Taking Your Dog to the Vet
Let’s face it, vet visits are a drag for all the parties involved. Except for the vet, who, after all, is doing what he or she loves. However, early visits to the vet are crucial. They can lead to the correct treatment, prevent further health concerns, and potentially reduce the number of future visits.
As a pet parent, you are at the frontline of monitoring your dog’s health and wellbeing. Here are some 12 symptoms and signs your dog needs a vet visit from your trusted veterinarian pet care provider.
1. A Change in Bathroom Habits
Bathroom habits are mundane, and yet highly informative of what’s going on inside your dog’s body. Observing your pet’s bathroom habits when they’re healthy is a good idea. Many signs of underlying health conditions can manifest in a change in peeing or pooping habits.
Peeing Too Much / Excessive Water Drinking
If you notice your dog peeing more often than usual (or in an out of bounds area) it means they are drinking more water. Excessive water drinking could be a sign of diabetes or kidney disease.
Pay attention to how often you have to refill the water canister. If your dog’s water consumption has increased, book an appointment with your vet.
Abnormal Poop
You can get valuable information about your dog’s health through the appearance of their poop.
Healthy dog stool should have a chocolate brown and be shaped like a log. The contents also matter: If you notice mucus, blood, hair, or anything unusual in your dog’s stool, this is a good sign your dog needs a vet visit.
2. Scooting
Scooting is that strange behavior you see a dog doing when they drag their bottom across the floor. Your dog could have an itch, irritation, or pain.
They may have their anal sacs clogged. You should take your dog to the vet if they are scooting frequently and if you notice they haven’t pooped for longer than usual.
3. Vomiting and Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea are usually signs of an upset stomach. If your dog vomits just once, this could be insignificant. Repeated vomiting is a health concern, especially if it is accompanied by lethargy and a lack of appetite.
The same principle applies to diarrhea. Continuous vomiting or diarrhea could be a sign of a virus, pancreatitis, organ failure, intestinal obstruction, or endocrine disease.Take your pet to the vet if they have repeated vomiting and diarrhea episodes.
4. Dog Licking the Air
When dogs look like they’re licking the air, this could be a sign of nausea. It could also mean they have something stuck in the roof of their mouth or a loose tooth.
Take a quick look at your dog’s mouth to see if there’s something there. If they begin to vomit or keep on licking air for long periods of time, schedule a meeting with your vet.
5. No Stamina, Lethargy and Weakness
There are as many dog characteristics as there are Ben and Jerry’s ice cream flavors. Whether your dog is an introvert or an extrovert, a healthy dog should have stamina. You can identify a lack of stamina by lethargy and weakness.
You may notice a lack of stamina or lethargy by how much energy they put into regular activities. If they don’t walk as much as they are used to or seem to be more tired than normal, this is a sign of weakness. If you notice your dog is less active and this is accompanied by loss of appetite, it may be time to take him to the vet.
6. Hyperactivity
There may be times when you notice your dog running around or acting more hyperactive. This may not look like a symptom, but it could mean your dog is nervous or uncomfortable.
It could also mean something is stuck in your dog’s coat; take a thorough look by softly grooming your dog. If you notice something unusual in your dog’s skin, like a bump or a rash, make an appointment with the vet.
7. Loss of Appetite or Change in Eating Habits
Depending on breed, size, and lifestyle, dogs may have varying appetites. However, most dogs should be interested in food and eating regularly. If you notice their food canister is full and they haven’t been eating as much as they are accustomed to, they may have lost their appetite.Loss of appetite is a strong indicator for a visit to the vet.
8. Sleeping Habits
Keep in mind that dogs have varying sleeping habits, depending on their age, breed, and daily activities. A significant change in these habits could be a sign of concern, indicating it’s time to visit the vet and get to the bottom of the issue.
Sleeping Too Much
If your dog is sleeping too much, it’s a sign of lethargy and weakness. If a loss of appetite accompanies this, it is time to see a vet.
Sleeping Too Little
If your dog is sleeping too little, it may have a sleeping disorder. You may even notice insomnia. Causes of insomnia could be anxiety, stress, pain, and itchiness. A more serious cause is canine cognitive dysfunction (canine dementia). Sleeping too little is a symptom to consider taking your dog to the vet for a check-up.
9. Change in Temper
It is normal for your dog’s temper to change occasionally. Dogs have their good and bad days. However, notorious changes in temper do justify a visit to the vet. Changes in temper could indicate brain inflammation. Some symptoms of brain inflammation include:
- Seizures
- Walking in circles
- Lack of balance
- Stumbling
- Pain
- Blindness
If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, then schedule a visit with your trusted vet.
10. Change in Breathing
Pay close attention to your dog’s breathing, as changes in breathing patterns could be a sign of an underlying health issue. Labored breathing, fast panting, or shallow breaths are all good reasons to visit the vet for further evaluation.
If your dog cannot breathe, you may need to prepare your dog for an emergency visit or provide them first aid.
Coughs are another breathing-related symptom to watch out for. If your dog coughs for more than two days, call your vet and set up an appointment.
11. Physical Changes or Abnormalities
Bald Patches or Tufts of Loose Fur
If you notice your dog is losing hair or has bald patches in your dog’s coat, this could indicate an underlying health condition and is a sign your dog needs a vet visit. The causes vary from thyroid disease to skin infection. Take your pet to the vet for a check-up.
Bumps on Skin
As your dog ages, it’s normal for occasional bumps to appear on your dog’s skin. However, if you find new bumps, you should have them checked by your trusted vet. Though most masses are benign, some may be malignant. Bug bites could cause some bumps.
Take your dog to the vet and have them evaluate if the bump must be surgically removed and biopsied. Early diagnosis is essential, so pay attention to your dog’s skin regularly.
Eyes
Your dog’s eyes are a good place to tell if they need medical assistance. Look at your dog’s pupils; you may notice they’re dilated or constricted. You may also notice that one pupil is more dilated than the other.
Discharge from the eye, droopy eyes, or the third eyelid covering part of the eye justifies a consultation with your vet.
12. Emergency Symptoms
Taking your dog to the vet regularly is always a good idea if your budget can afford it. Here are some definite signs your dog needs a vet visit or emergency symptoms. No debate on these ones:
- Open wounds
- Broken bones
- Falls and being hit by a vehicle (even if they’re ok)
- Seizure
- Sudden collapse
- Bleeding from the mouth, nose, eyes
- Difficulty breathing
- Ingestion of toxins such as chocolate or poisonous plants
- Inability to stand
- Sudden disorientation
- Pale color gums
Keeping Your Best Friend in Good Shape
The care our dog provides us with their unconditional love and unmeasured sweetness deserves to be met with the best care we can give them. Although we may not always afford to take our dogs to the vet, there are also many low-cost alternatives for getting care for your dog.
Check for community vet care providers who may do check-ups for a lowered price or provide payment options and facilities. You may have to do some research and plan. Never underestimate a concerning symptom; early treatment is the best way to prevent further complications.