Symptoms of a Sick Dog

What are some of the main symptoms of a sick dog? It has been noted that dogs many times suffer from a variety of illnesses during their lifetimes, sometimes due to metabolic issues or bacterial or viral infections, and each individual disease in a dog may exhibit a variety of different symptoms.

Here are some of the main symptoms of a sick dog, which may be useful information in helping you identify different diseases.

Common Dog Diseases Some of the most common dog diseases are caused due to bacterial or viral infections, metabolic disorders, immune abnormalities, trauma, cancer, genetic factors or degenerative conditions with the most common diseases being infections, skin allergies and infections, cancer/tumor, chronic kidney failure, arthritis, dental disease, urinary infection, stomach inflammation, epilepsy, diabetes, obesity, pancreatitis, food allergies and worm infestations just to name a few.

Symptoms of a Sick Dog It is only after you have learned to be aware of the key symptoms of a sick dog that you will come to be effective in pinpointing when your dog may be affected by a disease. Here are some of the main indicators that your dog may be sick. Weakness, lethargy, lack of appetite, weight loss, disorientation, diarrhea, vomiting, nonproductive retching, bloody urine, straining to urinate, bleeding, trouble walking, pale mucous membrane, relentless coughing and difficulty in breathing. Noticing these warning signs will be helpful in accurately diagnosing a disease in your dog.

You must also be mindful of the fact that most dogs do not want to move when they are ill because they may be in pain. This may also be indicative of an injured paw or leg.

Other telltale signs to watch out for are a strong ear smell or discharge, shaking of the head, which may be indicative of mites or a yeast infection. A strong persistent cough may be a sign of heartworms, pneumonia or heart disease. If you notice that the dog is passing blood in it's urine, it could be suffering from a urinary tract infection, kidney disease or internal injury. Extreme constipation is a sure sign that your dog may have an intestinal blockage or may need a change in diet.

100-103 ° F is a normal temperature for most adult dogs while 94-97 ° F is normal for most puppies. Temperatures higher than theses are sure signs of a bacterial or viral infection. Some symptoms of periodontal disease are bleeding gums; bad breath and loss of teethe. Frequent urination and increased thirst are symptoms of kidney disease, diabetes or liver disease.

Some signs of a parasite infection are blood or worms in their feces. Many times when a dog has a worm infestation, gastrointestinal problems or has been poisoned, he may be inclined to digest grass or other vegetation in an effort to relive the pain. Pay special attention if you notice that your dog is trying to digest either of the two items aforementioned.

Unnecessary scratching or itching can be the symptoms of a skin allergy or infection. Many times when a dog is under stress they may develop a bad case of diarrhea. Pale gums and pale tongue are signs of shock. Watery eyes are indicators of allergies or in-grown eyelashes. Sudden or dramatic weight loss may indicate cancer, worm infestations or Cushing's disease.

The symptoms of a sick dog when properly noticed can help you realize the exact health problem of your dog so that it can be treated earlier. If these symptoms remain for 24 hours or more, then you need to confer with a veterinarian at once in order to get appropriate treatment for your dog.