The more love, care, and companionship you give to your dog, the better your communication — and overall relationship — will be. But despite this strong bond, there may still be times when your canine can’t tell you that something is wrong, especially when it comes to their health. To ensure you don’t miss any warning signs of a potential health problem, here are five common indicators that a dog is sick, as well as some pet care tips to help them recover. 

How to Tell If Your Dog Is Sick

1. Breathing Problems

If wheezing, coughing, and labored breathing come on gradually, along with other symptoms — such as congestion — your dog may have a minor illness that can improve with rest, hydration, and medication prescribed by a veterinarian. However, if these problems develop suddenly, it may indicate a serious problem — including heat stroke or heart failure — that requires immediate attention from an emergency vet.

2. Loss of Appetite

When your pet is avoiding food, they may be experiencing an illness or digestive problem. Try switching to basic food options, such as rice and plain cooked chicken or dry kibble, to see if that encourages them to eat. If the problem persists, visit a veterinary clinic to see what the underlying cause may be.

3. Behavioral Changes

Abnormal changes in behavior, such as fatigue or anxiety, are often indications that something is wrong with your dog’s body. If the behaviors continue for more than 24 hours or are met with any other concerning symptoms, talk to a pet care specialist as soon as possible.

4. Digestive Distress

Just like people, dogs can experience occasional diarrhea or vomiting that may be due to nothing more than a minor stomach illness. If rest, hydration, and switching to a basic diet don’t improve these symptoms within two days, talk to a veterinarian. If there is blood in their stool or your dog is exhibiting other concerning symptoms, visit an emergency vet as soon as possible for proper testing.

5. Physical Symptoms

Sometimes, a dog’s behavior may not change if they’re sick, but their bodies will. For example, if your dog is limping, they may have an injury that requires further care — and possibly pet surgery — from an animal hospital. Wounds, hair loss, infections, and changes in eye appearance are other signs that your dog requires professional pet care.

If you’re concerned about your dog’s health, Tanner Veterinary Clinic is here to provide you with peace of mind. Equipped with advanced pet care solutions, this Russellville, AR-based animal hospital can quickly and accurately pinpoint the cause of your companion’s symptoms and deliver swift care to promote recovery. As an emergency vet, this Pope County clinic also offers pet surgery and after-hours care to address urgent situations. For more information on these and other services, visit the provider online. Call (479) 968-3535 to schedule a standard appointment or (479) 477-0608 to request after-hours assistance.