If you’re like most dog owners, you consider your dog to be your best friend and a part of the family. Your dog watches over your home, accompanies you on your daily jogs, and keeps you company when you’re alone. Your dog is able to do all of these things, but one thing he can’t do is complain. Since your dog can’t talk to you and tell you how he’s feeling, how do you know when to take him to the doctor? The following are a couple of signs you should look out for to protect your dog.
A change in his eating habits
Most dogs typically eat immediately after being fed, but it’s not uncommon for a dog to take a break from eating every once in awhile. If your dog skips one or two meals, it’s nothing to panic over. However, if your dog hasn’t touched his food in a day or two, it likely means that something is wrong. Certain illnesses can actually cause dogs to lose their appetite and vise versa – diseases can cause overeating too. If this is happening, take your dog to an Animal Hospital to have him checked out by a veterinarian.
Can’t get enough water
Just like with their food dogs love their water too. Because of the amount of saliva they produce dogs don’t need to drink too much water. Most dogs usually drink while eating, and they might have a little more water if it’s a hot day. That being said, if you notice your dog is taking several trips to his water bowl, it could mean that there’s a problem. Conditions like diabetes and kidney disease can cause a dog to remain excessively thirsty. Pay attention to your dogs urinating habits. If he’s constantly needing to urinate, it means he’s drinking too much water. Have a vet at the Humane Society of Huron Valley take a look at him.
These are just two signs you should look out for in order to protect your dog’s health. Most dogs have a high tolerance for pain, which means there could be something wrong and you would never know. Since your dog can’t complain it’s up to you to watch out for warning signs. Take your pet to an Animal Hospital if you notice a huge shift in their eating or drinking habits.
