How Do You Know When Your Dog Is Sick

If it s wet and cold he s fine.

How do you know when your dog is sick. Signs of a fever can include a warm and dry nose red eyes lack of energy warm ears and shivering. Taking your dog s temperature with a thermometer is the only real way to diagnose a fever. This is due to the beginning of their organs shutting down. When your dog has these symptoms especially in combination with lethargy and poor appetite be sure to contact your veterinarian.

However if the sneezing is violent and uninterrupted or if nasal discharge results from the sneezes you may have a sick dog that needs medical attention. Dogs have very sensitive noses and irritants like perfumes smoke scented air fresheners and even hair spray can cause sneezing now and then. If it s wet and cold you re probably familiar with the tried and true method many dog owners have relied on to see if their dog has a fever. A dog s health changes with age and our pets age much faster than we do.

Lethargy is a common sign of illness in addition to unusual behaviors like hiding pacing or difficulty breathing. Simply select the area of the body that is being affected and then check off any appropriate symptom s. If the irritation seems to relate to petting a specific spot take note it may be where your dog is injured or sick. Dogs can develop ingrown hairs cysts and other skin blemishes so not every small lump or bump is an immediate cause for concern.

However the only sure way to tell if your dog has a fever is to take their temperature. Like us dogs can come down with a fever when they re sick. You know something is wrong when your dog refuses food and this is one of the classic signs a dog is dying. Your dog can t tell you when he s sick but he can give you clues.

4 keep a close eye on any sores or lumps. Bad breath excessive urination appetite change activity change stiffness oversleeping coughing dry skin and red eyes. Repeated or profuse diarrhea that lasts over 24 hours abdominal pain or swelling. Welcome to the petmd dog symptom checker where you can easily search our 1 000 dog health articles based on the symptoms your dog is experiencing.

Click on symptom area. They will also stop drinking water. Keep in mind that a dog s normal temperature is warmer than humans. Articles relevant to your query will appear below.

You are your dog s most important health care provider since you see him every day and decide when he needs to see the veterinarian. Repeated vomiting that lasts over 24 hours.