6 Health Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Health

6 Health Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Written by Terri Ramsey Beavers

6 Health Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Having a pet is like having a child — they need extra supervision so they don’t harm themselves. There’s nothing worse than having a “What’s wrong with my dog?” moment. While children can describe what’s wrong, dogs cannot. This means it’s the owner’s responsibility to recognize potentially life-threatening symptoms. It’s certainly a lot of pressure for any pet owner. On the other hand, a trip to the vet is not cheap. Sometimes it’s hard to know whether it’s time to ask a vet for help. To prevent a deadly situation, don’t forget these 6 signs that your dog needs an emergency trip to the veterinarian.

1. Breathing Problems

The occasional cough or sneeze is nothing to worry about. A persistent condition, however, can signal something much more serious.

A persistent cough or sneeze, combined with discharge from the ears, nose, or eyes, calls for a trip to the veterinarian. The cause could be anything from kennel cough to lung disease.

2. Severe Weight Loss

If your dog has only lost a couple of pounds, there’s no cause for concern. If they lose 10% of their body weight, however, they could have a serious condition.

A loss of appetite is a sign that your dog is experiencing a great amount of pain or stress. They could also be suffering from a metabolic, neuromuscular, or heart-related disease.

3. Convulsions

Convulsions and seizures are always serious. However, a single seizure is not necessarily fatal. Unless your dog experiences repeated seizures, or a seizure lasting several minutes, it’s not essential to make an emergency trip to the vet.

Instead, make an appointment to find out the cause of the condition. You need a proper diagnosis to get your dog the treatment they need.

4. Swollen Abdomen

Swelling of the abdomen is a symptom that requires emergency medical attention. Even if the cause isn’t life-threatening, the swelling can make breathing difficult and put too much pressure on the dog’s organs.

Other symptoms that may accompany this include pacing, dry heaving, and drooling.

5. Urination Issues

Whether your dog is urinating too much or urinating too little, it can be a sign of trouble. It’s important to keep track of your pet’s bathroom habits.

If your dog constantly needs water, there’s something wrong. It could be diabetes, liver or kidney disease, or an adrenal problem. Excessive thirst and excessive urination warrant an appointment with your vet.

Infrequent urination could mean bladder stones or a UTI. While not immediately fatal, they are painful and uncomfortable conditions that require an exam and medication.

6. Extreme Lethargy

If your dog is less active or even collapsing, it might mean there’s a serious problem internally. If they can’t move without help they need to see a veterinarian ASAP.

They could have a neurological, musculoskeletal, circulatory, or respiratory problem that needs immediate treatment.

What's Wrong With My Dog?

The next time you wonder, “What’s wrong with my dog?” or you want to make sure he or she doesn’t have kennel cough check them for all of these symptoms. If you see these signs, don’t neglect to get your dog immediate medical attention. It could mean the difference between life and death.

Originally Posted On: https://shabbychicboho.com/whats-wrong-with-my-dog-6-health-symptoms-you-should-never-ignore/

WE BELIEVE IN GIVING BACK

We proudly donate to Best Friends Animal Society and aim to create a brighter future for the lives of homeless pets all across the country.

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter, and get Dog Mom News updates, news, promotions, and entertainment.

[mo-optin-form id="QJSKjHZWku"]

6 Health Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

6 Health Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

1. Breathing Problems

The occasional cough or sneeze is nothing to worry about. A persistent condition, however, can signal something much more serious.

2. Severe Weight Loss

If your dog has only lost a couple of pounds, there’s no cause for concern. If they lose 10% of their body weight, however, they could have a serious condition.

3. Convulsions

Convulsions and seizures are always serious. However, a single seizure is not necessarily fatal. Unless your dog experiences repeated seizures, or a seizure lasting several minutes, it’s not essential to make an emergency trip to the vet.

4. Swollen Abdomen

Swelling of the abdomen is a symptom that requires emergency medical attention. Even if the cause isn’t life-threatening, the swelling can make breathing difficult and put too much pressure on the dog’s organs.

5. Urination Issues

Whether your dog is urinating too much or urinating too little, it can be a sign of trouble. It’s important to keep track of your pet’s bathroom habits.

6. Extreme Lethargy

If your dog is less active or even collapsing, it might mean there’s a serious problem internally. If they can’t move without help they need to see a veterinarian ASAP.

What's Wrong With My Dog?

The next time you wonder, “What’s wrong with my dog?” or you want to make sure he or she doesn’t have kennel cough check them for all of these symptoms. If you see these signs, don’t neglect to get your dog immediate medical attention. It could mean the difference between life and death.

Originally Posted On: https://shabbychicboho.com/whats-wrong-with-my-dog-6-health-symptoms-you-should-never-ignore/

Recent Post

Meet Walter, the Grumpy Grandpa in a Dog’s Body

Playful Pooch Interrupts Soccer Match, Joins Winning Team

Stray Dog Rescued from Roadside Transforms into Service Dog

Healing First Responders with Canine Companions

WE BELIEVE IN GIVING BACK

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter, and get Dog Mom News updates, news, promotions, and entertainment.