- A healthy dog has a shiny coat, wet nose, bright eyes and a good appetite. If your dog begins limping, skipping meals, develops excessive thirst or seems suddenly irritable or unusually aggressive, he may be suffering from illness.
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Excessive Thirst
If your dog seems unusually thirsty, he may be suffering from a kidney disorder, diabetes or a liver problem. Call your veterinarian for an appointment.
Eyes
Discharge from your dog's eyes or cloudiness may be caused by a number of illnesses, including respiratory or eye infections, fever or injury. If the problem persists after careful cleaning, call your veterinarian.
Ears
A bad odor, constant scratching and shaking or a dark discharge from your dog's ears may mean that he has an ear infection or parasites. Make an appointment to have him checked.
Nose
If your dog's nose is dry, cracked or has a discharge coming out of it, it may be an indication of fever or infection. Call your veterinarian for an appointment.
Limping
An uneven gait may mean that your dog is suffering from an injury, or it could be indicative of serious health issues such as arthritis, diabetes, dysplasia or rabies.
Skin
If your dog's skin smells bad or if she is constantly chewing, scratching or licking her skin, she may have parasites, dermititis or mange. She could also be infested with fleas, mites or other vermin. Other conditions that irritate a dog's skin include allergies, injuries, bites and infections. See your veterinarian if symptoms do not improve after a bath or grooming.
Stool
If your dog has blood, mucus or unusually colorful bowel movements, she may be suffering from an obstruction, illness, poisoning or a digestive problem. Bring a stool sample to your veterinarian right away. -
Some conditions may not indicate a visit to the veterinarian. If you have recently changed your dog's diet, shampoo or flea treatment, he may be experiencing allergic symptoms. Try switching brands or abstaining from exposure for a day or two before calling your vet.
Changes
If your family is experiencing turmoil or has recently moved, your dog may just be manifesting signs of insecurity, anxiety or depression. Give him time to make the adjustment, and if his symptoms do not improve, call your veterinarian. - If your dog has excessive vomiting or diarrhea and has no appetite for 24 hours or more, take him to the veterinarian immediately, as dehydration from illness can be fatal. If he has been in an accident, bitten or scratched severely by another animal, has a bloated stomach or severe swelling anywhere on his body, consider any of these conditions a potential emergency, and take him to the vet.
