When you adopt a dog, you expect to welcome a loyal pet into your home. But very soon, you realize that your pet means much more to you than just a playful animal. Theyโre more like a child, a member of your family. And when it comes to their well-being, you would do anything for them.
Dogs are no less than superheroes. They put you before themselves, and being around them can perk up your mood instantly. The only trouble is that they canโt speak, at least not in a language that you can understand all the time. So, how will you know if theyโre fine when they canโt say it out loud? Well, the only way to do that is to keep a keen eye on them.
Today, weโre going to talk about seven signs that indicate itโs time to call a vet. Letโs get started.
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Is your dog eating properly?
Unlike us, a change in your dogโs diet isnโt a normal affair and shouldnโt be treated like one. If your furry friend has been avoiding his food lately or eating too much of it, there might be a few reasons behind it, such as systemic infection, dental problems, and so on. So, if you notice fluctuations in their eating pattern, calling your vet about it is a good idea.
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How much water are they drinking?
How carefully do you watch your dogโs water consumption? According to pet care professionals, a healthy adult dog should drink about 30-50 ml of water per kilogram of their body weight.
If your dog is not drinking enough water, they will have trouble while urinating, which can also lead to digestive problems in the long run. On the other hand, if theyโre drinking too much water and urinating excessively, it could put undue stress on their kidneys. Therefore, if you notice either one of these things happening with your furry friend, notifying the vet about it at the earliest is critical.ย
Have you noticed signs of sluggishness or lethargy in them lately?
Just like us, our beloved pets are also allowed to have a lazy day once in a while, where they prefer to curl down on the carpet, not willing to play with you or entertain you. However, if it lasts for longer than a day, it means that something is wrong.
For a dog, not wanting to go for a walk or indulge in outdoor activities for longer than a day is not generally a healthy sign. If your pet is going through frequent phases of lethargy, you must inform the vet about it.
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Pay attention to their eyes: what do they look like?
It is no secret that all dogs enjoy a good scratch, especially if they get it from their favorite humans. But do they scratch themselves often? Not really. And even when they do, they have the good sense to steer clear of their eyes.
If your petโs eyes are constantly watering or releasing too much discharge it could be due to an accidental scratch or an infection and will require the attention of a vet.
Are they breathing normally?
Do you know how people say that a panting dog is a happy dog? Well, that might not necessarily be true in some cases. While it is normal for them to pant after a physically taxing activity or when theyโre excited, if they continue to pant after resting, itโs not a good sign.
In such a case, weโd recommend you to take a vetโs opinion on it.
Have they vomited lately? How many times?
Among the dogs, vomiting is generally a symptom of a minor bacterial infection in their digestive tracts. So, if theyโve eaten too many treats and are suffering from loose stool, then a proper diet, hydration, and a dayโs rest should easily remedy it.
However, if theyโve vomited 3-4 times throughout the day, it indicates a deeper issue that requires a vetโs attention.
Notice their stool
Just like vomiting, loose stool is also a symptom of mild digestive problems in dogs. When dogs suffer from diarrhea, it generally takes them a couple of days to recover from it. However, if the diarrhea persists for more than 3-4 days, it could very easily signify a blockage or inflammation in their stomach or a serious allergy, and itโs time to talk to your vet about it.
Owning a pet can be a fulfilling experience, but it also comes with the responsibility of ensuring their wellbeing. While it can take time to learn how to interpret your pet's body language and behavior, it's crucial to seek veterinary care if you notice any signs of illness or discomfort.
With Wagr's online vet consultation service, you can conveniently connect with licensed veterinarians from the comfort of your home. Whether you have questions about your pet's nutrition, behavior, or health concerns, our experienced vets are available to provide expert guidance and support.ย