In case of illness, keep the number of your veterinarian or the local animal clinic close at hand; be sure to provide these numbers to anyone caring for your dog in your absence. Strive to become intimately familiar with your dog; touch the animal a lot, not only as a show of affection but also as a way of learning the terrain of his or her body--if you know what feels normal in touching your pet, you will be able to identify when obvious abnormalities, such as lump in the dog's neck or a lesion on his skin beneath the fur. Has your pup suddenly taken on an odd scent?  Would you call it an odor? What do the inside of her ears smell like from one time to the next? And, another reason to poop scoop on your customary walks is not only out of courtesy to others and compliance with local laws, but it also provides you an opportunity to see if there are parasites present in the animals feces. (No, we're not saying you have to get that up close and personal and root around in the poop pile, but the presence of worms in your dog's intestines is often apparent in the feces at first glance [looks like rice].)

The following is a list of signs of ill health. You may already do this, but if you don't, consider keeping a journal with information about your pet(s).

If your doggie demonstrates any of the following signs of ill health, jot it down and date your observations in the journal. If any of these conditions persist, seek medical attention for your pet.

Ear Disorders: Head shaking Discharges from the ear canal Swelling of the ear flap Difficulty in hearing Loss of balance Unpleasant or suspicious odor	Eye Disorders: Discharge from the eyes Failing vision Squinting Bloodshot inflammation Blue-gray cloudiness
Mouth and Tooth Disorders: Bad breath Dribbling saliva Reluctance to eat Inflamed gums Loose or broken teeth Constant licking and smacking	Respiratory Disorders: Nasal Discharge Persistent Sneezing Coughing, gagging Excessive snoring Labored breathing
Nervous Disorders: Fits, convulsions, or seizures Staggering gate Partial or complete paralysis Behavioral changes Loss of balance	Skin & Coat Disorders: Persistent scratching Sudden chewing or licking Redness, inflammation, or rash Increased hair loss
External Parasites: Scratching Excessive licking Dandruff Hair loss Visible parasites	Blood & Heart Disorders: Nonproductive coughing Reluctance to exercise Reduced stamina Fainting
Reproductive Disorders: Any unusual genital discharges Swelling in the mammary glands Swelling in the testicles Failure to conceive Difficulties at birth	Bone, Muscle, & Joint Disorders: Lameness and limping Swelling around affected area Paralysis Tenderness when limb is touched
Urinary Disorders: Straining to pass urine Blood in the urine Incontinence Increased urination Increased thirst	Digestive Disorders: Projective, bloody, or painful vomiting Persistent, bloody or explosive diarrhea Constipation Weight loss or excessive weight gain Listlessness and abdominal discomfort
External Parasites: Visible worms in feces Pot-bellied appearance persistent or blood diarrhea Loss of weight	Back to the Top

 

Remember: Whenever you notice any changes in your pet's demeanor, behavior, or routines, contact your vet for advice.