Dogs are among the unique animals on earth because of their friendly habits and behaviours. While this might make them a preferable pet, it is necessary (as their parent) to know when they begin to act strange or out of character.

Why? Because that is the only way they can express themselves to you when they are feeling sick or in a terrible state.

According to a study conducted by the Journal of Medicine and Life, dogs are very prone to diseases. For this reason, the American Veterinary Medical Association has recommended that you observe their behaviours carefully and even take them for regular vet checkups.

Sure, it’s not easy to tell if your dog is in a very bad condition or just sulking, especially if you’re a new parent (after all, you’re not a vet), so let’s discuss some signs you should be watching out for.

Coughing or Difficulty Breathing

A cough occasionally is not really something to be worried about, but when it becomes persistent, you should worry. Diseases like valley fever affect a dog’s lung, and the resulting symptom usually starts with a cough that never seems to stop.

Is valley fever contagious? No, it’s not. Many medical experts consider the disease non-contagious, and you can only get infected when you breathe in the spores that cause the infection. So you’re safe.

However, if your dog is coughing frequently and showing signs of difficulty breathing (symptoms of valley fever), call your vet immediately and tell them what is happening. They may recommend you provide her with plenty of water to drink and humidify the air before bringing her in for a thorough checkup.

Changes in Appetite

Dogs will eat anything, be it their meals or a treat. In fact, it is because of this eating habit that the American Kennel Club has recommended that you ration their meals to prevent obesity. So, if you observe that your dog is now avoiding food or their appetite is radically changing, and they are now hungrier than before, you should be on high alert.

If your dog’s appetite has decreased, she may be suffering from a dental problem or an even more severe condition. On the other hand, if she is now showing more signs of hunger, it may be due to an early stage of diabetes or hyperthyroidism.

In any case, call your vet immediately and explain to them the signs you’ve been observing.

Excessive Thirst

It is very common for dogs to drink water after exercising or during hot seasons, but you should be able to know the amount they usually consume during these periods. Something may be wrong if anything seems out of the ordinary or you find yourself refilling their water bowls more than the usual rate.

Polydipsia, which you may know as increased thirst, is a massive symptom of many diseases like diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, or even hormonal imbalances like Cushing’s disease.

Do not play it off that your dog may just be thirsty; contact your vet as soon as possible. If your dog’s thirst gets even more serious to the point where she is looking for water sources to drink from, take her directly to the vet for a checkup.

Sudden Weight Loss or Gain

It is totally fine if your dog is gradually reducing or increasing its weight, especially when you have them on a new exercise program or nutrient diet. Where you should be worried, however, is when they suddenly shoot up in weight with no special diet or start losing body mass with no form of exercise. Then you know there’s a problem that requires a checkup.

Diseases like valley fever, diabetes, thyroid problems, or even certain types of cancer manifest themselves with symptoms of weight loss. Conversely, a strange increase in your pet’s weight can be due to infections like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease.

Lethargy or Decreased Energy Levels

Unlike cats or birds, dogs are naturally the most energetic animals you can have around you. They love playing even in their senior years.

If your dog is behaving timidly or not acting energetically as usual, especially after a day or two, she is probably not feeling too well.

Many renowned vets acknowledge that dogs can have lazy days when they feel like doing nothing, but this is never persistent. If your pet shows lethargy or reluctance to go out for walks or playtime, she may suffer from pain, anaemia, or even a disease like valley fever or heart disease. Take her for a checkup as soon as possible before her condition gets worse.

Changes in Behaviour

Your dog cannot tell you if she is feeling okay or not, but she tries to communicate this through signs and behaviours. When you observe her acting up, that’s her way of communicating, and you must be very observant of what you see.

If they show signs of tiredness, irritation, or aggression for no reason, they are probably not feeling too good. Don’t underplay their strange behaviour as many pet parents do; instead, try to understand their situation or condition and offer them help (if it’s something you can handle); otherwise, take them to your vet for a proper inspection. In more serious cases, compassionate options like Paws into Grace pet euthanasia may be worth considering to prevent further suffering.

Wrapping Up

A dog is just like a child; sometimes, they can be annoying with their unpredictable attitude, and other times, they can bring you the most joy with their exciting energy. But like any other living creature, dogs fall sick and get scared; it is your responsibility as their parent to know when this is happening and support them. Hopefully, these tips will help you do that. Good luck!