Top 10 Signs Your Dog Needs to Visit The Vet
As pet owners, we want nothing more than to know our furry friends are healthy and happy. But knowing when your dog is sick can be tricky. At the first sign of an unusual symptom, you might be asking yourself, “Is my dog sick?”
It could be nothing…or, it could be something.
The team at Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital is here to make this question easier to answer. Here are the top 10 signs that show your dog needs a visit to the vet.
Signs of Common Dog Illnesses
- Changes in Appetite or Thirst: One of the first signs of sickness is often a noticeable change in eating or drinking habits. If your dog suddenly stops eating or drinking—or swings the opposite way, drinking water and eating food like the world is ending—it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
- Lethargy: Dogs are known for being active and playful, even as they get older. Who hasn’t seen a 12-year-old dog get puppy-level excited at the sight of a treat or favorite toy? If your dog seems unusually tired, sleeps more than usual, or shows a lack of interest in activities they usually enjoy, something could be bothering her.
- Vomiting or Diarrhea: Occasional vomiting or diarrhea are pretty normal in pets, including dogs. But if your pup has the runs or the pukes for more than a day, seek veterinary care. These symptoms can be signs of gastrointestinal issues. They can also indicate more severe conditions, like infections—or even poisoning.
- Weight Loss or Gain: Just as in humans, rapid weight loss or gain is often a cause for concern. Rapid weight loss can be particularly concerning and may indicate a serious illness that needs immediate veterinary attention. Sudden weight gain, on the other hand, can point to health problems like thyroid issues.
- Respiratory Issues: Coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing are serious symptoms that require urgent care for your pet. These symptoms could mean your four-legged friend has respiratory infections, allergies, or more severe conditions, such as heart disease.
- Changes in Urination: Difficulty urinating, frequent urination, or blood in the urine are signs that something might be wrong with your pup’s urinary tract or kidneys. Visit the vet as soon as possible if you notice anything amiss with your pet’s pee.
- Skin and Coat Issues: Healthy dogs usually have shiny coats and clear skin. If you notice excessive itching, redness, lumps, or bald spots, your pet may be struggling with allergies, parasites, or other skin conditions.
- Behavioral Changes: Sudden changes in behavior, like aggression, fear, or anxiety, can be signs of pain or illness. If your dog starts acting out of character, call your vet ASAP.
- Eye and Ear Issues: Red, swollen eyes, excessive discharge, or changes in vision can be a sign of infections or other health problems. Any frequent ear scratching, redness, or discharge from the ears should be checked by a vet.
- Preventive Care: Routine preventive care for dogs does what the name suggests: it prevents more serious conditions from developing. At least once a year, your pup should receive a regular check-up. Staying on your veterinarian’s recommended vaccination and dog spay-neuter schedule is important to maintaining your dog’s health, too.
Veterinary Care at Harpeth Hills
If your pet needs a vet visit, book an appointment with our team at Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital in Nashville. Our caring team will be happy to check your furry friend out and get her back on the road to full health. Call us at 615-646-7387 to schedule an appointment.
