your dog in a car, as the temperature can quickly become life-threatening.

If your dog is drooling, weak, or showing abnormal gum color, it's a sign they might be suffering from heatstroke.

Weight and appetite changes can be a sign of illness in dogs.

Loss of appetite can be a symptom of many different problems. Some can be mild and others serious. When associated with bad breath, conditions like anorexia can indicate dental disease.

Sudden weight loss or gain can be a sign of a health issue. This sign may take a few weeks to notice. Unexplained weight gain or loss can be caused by a variety of conditions and is always a concern.

Weight fluctuation is a common sign of illness for dogs. Even losing one pound could mean a change in more than 10% of their body mass for smaller dogs.

Weight loss is a symptom of cancer, intestinal parasites, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, and chronic renal failure, among other conditions.

A sudden change in how much a dog eats is an obvious sign that something isn't right. Just as humans don't want to eat when they aren't feeling 100%, neither do dogs.

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Behavior and Lethargy are common signs that your dog may be suffering from an underlying issue. A sudden change in behavior can be as simple as not waiting by the door, or as concerning as increased aggression.

Some common signs of lethargy include slower movement, sleeping more than usual, and disinterest in activities or items they previously enjoyed. If your dog is usually a bundle of energy, but has suddenly slowed down their pace, it could be a sign of weakness.

If you notice any of the following behaviors, it's time to call the vet: Sleep changesConstant pacingIncreased aggressionWhiningDisorientationRefusing to leave your side These behaviors can be paired with other problems in appetite, lethargy, and physical differences to increase the risk that the problem is serious.

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If your dog is stiff or limping, it could be a sign of a serious issue. Arthritis, hip dysplasia, joint problems, infections like Lyme disease, or a broken bone can all cause trouble walking or limping.

A day of rest might be all your dog needs if the symptom is mild and they're otherwise acting normally. However, if you're worried or the problem persists, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian.

Minimizing your pet's activity can help them recover from stiffness or lameness. This means avoiding strenuous exercise and giving them plenty of time to rest and relax.

Lethargy is a significant concern when it comes to your dog's health. A dog breaking their routine and becoming more lethargic than usual can signal a larger problem.

You know your dog best, and if they're not their usual energetic self, it's time to pay attention. Watch for signs of lethargy, such as slower movement, sleeping more than usual, and disinterest in activities they previously enjoyed.

Some common signs of lethargy in dogs include:

Lethargy can be a sign of infections, chronic pain, or even life-threatening diseases. If your dog is severely lethargic, wobbly, or sleepy, or if lethargy persists over several days, it's essential to contact your vet.

Infections like parvovirus, kennel cough, and heartworm disease can make your dog appear very tired. Heart problems, liver problems, and diabetes can also leave your dog weak and lethargic.

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Behavior can be a significant indicator of your dog's well-being, and changes in behavior can be subtle but telling.

Sudden shifts in your dog's routine, such as failing to show up for meals or activities, can be a sign that something is bothering them.

Changes in your dog's behavior may include sleep changes, constant pacing, increased aggression, whining, disorientation, and refusing to leave your side.

A gentle, happy dog suddenly snapping and growling is a clear sign something is wrong.

Panting more than usual is another possible sign of a problem.

Some symptoms of pain or illness manifest as unusual behaviors, such as hiding, becoming aggressive, or being excessively clinging.

Dogs in pain may whine, groan, or bark more frequently, particularly in response to physical contact or movement.

Here are some behavioral changes to look out for:

Behavior changes paired with other problems, such as appetite changes, lethargy, and physical differences, increase the risk that the problem is serious.