Is my dog sick? 10 warning signs that your dog could be unwell
The "Telltale Signs" Your Dog Isn't Healthy, According To A Veterinarian
Checking your dog's health on a regular basis is vital for your pup.
The Royal Veterinary College at the University of London in the U.K. Advises that all pets should get a full health check once a year, typically at the time of their annual vaccination.
Older pets, including dogs over 8 years old, should get a full health check every six months, as they can be prone to developing age-related health conditions, the college said.
"Early detection is key to preventing serious health conditions," says the American Kennel Club, the world's largest purebred dog registry.
A stock image of a black Labrador appearing tired and lying on the floor. Decreased energy levels are a sign that your dog is unwell. IStock / Getty Images PlusDr. Antje Joslin, a veterinarian for Dogtopia, a network of dog daycare centers across the U.S. And Canada, told Newsweek there are "several telltale signs that your dog isn't feeling well." They include the following:
Tiredness and Body WeaknessDecreased energy levels—such as lethargy (tiredness) or malaise (body weakness or discomfort)—are a sign that your dog is unwell or may be unhealthy. Canines who seem less interested in social engagement with a pet parent or fur family are also signs of ill health, Joslin said.
The veterinarian added that "mental dullness, restlessness or agitation are also signs of ill health and should raise concerns."
Changes in Breathing or Gum ColorDogs with changes in their normal breathing patterns—including a cough, excessive panting, labored breathing—or a change in their gum color to pale pink/white, blue, purple or bright red "require immediate veterinary attention," Joslin warned.
A stock image of a dog lying on grass, grinning with its teeth showing. A change in a dog's gum color to pale pink/white, blue, purple, or bright red requires "immediate" attention, a veterinarian told Newsweek. IStock / Getty Images Plus Weight Gain or LossCanines that present significant weight fluctuations without a change in diet or exercise may also be unwell.
"Some dogs may appear to have a potbelly but have significant muscle loss" and such dogs "need to be seen by a veterinarian," Joslin advised.
Weight loss—especially when accompanied by muscle atrophy (reduction in size)—is a sign of being unwell, the veterinarian said.
On the other hand, sudden weight gain without a change in caloric intake or changes in physical activity may also constitute signs of illness.
Reduced or Increased AppetiteDogs exhibiting a decreased appetite and eating less than their normal amount—such as a reduced amount of consumption for more than two meals—may be unwell and should be checked out.
However, dogs that once had a moderate appetite and now "suddenly eat everything and anything in sight" may also be suffering from illness.
Vomiting or diarrhea are among the more obvious signs that "something is amiss" with your pup, the veterinarian noted.
A stock image of a dog eating from a food bowl on the floor. A change in appetite can also signal that your pup is unwell. IStock / Getty Images Plus Unusual Body Discharge or SmellDogs with any unusual discharge from their eyes, ears, nose, penis, vulva or anus should be checked by a veterinarian.
"Any foul odor from mouth, ears, genitalia or any body part should be addressed as well," Joslin advised.
Haircoat or Skin ChangesDogs experiencing a change in their haircoat (such as hair loss, a thin or dull haircoat, greasy hair) or skin (such as flakes, lesions, excessive itching) are also "probably not in optimal health," Joslin said.
Do you have a pet health concern? Let us know via life@newsweek.Com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Pet Column: What Is Up With CIE In Dogs?
Inflammation in the body is beneficial, but too much of a good thing can be bad. Especially when excess, unregulated inflammation in the intestines leads to chronic diarrhea caused by a condition called chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE).
Diarrhea is considered chronic when it has been present for three weeks or longer. Anyone that has had the experience of helping their dog companion deal with diarrhea knows how stressful it can be. Worry, accidents in the house, frequent trips outside during the night, and occasional vomiting can be a challenge.
One report estimates that 20-30% of veterinary appointments are related to vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. This is perhaps not surprising because digestion is such a complex process, and there are numerous causes of diarrhea. Intestinal causes include parasites, viral infections, eating inappropriate things, changes in diet, food sensitivities, cancer, and inflammation. Diarrhea caused by problems outside of the intestines include liver or kidney disease, pancreatitis, adrenal dysfunction, and even heart disease. Issues like imbalance in the intestinal flora (microbiota), irregularities in autonomic nervous system control, and stress or anxiety can be contributors.
In one study of chronic diarrhea in dogs, it was determined that 90% had a problem in the intestines and not outside of the intestines like liver disease. Chronic inflammation in the intestine caused diarrhea in 79% of those dogs. These are the dogs with CIE.
Some dogs and some breeds like German Shepherds and Boxers have a genetic predisposition to an imbalanced immune reaction in the digestive tract. This combined with additional immune stressors like a disrupted intestinal flora, food sensitivities, vitamin deficiencies, and early life exposures can contribute to CIE.
Diagnosing CIE requires ruling out other causes of chronic diarrhea. This process involves a range of blood tests and stool evaluation. Abdominal ultrasound and even biopsies of the intestine are valuable. Biopsies confirm the diagnosis and provide information about the inflammatory cells. Unfortunately, obtaining intestinal biopsies is invasive and not always done.
When other causes of chronic diarrhea have been ruled out and the conclusion is that CIE is causing the diarrhea, a support plan should be initiated that addresses the contributors to the intestinal inflammation. Studies show that approximately half of dogs with CIE are triggered by food sensitivities that result in intestine inflammation. This means that a critical first step is a therapeutic food trial with a limited ingredient food or preferably a hydrolyzed diet. It can take 8-12 weeks to determine the effect or benefit of the food trial.
