In part one of this series, we explored signs that your dog is trying to tell you something might be wrong, including behavior changes, digestive issues, pain, and changes in their skin and coat, and we’ll continue to expand the conversation in today’s post.
Pets are great at masking their symptoms and even better at pushing through the day even when there is something suspicious with their health. At VetSet, we want to help translate and communicate with you, through the various diagnostics we offer at our animal care clinic, the state of your pet’s health.
Keep your best friend healthy, happy, and thriving by knowing the signs to look out for.
More Signs Your Dog is Trying to Communicate a Health Issue
The way we communicate with our dog is in body language — you know when your dog is happy and excited, as well as afraid and timid — but it can be difficult to spot when they are in pain or sick. Dogs are happy-go-lucky creatures and our best friends, so looking for subtle signs is the best way to determine if something may be wrong. Stay aware and know the signs!
Drinking more water than usual.
This may be hard to determine, especially since we’re just rolling out of the summer season where dogs typically drink more water, but you usually know what their “normal” is. If your dog is drinking an enormous amount of water, it could be an indication of a more serious health problem such as diabetes, kidney and liver issues, etc. It is important to notice this sign and take them to a skilled animal care clinic for an examination.
Curbed appetite.
There is no question about it, dogs love to eat. They love their kibble and they love the food that is dropped on the floor from time to time! If there is a sudden disruption in their eating habits and they stop eating, this can be an issue. Do not let the panic set in, and instead, try stimulating your dog’s appetite with a tasty treat you know they’ll love. If they still are not interested, schedule a visit with your vet.
Sleeping more than usual.
As your dog ages they will sleep more, so pay attention to exactly how much more they are sleeping. When dogs begin to sleep more than they are up and about, this could be a sign of osteoarthritis or hypothyroidism. It is important to take your dog to the vet and have them run tests to get an idea of what’s going on. At home, try and keep your dog up and active by going for walks or running around in your backyard.
Dramatic weight loss.
Whether your dog is at a normal weight or on the heavier side, if they suddenly lose weight, this could be as a result of a serious health issue. A rough guide is if your dog loses more than 10 percent, or in smaller dogs, more than one pound.
Bloodshot eyes.
We can tell a lot from the eyes, and your dog’s eyes are no different. If you notice your dog has red, irritated eyes, this could be a sign of an eye trauma, glaucoma, allergies, or another underlying issue. You can try cleaning with a wet cloth around their eyes, but if they don’t clear up in a day or two, it’s wise to seek a vet’s opinion and expertise.
Insatiable itching.
Dogs will scratch an itch from time to time, but if they become obsessive and can’t seem to get rid of an itch despite incessant scratching, this is unusual. Compulsive itching could surface as allergies, parasites, anxiety, hormonal issues, or dry skin. Irritated skin is extremely uncomfortable, so help soothe your pooch by taking them to the vet right away.
Excessive drooling or bad breath.
When you talk about your dog, you usually talk about how cute they are or perhaps the tricks they can do — it is never about their great-smelling breath! If you notice your dog has worse breath than usual or are leaving drool puddles around the house, this could highlight a bigger issue. Your dog may have gum disease, or an oral tumor, diabetes, etc. Take out the guessing and get a clear and concise diagnosis from your vet.
Shaking their head or scratching their ears…a lot.
You will notice straight away if your dog is constantly shaking their head — it is unmistakable! Pair this with scratching their ears and your furry friend could have something going on in their ears. Get the final verdict at your animal care clinic!
Eating a lot of grass.
Your dog may eat just about everything, and eating grass seems harmless. Since dogs are carnivores, grass is something they do not typically consume. This doesn’t always indicate that something is wrong, but they will do this to instinctively to soothe their digestion, mitigate parasites, or get additional fiber. If their poop changes to a green color and they are eating a lot of grass, it might warrant a call to your local vet clinic.
When we become aware of our dog’s habits, it is easier to notice if something is abnormal. Look for inconsistencies and changes in your dog’s behavior and habits.
Schedule a visit from VetSet or make an appointment in our vet clinic in Carroll Gardens today!