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Symptoms of dog illness
Here are some possible symptoms of a sick dog: diarrhea and vomiting, low spirits, loss of appetite, frequent itching, sneezing, weight loss, difficulty breathing, and more. These symptoms are typical, but different diseases have different manifestations, and this list does not cover all possible illnesses in dogs. Therefore, dog owners should pay close attention to their pets' conditions and contact a veterinarian promptly if any abnormalities are detected. If the dog's condition does not improve, it is necessary to take the dog to the vet for diagnosis and treatment.
- Diarrhea and vomiting
Diarrhea and vomiting can be caused by a dog suddenly eating too much food or eating too fast. However, vomiting caused by excessive eating usually recovered relatively quickly. If the vomiting is due to eating spoiled food or accidentally ingesting foreign objects, it is usually impossible to recover without veterinary treatment. Dog owners should take their dogs to the vet for treatment.
Dogs usually do not experience diarrhea unless they are sick, and it occurs frequently. In this case, owners can feed their dogs probiotics. If the condition does not improve, further veterinary examination is necessary.
- Low spirits
If a dog shows signs of low spirits and lacks energy, often staying in corners, it is a cause for concern. Dogs have strong endurance and usually only show such behavior when they are very uncomfortable.
There are many reasons for a dog's low spirits, including diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, gastroenteritis, and pneumonia. When a dog shows signs of low spirits, the illness is often severe and requires immediate veterinary attention to identify the cause.
- Loss of appetite
A dog with a loss of appetite shows no interest in its usual favorite foods, eating much less or not eating at all. If the dog's appetite was previously good, it indicates a potential health problem. Owners should investigate whether the feeding method or dog food is causing the issue. If the dog still refuses to eat, veterinary treatment is necessary to avoid long-term fasting from endangering the dog's health.
- Frequent itching
A healthy dog's skin is soft and elastic, clean, and free of dandruff or redness. If a dog suddenly starts itching or has other abnormal symptoms, it may be infected with parasites or have a skin disease. Owners should consult a veterinarian and initiate treatment promptly.
- Sneezing
Occasional sneezing is normal for dogs, but if they frequently sneeze and have a runny nose, the dog may be sick. Causes may include colds, allergies, or respiratory diseases. However, specific diagnoses can only be made through veterinary examinations.
- Unexpected weight loss
Rapid weight loss in a short period of time is likely due to illness. Parasite infections, viral infectious diseases, upper gastrointestinal diseases, and gastrointestinal diseases can all affect a dog's normal eating habits, leading to rapid weight loss.
- Difficulty breathing
If an owner notices their dog frequently coughing, wheezing, or having difficulty breathing, they should consider possible causes such as pleural effusions, lung tumors, heart disease, or respiratory infections. When a dog has difficulty breathing, owners should immediately take them to a nearby veterinary hospital for oxygen therapy and corresponding examinations to confirm the cause and implement targeted treatment.