It’s a bit unfortunate that pups can’t tell us when they’re sick, because it leaves pup parents guessing!
Luckily, there are signs that you can look out for in order to tell if your fur ball needs some medical attention. Here are some of them!
1. Breathing
A change in breathing can mean serious respiratory trouble. If your fur ball’s breathing becomes labored or noisy, or he begins to cough in a more wheezing way, it will be best to take him to a vet. Coughs that last longer than 24 hours or disrupt sleep are also worth noting, as well a constant nasal discharge. If you notice that your pup is having difficulty breathing, make sure that his gums and tongue are pink and not bluish – if they are the latter, get emergency medical attention.
2. Stomach problems
It’s not unusual for a pup to have a bit of diarrhea every now and again, or to vomit from eating something they shouldn’t have. However, either of these symptoms lasting for over 24 hours might be a sign of something more serious. You should also look out for a sudden loss of appetite, abdominal swelling, restlessness, or dry heaving.
3. Bathroom habits
A sudden change in the frequency with which your pup goes to the toilet is something to be concerned about. Difficulty in passing urine or stools, or accidents in a usually housetrained fur ball are also warning signs.
4. Neurological signs
Symptoms such as weakness, stumbling, disorientation, and a constantly tilted head could be signs of issues with the nervous system. Naturally, you should also take your pup to the vet immediately if he has had a seizure, gone into a stupor, exhibited repeated twitching or circling, or lost consciousness even for a very short time.
With these things in mind, you’ll be able to ensure that your fur ball stays healthy and happy for a long time, with the care and attention he requires. Don’t forget to like and share!