What To Do If Your Dog Gets Sick

There may come a time in every dog owner’s life when her favorite four-legged friend comes down with an illness.

But, how do you know if it’s just an upset tummy or something worse?

Symptoms to Watch For

Puppy illnesses can have similar symptoms. These common symptoms can indicate a wide range of conditions.

These symptoms include:

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue or listlessness
• Loss of interest in favorite toys
• Bloody stool
• Abdominal pain (growling or biting when you try to rub or touch the area
• Unusual behavior

The severity of the symptoms may determine whether your first step is to contact your veterinarian or try to help your dog feel better.

Upset stomach

An upset stomach can present as vomiting and diarrhea, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite. Another way to determine if your dog’s stomach is upset is if you see him eating grass.

Grass has an enzyme that helps to settle doggie tummies.

One way you can help settle your dog’s stomach is with pumpkin. This gourd also contains an enzyme that can help to settle his stomach. Beauty’s Biscuits Pumpkin Soothers treats are good to have on hand in the event of stomach discomfort.

Fatigue or Loss of Interest

If your dog seems fatigued or has lost interest in his favorite toys or activities, it could be a sign of something more serious.

In female dogs it could be a symptom of pregnancy. However, if she’s fixed or a male dog that’s not the case.

When a pup loses interest in his favorite things, it can indicate he’s experiencing pain. It can also indicate he’s depressed. If he’s sleeping all day, avoids family members or puppy friends, this may be the case.

While research into dog depression is sparse, evidence and anecdotes indicate it exists.

If you suspect your dog is depressed, you should visit your vet’s office to ensure it’s nothing physical.

Bloody Stool (Hematochezia)

Blood in your dog’s stool can either be nothing to worry about or it can signal serious illness. Large amounts of bright red blood can signal a need for emergency medical attention.

Hematochezia can be a result of ingesting toxins, parasitic infection, trauma or other types of infections.

If the problem continues for more than a day or two, you should contact your vet immediately. The sooner you learn the cause, the sooner you can help your pup feel better.

Unusual Behavior

Occasionally a pup might exhibit unusual behavior. Be it jumping and walking on furniture, rolling around. Or maybe seems intoxicated; swaying, is unable to maintain balance, making unusual eye movements, or howling .

These symptoms can indicate he’s eaten hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Helping Your Sick Dog

When in doubt, call your vet. It might be tempting to try and avoid an office visit fee. But, if you’re doing all you can help your dog, but he’s still showing signs of illness, the vet is your best bet.

Your veterinarian has the tools to help diagnose the cause of the symptoms and help your dog feel better.