21 Symptoms You Should Never Ignore in Your Dog

21 Symptoms You Should Never Ignore in Your Dog

By: Dr. Debra Primovic

There are serious symptoms that should never be ignored in your dog. A symptom is defined as "any problem that can indicate an underlying disease" and may be your first clue to the presence of a life-threatening problem in your dog. Here is a list of 21 symptoms that should never be ignored if you see them from your dog!

1. Pacing and Restlessness. In dogs, pacing and restlessness can be indicate painBiocaine 4oz
Tomlyn Biocaine (4 oz) is a First Aid Lotion for dogs and cats relieves pain and stops wound chewing, licking and scratching. Painless and soothing to...
, discomfort or distress. Restlessness can be associated with a condition called "bloat" in which the stomach. Bloat and most commonly occurs in large breed or deep-chested dogs. Pacing and restless can be an indicator of a serious problem. Click here to learn more.

2. Unproductive Retching. Dogs that attempt to vomit and are unable to bring anything up is a common sign of "bloat". You should call your veterinarian immediate.

Click here to learn more about "bloat".

3. Collapse or Fainting. Acute collapse is a sudden loss of strength causing your dog to fall and be unable to rise. Some dogs that suddenly collapse will actually lose consciousness. This is called fainting or syncope. Some dogs recover very quickly and look essentially normal just seconds to minutes after collapsing, whereas others stay in the collapsed state until helped. All the reasons for collapse or fainting are serious and should not be ignored. See your veterinarian immediately. Click here to learn more.

4. Not Eating or Loss of Appetite. Anorexia is a term used to describe the situation where an animal loses his appetite and does not want to eat or is unable to eat. There are many causes of a "loss of appetite" and is often the first indication of illness. Regardless of cause, loss of appetite can have a serious impact on an animal's health if it lasts 24 hours or more. Young animals less than 6 months of age are particularly prone to the problems brought on by loss of appetite. Click here to learn more.

5. Loosing Weight. Weight loss is a physical condition that results from a negative caloric balance. This usually occurs when the body uses and/or excretes essential nutrients faster than it can consume them. Essentially more calories are being burned than are being taken in. Weight loss is considered clinically important when it exceeds 10 percent of the normal body weight and is not associated with fluid loss. There are several causes for this, some of which can be very serious. Click here to learn more.

 
Printable Version
 
Have a Pet Question?
Send Your Pet Question to Dr. Jon
and His Staff of Veterinarians Ask Dr. Jon
Dr. Jon's Newsletter
Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
 
 

Related Articles

  • 1 Your Dog's Physical Examination at Home

    Your dog cannot explain his symptoms, so it’s the responsibility of you and your veterinarian to take care of him. You can help speed the diagnosis and recovery by having the answers to the following questions...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 2 What Is Normal in Dogs?

    By knowing what’s normal in your dog, like body temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate, you can better tell if your pet needs medical care. Here are some norms to consider.

    Read MoreRead More
  • 3 Symptoms: What Are They?

    Know what defines a symptom and when it is time to call the vet.

    Read MoreRead More
Related Articles
  • 1Symptoms: What Are They?

    Know what defines a symptom and when it is time to call the vet.

    Read MoreRead More
  • 2What Is Normal in Dogs?

    By knowing what’s normal in your dog, like body temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate, you can better tell if your pet needs medical care. Here are some norms to consider.

    Read MoreRead More
  • 3Your Dog's Physical Examination at Home

    Your dog cannot explain his symptoms, so it’s the responsibility of you and your veterinarian to take care of him. You can help speed the diagnosis and recovery by having the answers to the following questions...

    Read MoreRead More
 

Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

Related Articles
  • 1Symptoms: What Are They?

    Know what defines a symptom and when it is time to call the vet.

    Read MoreRead More
  • 2What Is Normal in Dogs?

    By knowing what’s normal in your dog, like body temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate, you can better tell if your pet needs medical care. Here are some norms to consider.

    Read MoreRead More
  • 3Your Dog's Physical Examination at Home

    Your dog cannot explain his symptoms, so it’s the responsibility of you and your veterinarian to take care of him. You can help speed the diagnosis and recovery by having the answers to the following questions...

    Read MoreRead More