Page 337 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

SIGNS OF HEALTH

SIGNS OF A PROBLEM

■ Unwillingness to exercise; lethargy, tiring ■ Unintentional weight loss ■ Abnormal discharge: from any orifice (such as
unexpectedly on a walk ■ Weight gain, particularly if the dog has developed the mouth, nose, ear, vulva, prepuce, or anus) from
■ Loss of coordination or bumping into objects a distended abdomen which there is not usually a discharge, or because
■ Altered breathing pattern or an abnormal sound ■ Reduced appetite or refusing food altogether the normal smell, color, or consistency has altered
during respiration ■ Voracious appetite, or a change in what the ■ Coat changes: dull with a greasy texture, or
■ Coughing or sneezing dog will eat excessively dry; debris in the coat, such as flea
■ Open wound ■ Vomiting, or regurgitation of food shortly dirts, actual fleas, scabs, or scales
■ Swelling or unusual bump after eating ■ Excessive hair loss resulting in areas of baldness
■ Pain, swelling, and heat in a joint ■ Diarrhea or difficulty passing a motion ■ Change in coat color (may occur so gradually
■ Swollen eyes or eyelids ■ Bloated abdomen that it is noticed only when compared with an old
■ Blood: from a wound; passed in urine (which ■ Crying with pain when passing feces or urine photograph)
will appear pink or contain blood clots); in feces or ■ Itchiness: rubbing at mouth, eyes, or ears; ■ Changes to gum color—becoming paler or
in vomit dragging rear along the ground (“scooting”) yellowing; or a bluish tinge to gums; or grey
■ Limping or stiffness or washing excessively in that area; or all-over discharge at gum line
■ Shaking head bodily itching ■ High temperature

RECOGNIZING A PROBLEM
Any change in your dog may be a warning
of poor health. The most trivial sign, such
as a droopy eyelid, should not be dismissed,
since it could be significant. Your dog may
have an internal problem such as an upset
stomach, an external problem affecting the
coat and skin, or a combination of the two.
You may notice only vague signs, such as
your dog sleeping more or exercising less
readily, or something obviously wrong, such
as your dog limping, or shaking his head
because a grass awn is trapped in his ear.
Many common disorders are minor
and easily treated, especially if they are
recognized early. Always speak to your
vet before attempting any home treatment.
What might seem an appropriate course
of action for humans could be harmful
to a dog. It may be sufficient to act on
advice given by your veterinary practice
over the telephone, although often the
vet will need to examine your dog to be
certain of how best to proceed. If there
Recognizing the warning signs
is no simple explanation of a problem, It is helpful to understand what is normal in your dog. ABNORMAL THIRST
your vet will work through the possible You will then be able to recognize anything unusual,
such as lack of interest in food or exercise, that may
causes in order of likelihood. be due to ill health. A dog spending more time than usual at his water
After taking a dog’s history and bowl, or a source of water outside, may have an
examining him fully, the vet may still are common. An itchy dog is more likely abnormal thirst. Measure the volume of water he
drinks over 24 hours by emptying all his bowls and
need to perform further investigations, to have fleas than an obscure problem
recording how much you add (in ounces); 24
such as blood tests and imaging. with his nervous system.
hours later, measure how much is left and subtract
Sometimes a dog may be diagnosed Remember, both you and your vet are that from the total. Divide that figure by your dog’s
with a serious disorder that needs aiming for your dog to lead as long and body weight in pounds—if it is around 1oz per lb
hospitalization and even surgery, healthy a life as possible. If you need then your dog’s thirst is normal, but contact your
followed by a long convalescence— more advice or information, your vet vet if the figure is more than 2oz.
but, fortunately, common ailments really will also be ready to help.

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