10 Common Dog Sick Symptoms

Dog illnesses are common, and many of them can be managed by the dog owner.

However, some serious dog conditions require veterinary attention. Read more about how to care for a dog.

The following dog sick symptoms list will help you identify which symptoms need to be reported:

Vomiting

Persistent vomiting is a common symptom of many different diseases, including infectious ones like parvovirus and toxins (e.g., lead poisoning).

In fact, if your dog vomits more than once per week or has bloody vomit, it’s best to take him to the vet immediately.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be caused by a number of conditions, including:

• Infectious colitis. This is an infection in the colon that causes diarrhea and abdominal pain. Your dog may also have bloody stool or other symptoms associated with this condition.
• Parasites (parasitic infections). Parasites are tiny organisms that live inside your pet’s body and can cause many different types of illness in dogs, including diarrhea and vomiting. Your vet will be able to tell you if your dog has parasites based on what they find when they examine him or her after diagnosis or treatment has been completed at home.
• Worms.

Lethargy

Lethargy is a dog’s general state of being. It can be a sign of many different illnesses, including but not limited to the following:

• Cancer
• Heartworm disease (can cause lethargy)
• Parvovirus (can cause lethargy)

Changes in appetite

If your dog is sick, it may not eat as much as usual. This is because the food in his stomach will be upset by all of the vomiting and diarrhea he’s experiencing.

Your dog might also have trouble eating because his mouth feels dry or sore, which makes chewing difficult.

In addition to these symptoms, some dogs become so dizzy or nauseous that they can’t keep down any food at all—even if they haven’t lost large amounts of weight yet.

In these cases, you should start offering them smaller portions every few hours until their appetite returns to normal levels again (which may take several days).

If your dog has lost significant weight while still being sick with vomiting and diarrhea.

Read more: 9 Common Signs Of Separation Anxiety In Dogs.

Changes in water intake and/or urination

Changes in water intake and/or urination are common symptoms of dog illnesses.

The dog may be drinking more than normal, or they may have decreased their drinking habits.

Dogs that are dehydrated will also urinate more frequently than usual.

The amount of urine produced by your dog can be affected by various factors:

• How much food do you give them on a daily basis (this includes treats)
• The weather conditions where you live (hot or cold)
• Whether or not there are other pets in the house that might want some attention from your dog

Coughing and/or difficulty breathing

Coughing and/or difficulty breathing are common symptoms of canine illnesses, including colds and flu.

While it’s not always clear whether your dog’s coughing has something to do with their immune system (which would be an indicator of infection).

It’s still best to get checked out by your vet if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Persistent coughing
• Excessive mucus production in the nose or throat area
• Difficulty breathing (shortness of breath)

If you think your dog may have a respiratory infection—or even if they just seem sickly—it’s important to contact a vet as soon as possible.

Some dogs can experience heart disease or lung problems that can lead to their inability to breathe properly.

These cases are usually more serious than simple respiratory issues and require immediate attention from an experienced veterinarian.

Changes in gum color

Changes in gum color (pale, white, or blue gums can indicate abnormally low blood oxygen levels that warrant a veterinary visit)

Gums should be a healthy pink. If your dog’s gums are pale or white, it could be a sign of low blood oxygen levels.

This is a serious symptom and requires immediate treatment. If you see this symptom, call your vet immediately!

Discharge from nose or eyes

If your dog is sneezing, squinting, pawing at the face, or having other symptoms that make you think he or she might have a cold or infection (i.e., discharge from nose or eyes), it’s time to visit the vet.

If your pooch has an illness like this but still isn’t acting sick—or if she feels fine but can’t stop coughing—you should still take her in for a checkup.

Lumps or bumps on the body

If you notice lumps or bumps on the body (e.g., enlarged lymph nodes, skin masses, etc.) that have no obvious cause and do not go away after a few days, it’s important to check your pet’s lymph nodes.

The best way to do this is by gently pushing on the neck area just below the jawbone with your fingers—this will help you feel for swollen areas of tissue under the skin.

If you find one or more swollen lymph glands in an area that isn’t infected with any other disease process (such as another type of cancer), then it could be due to an infection.

However, if they’re painful when pressed down then this could be due to more likely that there is something wrong with them instead of just swelling because they’re infected.

Read more: 8 Easy Ways To Comfort a Dying Dog.

Lameness or stiffness (e.g., limping, reluctance to walk).

If your dog is limping, and you don’t know why try to get him checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Your vet will take x-rays to see if there is anything wrong with his bones or joints.

If your dog is limping, and you know why, it may be time to make some adjustments in his diet and/or environment (e.g., moving him closer to home).

It’s also important that you give him regular exercise, so he can continue feeling good!

Ways to care for a sick dog

The following are some common ways to care for a sick dog:

1. Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water and adequate food.
2. Make sure your dog has a comfortable place to rest.
3. Give your dog a comfortable place to sleep.
4. Make sure your dog is warmed up if they’re spending a lot of time outside.
5. Give your dog medication as prescribed by a veterinarian.
6. Make sure your dog is protected from the elements.
7. Be sure your dog is covered if they’re sick.
8. Make sure your dog is examined by a veterinarian if they show any signs of illness.
9. Clean your dog’s ears regularly, and if they start to show any signs of infection, take them to the vet.
10. Keep your dog’s sleeping spot clean.
11. Keep a close eye on your dog’s eating and drinking habits, and make sure they are not eating anything they shouldn’t.
12. Don’t leave your dog alone when he’s sick.

Conclusion

If your dog is showing any of the following signs, it is time to take them to the vet:

-Coughing
-Vomiting
-Diarrhea
-Loss of appetite
-Poor energy
-Weight loss

It is important to rule out any serious health issues before taking your dog to the vet.

If you think your dog may have a viral infection, take them to the vet and ask for a diagnosis.

Viral infections are usually self-limited and can be treated with over-the-counter medications.

If your dog has a more serious illness, the vet will perform a series of tests to determine the cause.

If you notice your dog exhibiting any of the above signs, take him to a veterinarian immediately!