Share:

Every animal has a personality. As a pet owner, you’ve likely come to expect certain behaviors or patterns out of your furry friend. As such, when something seems out of the ordinary, you may wonder if they need to visit the veterinarian. There are a few tell-tale signs that your dog is feeling under the weather, and keeping an eye out for these warnings is the best way to help them stay happy and healthy.

4 Signs Your Pet Isn’t Feeling Well

1. Changes in Behavior

While not every change in personality is related to an injury or disease, it’s worth visiting a veterinarian to eliminate the possibility. For example, if your furry friend is acting more aggressive than usual, rabies or thyroid diseases could be to blame.

2. Digestive or Stomach Issues

veterinarianOne of the most common and obvious signs a pet isn’t feeling 100% is a change in eating habits or a sudden onset of digestive issues. Pups who start throwing up after every meal might have a viral infection or be allergic to the food. If they suddenly refuse to eat, they could be struggling with stomach pains. Your pet doctor will run blood tests and a physical exam to determine the issue and administer the necessary treatment. 

3. Change in Energy Levels

Although some dogs are naturally more playful and active than others, pet owners know what their unique animal’s energy baseline is. If your pooch suddenly seems more lethargic and weak, they’ll need to be brought to the veterinarian. An unexpected change in energy could be due to infections like heartworm or distemper, which, if left untreated, could be life-threatening. Luckily, though, there are easy medical solutions available to help your furry friend get well soon. 

4. Physical Abnormalities

A quick physical inspection of your dog can also indicate an issue. For example, look in their mouth: do the gums seem pale or white? If so, they could be anemic. On the other hand, if the gums appear discolored, they could have periodontal disease. Next, check their ears—they should be clean and shouldn’t have a smell. If you notice discharge or a change in color, your pup could be struggling with an ear infection. The best way to stay on top of these potential issues is to schedule annual exams, during which the veterinarian will thoroughly inspect every part of your dog’s body for signs of problems. 

 

If you think your furry friend isn’t feeling well, bring them to the knowledgeable professionals at Yankee Hill Veterinary Hospital in Lincoln, NE. In business since 2005, these veterinarians have the expertise needed to quickly diagnose any physical ailments and administer the most effective treatment available. Visit them online to make an appointment or fill out new patient forms. Call (402) 421-8111 with questions.

tracking