How Can You Tell If Your Dog Is Sick?

In order to determine if your dog is sick it is vitally important that you recognise any symptoms that he might have. How can you do this? By knowing how your dog behaves when he is healthy. If you spend a lot of time playing and being with your dog you will be able to recognise any abnormal behaviours. You can save money, time and get your dog any necessary help sooner the faster you are able to detect any signs of sicknesses.

One hundred and two degrees F is a healthy temperature for a dog. A dog gum’s will be a nice pink colour and they should have a very fast capillary refill rate. Most dogs should also have a pink tongue. His coat should be shiny and his skin should be clean. A healthy dog eye’s should be clear and alert. If you listen to a dog’s heart beat you will discover that it beats between 80 to 120 times per minute. Fifteen to twenty breaths per minute is the normal rate for a healthy animal.

If you notice that your pet has an unusual smell emanating from his nose, mouth or ears your pet may be sick. Other things to look for are vomiting, gagging and strange breathing patterns. Sickness may also cause redness in the eyes or discharge around the nose. If you notice any strange fluids coming from your dog’s ears or nose there is a good chance that your pet needs to go to the veterinarian.

In order to be able to detect any problems with your dog’s digestive system you need to be familiar with his regular habits. Be sure to watch for any signs of urination discomfort or any change in his bowel movements.

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You should also watch for changes in your pet’s behaviour. Trouble balancing, lack of energy or an increase in anxiety are all signs that your pet is not well. You should also be sure to check your dog carefully when you brush and groom him for anything out of the ordinary. This may include lumps, hair loss or bugs.

If you want to help your pet’s doctor you should keep a journal of all symptoms that you notice. Take careful note of how often you have seen them, the time that they occurred and how often they occurred. This will go a long way to helping your veterinarian make a diagnosis.

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