Is Your Dog Sick?
| Signs of canine illness How to tell if your dog is sick Owners who observe and handle their healthy dogs have a head start on recognizing early signs of illness in their pets. Those who know what a healthy pet acts, feels, and smells like can spot differences in behavior and bodies and determine whether a trip to the veterinarian is necessary. Healthy dogs have a temperature of 101-102º F, a respiratory rate of 15-20 breaths per minute, and a heart rate of 80-120 beats per minute. They have pink mucous membranes (gums, inside of lips, tongue, inside of eyelids) and rapid capillary refill action in these areas. They have clean-smelling ears and skin and a full hair coat. Their skin is pliant, an indication of proper hydration, and their eyes are clear and bright. |
| If your puppy or dog shows any of the following signs, be prepared to call your Veterinarian. |
| Eyes: swelling, discharge, redness, etc. Nose: running, crusting, discharge, etc. Ears: discharge, debris, odor, twitching, scratching, shaking, etc. Coughing, gagging, sneezing, retching, or vomiting. Irregular breathing, shortness of breath, prolonged or heavy panting, etc. Intestinal activity , Color and consistency of bowel movement, Frequency of defecation, Bloody stool, evidence of parasites, etc |
| Change in amount of food intake, body, weight, water intake, Urine, Color, Frequency, Amount, Straining, Dribbling, etc |
| Change in amount of food intake, Change in body weight Change in water intake, Urine, Color, Frequency, Amount, Straining, Dribbling, etc |
| Odor Mouth? Skin? Ears? Other? Coat & skin Wounds Tumors Hair loss Dander Color change Biting Scratching Bite marks |
| Evidence of parasites Licking, change in behavior Depression Anxiety, Fatigue Lethargy Sleepiness Trembling Stumbling Falling, etc. |
| Noticing signs is half the battle; keeping a record helps the veterinarian make a diagnosis. Be sure to note when the symptom first appeared, and whether it has been intermittent, continuous, increasing in frequency, getting better, or getting worse before calling the veterinarian. |