In order to provide adequate pet care, it’s important for dog owners to look out for signs of ill health in their animals. Some problems are easy to spot. For example, if the animals experience prolonged or severe bouts of vomiting and/or diarrhea it is important for owners to seek medical advice. Also, unusual swellings, skin conditions, limping, unusual bleeding and coughing can all be signs of medical problems.
However, there are other potential symptoms that are less easy to identify and require a greater level of diligence. For instance, a significant change in weight may be a sign of underlying health problems. Sometimes, owners mistakenly identify such changes as greediness or fussiness when in fact their animals have medical issues.
Meanwhile, if dogs suddenly start consuming less animal feed, it may be necessary to get them checked out by a vet. Other possible signs of ill health include a lack of energy and a tendency to sleep more, sensitivity to touch and a runny nose or eyes. If owners are insensitive to changes in their animal’s appearance or behaviour, they can miss crucial clues concerning sickness. The fact is, the sooner medical problems are diagnosed and treated, the less the creatures suffer and the better their prognoses are likely to be. This is why it is so important for people to be vigilant when it comes to their dogs’ well-being.
Meanwhile, to minimise the risks of health problems arising in the first place, owners ought to give their dogs a healthy and balanced diet and make sure they get enough exercise.