A dog will always be your best friend if something is truly wrong. Unlike humans, your dog won't tell you when they're in pain with the same words, so you need to monitor their behavior and appearance to ensure they're safe. Basics include inspecting their coat for signs of irritation or injury. You should also call the veterinarian immediately if your pet has eaten chocolate or any other toxic food. The most obvious sign of illness in dogs is the presence of cysts, especially in the lower abdomen, neck, and limbs. Here are 10 other signs of illness in dogs that people tend to ignore and which may indicate a serious underlying problem.
Sudden aggressiveness
If your dog knows you well and is playful, it makes no sense for it to suddenly become aggressive toward you. If your dog becomes excessively aggressive toward children, you, or other people, it's likely that something is irritating or causing them pain. Unless you've brought another pet with you, or your dog has recently been retrained, sudden aggressive behavior shouldn't be ignored. If your dog begins barking uncontrollably and becomes aggressive for more than 24 hours, it's wise to have the dog observed.
Severe scratches and hair loss
It's normal for dogs to lick and scratch, but there's a difference between normal and abnormal scratching. If you notice your dog licking and aggressively scratching one spot for a long time, you should check the area for lumps and bumps. Hair loss behind the ears, on the limbs, and other parts of the body can also indicate an underlying medical condition. Don't be alarmed if your dog is losing hair in general; just consult your veterinarian if the skin is visible and the condition doesn't improve.
Loss of appetite
This is especially bad for cats, but even dogs won't shy away from their favorite scheduled meals and treats if they're not feeling well. If you notice that food you've eaten all day remains untouched, and you're sure your dog hasn't eaten anywhere else, you should be concerned. If your dog isn't eating enough or isn't eating at all for 36 hours, you should take them to the vet.
Eyes
The appearance of your dog's eyes can tell you a lot about how they're feeling. The most common sign of illness is lazy and watery eyes. If your dog can't keep their eyes open for a long time, seek medical attention. Red or pale eyes also indicate something is wrong. Worst of all, they scratch their eyes aggressively and seem to never stop.
Lethargy
Sometimes your dog may just want to be alone, so don't be surprised if they don't warm up to playing for a few hours. However, if your playful dog suddenly avoids you and seems uninterested in your usual games, something may be wrong. If your puppy has difficulty moving, running, and playing, and prefers to sleep a lot, especially for more than six hours, something may be wrong.
Bathroom frequency has been changed
Many people miss their dogs not going to the bathroom as often as usual, but if you notice this, you should seek medical attention. The worst case scenario is when you notice an increase in the frequency of toilet visits. If your dog urinates more frequently, it could be a sign of diabetes. The same thing happens when a dog wants more water than usual, which could indicate diabetes or something worse. Diarrhea or blood in the stool or urine can also indicate an infection, so you should consult a veterinarian.
Excessive vomiting
Dogs vomit when they chew too much grass or eat too much food. This type of vomiting usually only occurs once or twice a week, although it depends on when you feed them the food they overeat. If you notice frequent and severe vomiting, occurring more than once a day and lasting up to 72 hours, you should consult a doctor.
Sudden weight loss
Many people assume that pets are feeling lighter than usual, but this is often a sign that the dog has cancer or other illnesses. Weight loss in your dog is considered abnormal unless their diet and living conditions have changed. It's recommended to weigh your dog at least once a month, and if this isn't possible, take them for regular checkups, where vets can check their weight for you. Dogs don't strive to lose weight, so weight loss isn't part of their health regimen unless you're intentionally feeding and treating them to lose weight.
Bloated belly
Dogs typically develop a bloated abdomen when they eat a lot, but this extra soreness should subside within a few hours. If you notice your dog's abdomen suddenly swells and shows no signs of receding, you should gently palpate it to check for lumps. Ultimately, a bloated abdomen should be taken to the vet.
Breathing Difficulty
It's normal for dogs to occasionally breathe heavily, especially after running. Sneezing can also be caused by dust and other irritants. However, any heavy breathing or sneezing that lasts longer than usual should be a cause for concern. You should consult a veterinarian if your dog is having trouble breathing. If you hear wheezing or notice rapid, nonstop breathing, you should consult a veterinarian immediately.