There are many signs that can make a careful owner suspect that his dog is not in the best of health. Bright eyes, decreased appetite, lack of energy or sudden aggressiveness should be a warning sign, but they are not the only signs that should be considered. No symptom should be overlooked, as in some cases they may be caused by a serious illness. It is therefore important to spot them as soon as possible in order to consult the veterinarian so that the dog can be treated as soon as possible.

Sick dog: signs to spot
The dog is flat: he who usually seems to be on springs has not left his bed for a few days. He doesn't even want to see his owner and even seeks solitude. It is not very reassuring.
He complains and moans regularly: there is no doubt that the dog is suffering. If he adopts the position of prayer (front of the body at ground level and hindquarters raised), it means that he has abdominal pain. Regardless of his attitude, as soon as a dog complains, a veterinarian should be consulted without delay to identify the exact cause.
He is convulsing: this may be an epileptic seizure or a sign of intoxication or poisoning. The emergency is absolute.
He has a fever: in the dog a body temperature higher than 39°C is abnormal, and it is not better when it is lower than 38°C.
His breath is unpleasant: halitosis can be a sign of periodontal disease. Halitosis is common in dogs whose teeth are heavily scaled due to poor oral hygiene. The animal must be treated by a specialist in animal dentistry. But bad breath can also be due to a digestive problem.
Coughing: Coughing should never be neglected in dogs because it can be a sign of bronchitis, or even a serious lung or heart problem.
He has digestive problems: these are manifested by bloating, gas, vomiting, diarrhea or recurrent constipation. Be careful if his stools are bloody: you must consult an emergency doctor.
His eyes are shiny or watery and his nose is running: these are signs of illness in the dog that do not go unnoticed and must be taken seriously. Whether it's conjunctivitis or an allergy, he needs to be treated.
Hair falling out, becoming dull or rough, breaking: a change in the appearance and texture of the hair is a sign that the dog is ill. And there are many causes. It is better not to wait to ask a specialist for a diagnosis.
He keeps licking or scratching himself: parasites (fleas, worms, etc.) may be the cause, unless it's an allergy or a skin disease.
He urinates a lot, at least more frequently than before, so much so that he sometimes doesn't have time to ask to go out: many pathologies can lead to an increase in diuresis, such as kidney disease, liver problems and diabetes. We consult the veterinarian as soon as possible if, in addition, we notice blood in his urine.
He drinks a lot. Renal insufficiency and diabetes increase the sensation of thirst considerably.
He has difficulty moving: getting up, walking, changing position are all movements that the dog seems to perform with more and more difficulty. We even notice a limp for some time. Osteoarthritis, herniated disc, dysplasia can be the cause, as well as Lyme disease (transmitted by ticks). It is necessary to consult without delay.
It is important to note that if the dog suddenly becomes aggressive, when it was previously as gentle as a lamb, this is not normal either. Some pathologies impact the behavior of an animal. It is for example the case of a thyroid disorder or the beginning of a deafness.
What to do if you think your dog is sick?
Among all the symptoms described above, some require an emergency consultation. But in all cases, the owner must start by phoning the practitioner's office and give him as much information as possible. To do this, it is necessary to:
- To take the temperature of his little companion. It is normal if it is between 38 and 39°C. If it's below or above that, it's a sign that the dog is sick.
- Inspect his mucous membranes. For example, a yellow eye white may indicate a liver problem.
- Check the skin for any parasites (fleas, lice, ticks) or sores.
- Weigh the animal to see if it has lost weight.
- Palpate its abdomen. If the dog has a hard belly or if it seems to be in pain, it could be a sign of a transit problem but not only.
You should also be able to tell the veterinarian if there is blood in the dog's stool or urine, which is not a good sign. The slightest symptom that persists for more than 24 or 36 hours warrants a consultation.
During these different manipulations, it is important to reassure your pet, to avoid any brusqueness in order not to hurt him. It is also important to be careful because a dog that is suffering can have an unpredictable reflex, such as biting its owner, to whom it is very attached.