There’s nothing more worrisome than thinking something might be wrong with your furry best friend. Our dogs can’t talk to us and tell us what’s wrong (or they might never stop yapping). But that doesn’t mean they don’t have a way of communicating with us. Here are 7 unusual symptoms that must alarm you about your dog, so you can get them the help they need.
1. Lethargy
One of the most important things to remember is that any sudden change in your dog’s energy levels or mood could be a sign of something serious, and lethargy is no exception. If your dog is usually playful and energetic but suddenly becomes uninterested in playing or even taking a walk, something could be wrong. Lethargy could be caused by infection, anemia, heatstroke, poisoning, or various other health conditions, so it’s always best to consult your veterinarian if you notice this symptom.
Lethargy is also one of the symptoms of Kennel cough. Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that affects dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. The infection is caused by a number of different viruses and bacteria, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as “infectious tracheobronchitis.” Kennel cough is similar to the common cold in humans and usually goes away on its own within a few weeks. However, in some cases, kennel cough can lead to more serious problems, so it’s important to be familiar with the symptoms and seek medical treatment if necessary. Some other Kennel Cough symptoms are runny nose, sneezing, loss of appetite, fever.
2. Lack of Appetite
One of the most common reasons for dogs to visit the vet is because they have a loss of appetite. While this can be normal from time to time, if your dog is persistently refusing to eat, it could be a sign of a more serious health problem. If your dog has other symptoms along with a loss of appetite, it’s even more cause for concern. Some unusual symptoms that may accompany a loss of appetite in dogs are vomiting, diarrhea etc.
3. Vomiting
You know how it goes—every once in a while your dog will have an incident of vomiting. You don’t think much of it and chalk it up to them eating something they shouldn’t have or eating too fast. However, there are times when vomiting is something more serious and alarming. Here are five unusual symptoms that may indicate your dog is vomiting and needs to see the vet.
- They vomit multiple times in a day
If your dog vomits once and then is back to their usual self, it’s probably not anything to worry about. However, if they vomit multiple times in a day or continue to vomit over the course of several days, this could be a sign of something more serious, such as gastrointestinal issues or organ disease.
- They vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds
If you see blood or coffee grounds in your dog’s vomit, it could be a sign of bleeding in the stomach or intestines. This is a serious condition that needs to be treated by a vet right away.
- They have diarrhea at the same time
Diarrhea and vomiting often go hand-in-hand, which can make it difficult to determine which came first. However, if your dog is experiencing both diarrhea and vomiting, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
- They show signs of pain when vomiting
If your dog seems to be in pain when they vomit or if they cry out while vomiting, this could be a sign of an obstructed bowel or another gastrointestinal issue. This is a medical emergency and you should seek vet care immediately.
- They appear lethargic or unwell overall
If your dog seems lethargic or unwell overall in addition to vomiting, this could be a sign of something serious going on, such as kidney disease or liver disease. If your dog is showing any other symptoms in addition to vomiting, seek veterinary care right away.
4. Diarrhea
Dog diarrhea is not something you want to see. It can be smelly, watery, and just plain painful for your pup. If your dog has diarrhea, it’s important to watch out for these five symptoms that could indicate a more serious problem.
- Diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours
- Diarrhea with blood or mucus
- Diarrhea accompanied by vomiting
- Diarrhea that is black or tarry
- Diarrhea with a fever
5. Abnormal Behavior
If your pup is usually a social butterfly but suddenly seems to want to be left alone, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Abnormal behavior in dogs can be a symptom of various illnesses or conditions, so it’s important to take notice and consult with a veterinarian if you notice any changes. Here are five unusual symptoms that could indicate your dog is sick:
- Sudden aggression or increased irritability
- Change in bathroom habits (excessive urination or accidents indoors)
- Loss of appetite or sudden weight loss
- Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
- Disinterest in physical activity or normally enjoyed activities
6. Seizures
Seizures are one of the most well-known symptoms of epilepsy, but they can also be a sign of other health conditions. If your dog suddenly starts convulsing or appears to be in a daze, it’s important to take them to the vet immediately.Other signs that your dog may be having a seizure include:
-Loss of consciousness
-Muscle rigidity
-Excessive drooling
-Paddling with their legs
-Chomping at the air
7. Difficulty Breathing
If your dog is trying to catch its breath, panting excessively, or having any sort of trouble breathing, this is a cause for alarm. Difficulty breathing can be a sign of anything from heart disease to lung cancer, and your dog will need to see a vet as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
Taking good care of your pet will have a positive impact in not only your pet’s life but it will also help you to be worry-free. As soon as you see any of the above worrying symptoms in your pet, contact your vet right away and get the best help for your dog.