Just like us, our pups can feel under the weather sometimes. There are many reasons why your pup can get sick. It can range from catching a disease to getting an infection from a small cut to developing allergies from their environment.
Some dog illnesses can be tough to diagnose, especially if you’re not a vet who’s spent years studying animal biology.
We can’t all be vets. As an owner, you can’t be expected to be able to diagnose your pup’s every ailment, but it is good to look for some signs that your pup is sick or in pain. Here are a few signals that could mean they’re due for a visit to the vet:
Consistent licking: Usually focused on one part of the body. It may mean they’re trying to mend a wound or cut.
Sleeping more: If a pup is in pain and finding it hard to move, they will often end up sleeping more to deal with the pain.
Loss of appetite: When a dog stops eating it can signify digestive issues or something more serious like liver disease.
Shallow breathing: If you find your pup panting even when they’re not exercising, it could mean they’re struggling to breathe.
Change to their eyes: You can tell a lot through your dog’s eyes. If a pup has eye pain, they’ll often squint. If they’re feeling pain somewhere else, their pupils will get larger.
Dogs need regular vet check-ups to make sure they’re living a healthy life. While common dog illnesses like fleas or worms can mostly be taken care of at home, it’s very important to know when the situation is more serious and it’s time to take your pup to the vet.
If your dog has suffered a serious wound, is having difficulty breathing, is acting dazed and unresponsive, or has eaten something toxic, you must take them to the vet immediately. While some things may just be temporary illnesses that will pass in a few hours, you can never be too careful. When it comes to our pups' well-being, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Allergies are another common health issue among dogs. They can range from different types of foods to dust mites and fleas, to pollen and grasses.
With so many factors out there, it can be hard to pinpoint the cause of the issues. The process of elimination is a good technique. Try removing something from their diet, or changing where you take them for a walk.
What are the signs? Itching is the most common sign of allergies. Dogs will show this by scratching, licking and chewing at their skin. If this carries on, it can lead to infection, so it’s important to identify the signs from the start and stop them when you can.
A lot of common dog illnesses can be prevented by simple dog care steps. This ranges from grooming, to feeding, to dental care. Check out our past articles on doggy dental care and how to find a healthy dog diet for some great pup care tips!
We here at Nose to Tail know all about cleaning and grooming so your pup will not only be looking fresh, but feeling healthy as well!
To check out what kind of grooming services we offer, pop in store or give us a call on 09 448 2227.