Symptoms In Dogs That You Should Never, Ever Ignore

When your dog starts behaving oddly or appears inexplicably “off” it’s difficult to know whether to wait-and-see approach or panic. This is particularly right when the symptoms are a feature of certain benign conditions as well as disorders that can be life-threatening.

The following symptoms are classified as “Do Not Ignore“. They could or could not indicate a serious underlying disease, but they should be investigated as soon as possible by your veterinarian or an emergency dog clinic. So, please make sure you read the article till the end.

1. Loss of appetite, weight loss.

Loss of appetite is frequently the first sign of an underlying illness in pets. There could be a variety of reasons why your dog isn’t hungry or refuses to eat, but not eating can have a negative impact on his health within 24 hours. This problem is even worse for puppies under 6 months old.

Weight loss is caused by a negative caloric balance, which can occur as a result of anorexia (loss of appetite) or when a dog’s body uses or eliminates essential dietary nutrients faster than they are replenished. Weight loss of more than 10% of your dog’s normal body weight will raise a red flag for your veterinarian. There could be a number of underlying causes, some of which are extremely serious.

2. Lethargy, extreme fatigue.

A lethargic dog will look drowsy, “lazy,” and/or uninterested. She can take a long time to respond to sights, sounds, and other stimuli in her surroundings.

Lethargy or fatigue is a general symptom that may indicate many underlying disorders, some that are severe or life-threatening. If your pet is drowsy for more than 24 hours, it is time to make an appointment with your veterinarian.

3. Coughing.

Coughing in dogs usually indicates an underlying problem, unless it’s a one-and-done situation. Windpipe obstruction, kennel cough, bronchitis, influenza, heartworm disease, heart failure, and lung tumors are only a few examples.

All coughing causes necessitate investigation and, in most cases, treatment.