Dogs can't tell you when they don't feel good. It's up to you to recognize when your dog isn't acting normal and seek treatment for something that could be serious. Here are some signs and symptoms to determine if your dog is sick.
Instructions
1. Notice first if your dog is acting differently. Observe whether he or she is lethargic or wanting to sleep all day. Take note of all peculiar behavior.
2. Check for vomiting or diarrhea occurring for longer than one day. Call your vet to report the number of episodes, the color and whether the vomit has undigested food in it.
3. Observe a decrease in appetite. There might be something wrong besides just a simple tummy ache.
4. Listen for a persistent cough. An occasional cough to remove a hairball is normal.
5. Look in your dog's mouth to check the gums. The gums should be a normal pink color. Signs of infection include loss of teeth, loose teeth, tartar or inflamed gums. Pale gums are a common sign of poor circulation and bluish gums indicate a lack of oxygen.
6. Touch your dog's nose to feel if it is wet. A dog's nose should be moist and not dry or cracked. A runny nose could be a sign of a respiratory problem.
7. Note if there is a change in urination. Urinating frequently might be a sign of something going on with the kidneys. Not urinating at all could be a life threatening problem requiring an immediate trip to the vet.
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