All Dogs get sick from time to time. The difference between it being a minor illness to becoming a serious illness is when you realize that your dog needs some form of treatment. Here are four common symptoms of illness in dogs to help you determine if your dog needs treatment.
Behavioral Changes:
If your dog is normally active and full of energy, but has been recently feeling lethargic and tired all the time you might want to check their temperature to make sure they are feeling fine. The American Kennel Club states that the average temperature for dogs is anywhere between 101 degrees Fahrenheit to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. After you have taken their temperature, if it is not anywhere above 103 degrees, make sure you are monitoring them. If after a day or two the behavior has not gone back to normal it may be a good idea to take them to visit a veterinarian to get them checked out.
Poor Appetite:
Having a dog with a poor appetite is another common symptom for illness. There could be two reasons why your dog has a poor appetite. The first being that they aren't eating because they are sick. The other being that the food itself is making them sick. Some solutions to this would be to change their diet. This could mean completely changing their diet to something different. If you have been them dry food, you might want to consider trying out canned food. The same thing goes for the other way around.
Nasal Congestion:
Your dog's nose can get congested the same way that yours does. The cause of these nasal congestion could be an infection growing inside their nose. Some signs of nasal congestion are, sneezing frequently and if there is visible mucus when they sneeze. Taking your dog to your local veterinarian is the best way to get the treatment that your dog needs. The treatment may include your vet prescribing antibiotics that will last between 10 to 20 days. If you are ever in doubt you can always talk to your vet.
Trouble Breathing:
One more common symptom of illness in dogs is trouble breathing. If you have just gotten back from a long walk and your dog is having trouble breathing you probably don't have much to worry about. On the other hand if your dog has been sitting around all day long and is having trouble breathing you really should consider taking them into the vet's office to get an examination. If the problem is severe, the vet will have the dog accepted into the hospital for treatment.
Even though there are more symptoms of illness these four are some of the more common symptoms. Knowing these four could help your dog get the treatment they need. One precaution that you could take would be to consider getting them a multi-vitamin.
