by Janice Kumar
It is normally difficult for a dog owner to understand if the pet is sick. However abnormal behavior, aggressive posturing, lack of diet can point towards a disease.
There are many symptoms which can be looked at and are indicative of a disease. However these symptoms and pointers are only indicative and a visit to a vet is necessary to understand and clarify the problem or disease.
- Loss of hair and dull fur would normally indicate a poor diet, or fungus or parasite infections. Dull fur can be caused by an improper diet lacking essential minerals and nutrients. Worm infestations can also cause hair to fall. At times, loss of hair can simply be a result of old age.
- If you find that the pet dog is raising its hair without enough provocation, then the cause may not be agitation. You may instead, look for sores, pimples or allergies. These may be causing a skin rash causing the dog to raise its hair.
- The nose leather of a healthy dog is normally wet and cold. If you find it is dry and warm, it may indicate a problem.
- A dog licking its nose continuously may indicate an injury to the tongue or a cold.
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A dog frequently swallowing, would normally indicate a sore throat. - As in a human, frequent sneezing and coughing can indicate the onset of a cold or tonsillitis. If the same is accompanied with a raised temperature, it may indicate distemper.
- An old dog may suffer from chronic coughing. However, this may not indicate a cold but rather a weak heart.
- Tear eyes can indicate conjunctivitis or something foreign in the eye of the dog.
- Pale lips or pale eyes can indicate blood loss or food poisoning, so they should be taken seriously.
- If your dog, keeps tilting its head, it may indicate an inflammation in the ear canal of the dog. This is not to be confused with the dog tilting its head, listening for unusual sounds. Constant shaking of the head can also indicate an ear infection requiring a visit to a vet.
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A dog dragging its rear requires a visit to the vet as it normally indicates an itchy anus or an inflamed one. - Frequent scratching indicates, parasites in the dog fur.
- Swelling in the mouth indicates bug or insect bites.
- A continuous fever requires attention and indicates a running infection in the body.
- Vomiting can indicate motion sickness, over eating or food poisoning depending upon the intensity and circumstances.
- A dog with diarrhea without fever must be treated for fluid loss and given light food. Diarrhea that does not clear up in three days needs a vet.
- Dark urine can be caused by certain foods or may indicate illness.
- Blood in the urine is a danger sign and needs a rushed visit to the vet.
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Blood in the stool can signify food poisoning.
The above symptoms are not exhaustive. Suffice it to say that anything out of the ordinary requires care and attention. A dog is like a member of the human family requiring care and love. A healthy dog is a joy to be with. A sick dog can cause complications and infections in the family so it needs to be treated as soon as possible.
Disclaimer: The article and tips are for guidance only. Use them at your own risk and discretion. We take no responsibility for any suggestion given above. We strongly urge you consult a qualified professional vet to find a lasting cure for any problem. Please consult a professional , before using any information on this site. No liability of any kind is accepted by us.
