Sharing your life with a dog is not just about love, it's a commitment to protect and care for another being for its entire lifetime. You are responsible for the health and happiness of your dog and you must learn to recognize the warning signs of illness. The symptoms signaling illness in dogs can be very confusing, as there are many.
Considerations
There will be times when your dog may just be feeling a little off, and home treatment will be possible. There may also be instances when the dog will be exhibiting symptoms that will be great cause for alarm. When in doubt, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian over the phone before deciding your best course of action.
Skin Problems
Skin problems in dogs account for many visits to the veterinarian each year. A dog who scratches or licks constantly may have an allergy, fleas, ticks, a bacterial infection or a fungal infection. You may notice a rash, bald spots or a lump where your dog has been scratching or licking. He may have dandruff, or may shed excessively. Your dog may smell unpleasant. He may have cracks in his foot pads and hair loss that is gradual. Scooting on its bottom can be another sign of itchiness caused by an anal gland infection. The dog may be having a severe reaction to something like a bee sting if its face has become swollen and puffy. This symptom is called hypersensitivity, and can be very dangerous.
Digestive Issues
Vomiting and diarrhea in dogs are quite common. Often, they can be caused by something the dog ate, and may simply be treated at home with a 24-hour fast, followed by a bland diet for a couple of days. If your dog is uncomfortable, its belly is swollen, it has no appetite and is lethargic, the dog needs veterinary care as soon as possible. It may have something lodged in its digestive tract, such as a sock, cloth or a rock. These symptoms could be signaling a disease such as, cancer, kidney disease or congestive heart failure. The dog may have a small amount of blood in its vomit or diarrhea, signaling a slight digestive tract irritation, or it may have completely bloody vomit that appears like coffee grounds or diarrhea that seems to be nothing but blood, which could be extremely serious. If you notice, along with vomiting and diarrhea, that the whites of his eyes, or his gums are yellow, it may mean that he has jaundice, which is a sign of liver or blood disease. Your dog could have worms, which may appear in the vomit or diarrhea. A high fever, over 103 degrees, can be accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. The dog may have lapped up antifreeze, which causes kidney failure. He may have eaten chocolate, raisins or any of a long list of things that are poisonous to dogs.
Heart and Lungs
A dog who has collapsed or passed out could have heart disease, cancer or a seizure disorder. If his lower jaw, ear, eyelid or lip is droopy after collapsing, or his head is tilting to one side, it may have been a seizure. If he continues to be weak, clumsy or has tremors, a seizure is likely, as well. He could also have an object blocking his airway. Coughing can be a symptom of congestive heart failure, heart disease, a case of kennel cough or something caught in the dog's mouth or airway. Coughing or choking noises can also be caused by a collapsed trachea. If your dog's bark sounds weak or rough, it may have a problem with its larynx. Shortness of breath, and an inability to walk or play as your dog once did can signal heart troubles. If your dog's gums appear blue, white or red, this may signal a heart or circulation problem, as well. Your dog may have a cold if he has a runny nose and sneezing, or he may have a foreign object, such as a fox tail lodged in it.
Endocrine Symptoms
A dog may have diabetes, Cushing's disease or another endocrine disease if it has been drinking and urinating much more than normal. It could be a urinary tract infection or a blocked urethra, as well. Excessive eating, with weight loss can signal diabetes, as can constant bladder infections or skin infections. Hair loss on the back and sides may be Cushing's.
Bleeding
Any dog that has blood coming from its nose, mouth, rectum, wounds or has blood in its urine, should be seen by a veterinarian. The bleeding could be a sign of a blood-clotting problem, cancer, an infection, anemia or perhaps a poison the dog has ingested.
Lumps and Bumps
If your dog has a lump, growth, swelling, bump, sore or a thickening on its body that you are not already familiar with, it should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian. Cancer is always a possibility, and when treated early, can sometimes be cured.
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