If the food trial does not control the diarrhea, immune suppressive drugs may be used as the next step. After a reasonable course of immune suppressive drugs, antibiotics may be used. However, antibiotic use is being discouraged. Current research indicates that antibiotics have no or minimal impact on shortening the course of the diarrhea. The antibiotics often distort the flora in ways that are difficult to recover from. Dogs that do not respond to the food trial, immune suppressive treatments, or antibiotics (if used) are considered to have idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease. This means that the cause has not been determined. Some dogs have a complicating factor where there is ongoing loss of protein from the blood into the intestine. This is known as a protein losing enteropathy.
During the feeding trial, other diarrhea contributors should be addressed. Supplementation with cobalamin, folate, and vitamin D may be indicated by test results. Keep in mind that it can take weeks to correct these deficiencies. Addressing issues with the intestinal flora is also fundamental to managing CIE. It can take 6-8 weeks or longer to effect a sustainable shift in the flora. Probiotics and prebiotics are generally necessary. In some situations, fecal transfer may be required. Abnormal intestinal motility can affect the flora in the intestine. Intestinal motility can be influenced by stress and anxiety.
Modulating stress can have important benefits. Regulation of digestion can also be impacted by spinal column alignment issues that influence the autonomic nervous system. Supplements like glutamine and arabinogalactan that support the intestinal lining may be valuable in the early support plan. Inflammation modulating herbs like boswellia and marshmallow root may play an important role in the health of the intestinal lining.
Managing chronic diarrhea in dogs can be challenging. Providing a comprehensive support plan is based on having a clear understanding of the causes. If you have questions about CIE in your dog, contact your veterinarian.
Ron Carsten, DVM, PhD, CVA, CCRT was one of the first veterinarians in Colorado to use the integrative approach, has lectured widely to veterinarians, and has been a pioneer in the therapeutic use of food concentrates to manage clinical problems. He is also the founder of Colorado Animal Rescue (CARE). In addition to his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, he holds a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology and is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist and Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist. He practices integrative veterinary medicine in Glenwood Springs. Dr. Carsten is the 2022 Colorado Veterinary Medical Association Distinguished Service Award recipient.
More Like This, Tap A Topic animalsI'm A Veterinarian – Huge Mistakes To Avoid While Trying To Enjoy The Summer With Your Pet, Some Could Prove Fatal
A VET has warned pet owners about the dangerous errors to steer clear of in the summer.
The summer sun and heat can lead to various health issues for your furry friend.
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The summer sun and heat can be dangerous for pets if owners are not carefulCredit: Getty
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Small changes to their diets or grooming can make a huge difference for pets in the warm monthsCredit: GettyThese issues could range from burned paws to dangerous heat strokes.
Dr. Jiyaul Hoque, a senior veterinarian at MARS Petcare, India has warned pet owners that changes to their diet or lifestyle are needed for the summer.
Dr Hoque, said: "Summer heat can pose serious risks to our furry companions.
"As responsible pet parents, it's our duty to ensure they stay healthy and safe."
Watch out for these five mistakes people often make in the summer:
NOT ADJUSTING DIETFood can be a great source to cool animals' body temperatures.
Dr Hoque said: "Pet parents must be aware of the changes in diet, grooming, and lifestyle needed for the change in season."
Therefore, add foods like watermelon and curd which are cooling to their diets.
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Small changes like switching out red meats for white meats can also help pets out.
Pre-packaged pet foods are a good choice for these months as they are nutritionally balanced, which is important as heat can affect animals' digestive systems, according to The Hindustan Times.
INCORRECT GROOMING OR HYGIENEWhile grooming your pets is important, overgrooming dogs or undergrooming cats could prove to be dangerous.
It is advised to not completely shave or overbathe dogs, due to their delicate skin.
Dog coats can protect them from overheating and even sunburn.
A sign to look out for is excessive scratching, as this could hint at summer allergies or parasites.
Cats need frequent coat brushing in the summer months to prevent problems caused by excessive heat.
FORGETTING OUTDOOR PROVISIONSGoing on walks with your dogs is vital but so is making sure they are safe during them.
Go on walks at the coolest time of the day to avoid the hot ground burning your pup's paws or overheating.
When playing with your pets, make sure to take rest breaks in the shade and don't forget to bring a portable water bowl to keep them hydrated.
OVERLOOKING HOME SAFETYIt can be dangerous to leave home windows and doors open as your pets could go out into the heat or you could let heat into your homes.
Leaving pets unattended in cars could also lead to dangerous heatstrokes and overheating.
Pools can be fun for dogs but owners should watch their dogs, no matter how good they are at swimming.
MISSING SIGNS OF HEAT STROKEHeat strokes can be fatal and pet owners are warned to look out for important signs of it, according to the ASPCA.
Young and elderly pets are prone to heat strokes, as well as those with heart and lung issues, those with flat faces, small breeds, and breeds from cooler regions, or those that are overweight.
Panting, difficulty breathing, drooling, a lack of energy, or difficulty balancing can be signs of heat stroke.
If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, take them to a cool and shaded area and pour room-temperature water on the body.
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You can also wipe their body down with a wet towel and place an icepack between their legs to gently cool down their body temperature.
If your pet's condition continues to worsen or they start to vomit or have diarrhea, you should immediately visit your veterinarian.
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Pet owners have also been advised to look out for signs of heat strokeCredit: Getty
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