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Your dog is a member of your family, and just like you, they can get sick from time to time. While some issues are more severe than others, you should be aware of signs that will help you know when you need to visit your veterinarian. These four symptoms will help you get your pup to the animal hospital faster so that they can get proper veterinary care.

How To Tell When Your Dog Needs To See a Veterinarian

1. Loss of Appetite

Loss of appetite can include a decrease in the amount of food they eat, unexpected weight loss, and a coat that appears dull and malnourished. This can be a sign of an intestinal problem, like a bowel obstruction or parasite. These issues need to be addressed immediately, as they can be causing internal damage that isn’t visible to you or your veterinarian. However, this can also be a sign of dental problems, like an infected tooth. The pain and difficulty chewing could keep them from eating, and these issues are often accompanied by excessive drooling and mouth sensitivity.

2. Lethargy

In these cases, your dog will appear to have little to no energy. You have to be observant, as this is more apparent in high-energy breeds that immediately appear to lose interest and begin running less. Low-energy dogs might not show significant changes, but they may lay in the same spot for substantial periods and not come to you when they are called. Many issues can cause lethargy, but the most common are arthritis and severe health issues like cancer.

3. Loss of Bodily Control

veterinarianAn inability to control their body functions or movements should always receive immediate veterinary care. Uncontrolled bowel or bladder movements may signal an intestinal concern or a spinal injury. Uncontrolled motor skills – such as bumping into walls, struggling to walk, or seizing – may indicate failing vision or a problem with their brain or nervous system.

4. Changes In Their Coat & Skin

Your dog’s coat and skin reflect their health and can signal internal complications. Fur that’s greasy, dull, or begins falling out can indicate a skin problem such as mange or a nutritional issue. Skin sores, lesions, and ‘hot spots’ can be caused by an allergic reaction, a tick or flea infestation, or a parasite.  While these may not seem dangerous, your dog is uncomfortable, and their chewing and scratching increase their risk of infection. Lumps and bumps on the skin that last longer than three days should be checked by your vet to ensure that they aren’t malignant.

 

If you’re concerned about your pooch, bring them to the skilled veterinarian team at Elyria Animal Hospital. Serving Elyria, OH, with compassionate vet care, they offer a broad range of services such as acute care, laser surgeries, and innovative treatments. Their in-house lab means faster, reliable results, and their kind team will do what it takes to get your pup feeling well again. View their services online, and call the animal hospital at (440) 365-3818 to schedule an appointment now.

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