10 Subtle Signs Your Dog Is Trying To Tell You That She’s Sick
For most of us, pets are part of the family. And when a family member isn’t feeling well, you do what you can to help them out of their funk.
However, when it comes to animals, things aren’t quite so simple. While we may be able to sense that our pet is acting a little strangely, the language barrier always seems to get in the way of pinpointing the specific problem.
This can be frustrating for you and uncomfortable for your pet. Since those are both things we want to avoid, it’s a good practice to know what signs to look for and what they mean.
Knowing how to identify your pet’s signs of sickness could save you a trip to the vet, or, in extreme cases, even help save your pet’s life.
Without further ado, check out the most common signs that your pet is feeling under the weather!
1. Uncontrolled Peeing
All pets are entitled to the occasional accident, but there is a certain point at which you can tell their behavior is getting out of hand.
According to PetMD, uncontrollable peeing is linked to conditions like nerve disruption, spinal and brain legions, urinary tract infections, tumors, and chronic inflammatory disease.
Definitely take your pet to the vet if you’ve noticed an increase in accidents.
2. Drinking More Than Usual
Every pet is different when it comes to how much water they like to drink. You’ve probably noticed your dog or cat’s drinking habits and what is “normal” for them.
If your pet seems to be drinking an excessive amount of water, it could be a sign of a more serious, underlying problem rather than a matter of just being really thirsty.
Pet Helpful explains that excessive drinking can be a sign of diabetes, kidney failure, liver failure, Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, hypercalcemia, infections, or fever.
Getting a second opinion from a professional is necessary if you’ve noticed this in your pet.
3. Diarrhea
As with people, diarrhea is a sign that there is something digestively wrong with your pet.
Your dog or cat could have just scavenged something their little stomach can’t handle, but if it persists, seek professional help.
4. Lack Of Appetite
Most pets, especially dogs, love to eat. So it’s always alarming when they decide not to touch their food.
First, PetMD recommends trying new food to stimulate your animal’s appetite.
However, if that doesn’t seem to work, take your animal to the vet to see whether something is wrong with their insides, or even with their teeth or mouth.
5. Vomiting
Vomiting is always a sign that there is something wrong. Vomiting occurs when a digestive system is rejecting a substance. It is a mechanism that keeps you healthy for the most part.
However, continued or unexplainable vomiting can be a different story. The American Kennel Club says that vomiting can be linked to parasites, viral or bacterial infections, organ failure, and bloat, amongst other issues.
6. Red Eyes
Eyes are the window to the soul, and pets’ eyes are no exception. Your pet’s eyes can tell you a lot about their overall health.
If you’ve noticed that your dog or cat’s eyes are bloodshot, it could be caused by an eye injury, allergies, glaucoma, or a more serious underlying issue, according to Banfield Animal Hospital.
If your pet’s red eyes don’t improve after a day or two, it’s time to see a vet and ensure that it’s nothing serious.
7. Itching More Than Usual
Pets get itchy for many of the same reasons we do. Of course, excessive itching is always alarming and signifies that there is something unusual going on.
According to PetMD, some reasons behind your pet’s compulsive scratching might be: allergies, anxiety, dry skin, hormonal imbalances, or parasites.
Soothe your pet’s discomfort or pain, and take them to the vet right away to figure out how to get them back to normal.
8. Bad Breath Or Drool
Pets aren’t known for having good dental hygiene — or having good breath. We love them anyway, but extra-bad breath or drool can mean trouble.
PetMD outlines some reasons why your pet might have bad breath. They include gum disease, kidney disease, having ingested a toxic substance, diabetes, or oral tumors.
9. Shaking Their Head A Lot
Have you noticed your dog shaking his or her head a lot lately? If so, check their ears.
According to Medicine.net, this could be evidence of an ear problem. Check your dog’s ears out to see if there is any swelling or redness.
Their reaction to your touch should also determine whether this is the problem area.
10. Eating Grass
As carnivores, dogs don’t normally eat grass. With that said, we’ve all seen our pooches do it from time to time.
WebMD, explains that eating grass isn’t necessarily an immediate sign that something is wrong. However, your dog could be eating grass to improve digestion, treat parasites, or because they are in need of fiber.
Be sure to SHARE this information with all of your pet owner friends!
However, when it comes to animals, things aren’t quite so simple. While we may be able to sense that our pet is acting a little strangely, the language barrier always seems to get in the way of pinpointing the specific problem.
Knowing how to identify your pet’s signs of sickness could save you a trip to the vet, or, in extreme cases, even help save your pet’s life.
Without further ado, check out the most common signs that your pet is feeling under the weather!
1. Uncontrolled Peeing
According to PetMD, uncontrollable peeing is linked to conditions like nerve disruption, spinal and brain legions, urinary tract infections, tumors, and chronic inflammatory disease.
Definitely take your pet to the vet if you’ve noticed an increase in accidents.
2. Drinking More Than Usual
If your pet seems to be drinking an excessive amount of water, it could be a sign of a more serious, underlying problem rather than a matter of just being really thirsty.
Pet Helpful explains that excessive drinking can be a sign of diabetes, kidney failure, liver failure, Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, hypercalcemia, infections, or fever.
Getting a second opinion from a professional is necessary if you’ve noticed this in your pet.
3. Diarrhea
Your dog or cat could have just scavenged something their little stomach can’t handle, but if it persists, seek professional help.
4. Lack Of Appetite
First, PetMD recommends trying new food to stimulate your animal’s appetite.
However, if that doesn’t seem to work, take your animal to the vet to see whether something is wrong with their insides, or even with their teeth or mouth.
5. Vomiting
However, continued or unexplainable vomiting can be a different story. The American Kennel Club says that vomiting can be linked to parasites, viral or bacterial infections, organ failure, and bloat, amongst other issues.
6. Red Eyes
If you’ve noticed that your dog or cat’s eyes are bloodshot, it could be caused by an eye injury, allergies, glaucoma, or a more serious underlying issue, according to Banfield Animal Hospital.
If your pet’s red eyes don’t improve after a day or two, it’s time to see a vet and ensure that it’s nothing serious.
7. Itching More Than Usual
According to PetMD, some reasons behind your pet’s compulsive scratching might be: allergies, anxiety, dry skin, hormonal imbalances, or parasites.
Soothe your pet’s discomfort or pain, and take them to the vet right away to figure out how to get them back to normal.
8. Bad Breath Or Drool
PetMD outlines some reasons why your pet might have bad breath. They include gum disease, kidney disease, having ingested a toxic substance, diabetes, or oral tumors.
9. Shaking Their Head A Lot
According to Medicine.net, this could be evidence of an ear problem. Check your dog’s ears out to see if there is any swelling or redness.
Their reaction to your touch should also determine whether this is the problem area.
10. Eating Grass
WebMD, explains that eating grass isn’t necessarily an immediate sign that something is wrong. However, your dog could be eating grass to improve digestion, treat parasites, or because they are in need of fiber.
Be sure to SHARE this information with all of your pet owner friends!
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