Sick Dog Diagnosis

Understand what the symptoms your sick dog is displaying may mean. Many common symptoms correlate to more than one illness, so it's important to know when to seek urgent veterinary care or when to wait and see if things clear up on their own.

Determining if a Fever in a Sick Dog Needs Treatment

If your dog has a fever, you may not even notice it. Providing the dog is drinking enough fluids, there's no need to worry. It's likely he just has a viral infection and with some extra rest, he'll be fine in a day.

If you see any obvious swelling or cuts, if your sick dog has been exercised more than normal or if your dog was left outside or in a car in the hot sun for an extended period of time, you shouldn't wait. Seek immediate veterinary care because it only takes short time before organs begin shutting down with heat stroke and swelling or cuts that are infected will not heal by themselves.

When to Be Concerned with Diarrhea

Diarrhea often occurs simply due to a change in the diet, but also appears when a dog is sick. The biggest concern with diarrhea is the heightened risk of dehydration. Make sure your dog is drinking plenty of fluids. In most cases, you can try giving your dog some canned pumpkin to see if that stops the diarrhea or try switching to a bland diet of chicken meat and white rice for a day.

If the diarrhea has not slowed or stopped after 24 hours, contact your vet. If Corona or Parvo viruses are the cause of the diarrhea, your veterinarian may prescribe medication to help soothe the intestines to reduce the diarrhea. He may also want to check your pet for dehydration and give the dog IV fluids.

Diarrhea is more concerning in puppies who quickly dehydrate. If your puppy is having frequent diarrhea, carefully monitor the puppy's water intake.

Is Coughing Dangerous in a Sick Dog

When your sick dog is coughing, most cases simply require a little TLC at home. Kennel Cough is best treated at home because it is highly contagious. Keep the dog in a quiet room and offer periodic steam baths to help loosen the congestion. As long as the dog is eating and drinking, there's no reason to seek urgent care.

If the dog is coughing and strains to take a breath, call your veterinarian. A blocked windpipe, congestive heart failure, heartworm and pneumonia can cause coughing spells and breathing issues. In addition to the cough and breathing difficulties, you may see lethargy and fever with all four ailments, and convulsions with congestive heart failure. The earlier treatment is given, the better the dog's chances for survival.

Limping and Pain

If your dog suddenly becomes lame and starts limping around, it may just be a strained muscle. Wait for 24 hours and see if the dog begins using his limb more often as time passes. If the dog is still in pain after 24 hours or if you think your dog may have gotten hit by a car, seek immediate veterinary care.

 

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