In nature, an animal that manifests its pain is a potential and easy prey for its predators. The dog, having inherited this survival instinct, shows nothing when he feels severe pain and suffers in silence. It’s up to you to decode the signals of possible discomfort.
1.Dog not like usual
A dog that is not well is reflected in the first place in his attitude and behavior.
If your usually nervous and easily excitable dog no longer gets up from his bed in the morning to party you overnight when he used to do so every day, this may be a red flag. On the other hand, if he has always been calm and has always remained quietly in his basket waiting for his caress, this does not necessarily mean that there is a problem.
Growling, apathy, or on the contrary sudden nervousness, any sudden and prolonged change in your dog’s behavior should lead you to consult.
2.Dog is in poor physical condition
Weakness, weight loss or on the contrary weight gain, dull hair, red eyes, shortness of breath, etc. The deterioration of the general condition of your dog must be taken seriously.
This may be more or less obvious. If your dog continues to follow you for a walk but with less enthusiasm, if he eats with small teeth but always finishes his bowl, if he seems to lack energy without being completely down, these are light signals but that must be taken into consideration. A dog suffering from cancer can eat his bowl until the last hours of his life and find the necessary resources to move around even if he is in a lot of pain. It is for this reason that cancers in dogs are discovered late and are difficult to cure.
3.Dog suffers from digestive and/or urinary disorders
A healthy dog has no digestive problems: his stools are normal, neither too hard nor too soft. Vomiting, incontinence, diarrhea, the presence of blood in the stool, constipation, a hard and swollen abdomen are symptoms that reveal an underlying problem and should alert you.
Likewise, if your dog is no longer potty trained overnight, it may indicate an organic problem. Behavioral uncleanliness is most often progressive and gradual.
4.He hides and/or sleeps a lot
Does your dog take refuge in a small corner of the house where he never goes? Do you find him upstairs when he doesn’t usually go up there? In its natural state, a dog that is not doing well will hide away from predators and withdraw into the pack. In our homes, a dog that is not well is forgotten, hence the importance of being vigilant.
A dog that sleeps a lot can be a symptom of depression or the consequence of aging. If, despite your requests (walking, games), he no longer has a responder, remains apathetic and takes refuge in dark and narrow places, take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
5.He is restless
Conversely, a dog that is not well may be excessively agitated and unable to land or rest: it goes around in circles, lies down and then gets up immediately, paces, asks for your attention, etc This attitude can be indicative of pain in a limb, organ or more general discomfort.
If he expresses himself much more than usual (crying, moaning, howling) when it is not his habit, nor written into the DNA of his breed (as is the case for the husky example), consultation is also required.
6.He shows signs of aggression
If when you stroke your dog, he starts to growl, show his fangs or if he seems annoyed and avoids your caresses when he usually appreciates them, he is probably in pain somewhere. To be sure, do the test: does he growl only when he is on the sofa and you want to dislodge him there? In this case, it is more of a behavioral problem than a physical one, in this case it is necessary to call on a behaviorist.
If, on the other hand, regardless of the context in which you caress him, he shows signs of discomfort, moans, even weak ones, or is aggressive, it is better to consult a veterinarian.
7.He licks a lot
Licking can be considered excessive by its duration, intensity and/or frequency.
Excessive licking often reveals a behavioral disorder, a telltale sign of anxiety, but can also signal a physical disorder. The dog in its natural state will have the reflex, if it is injured, to lick its wound because its saliva contains antibodies. In addition, a dog that licks itself too often and on a recurrent basis can suffer from digestive disorders or dermatological problems.
Before treating a dog that licks excessively against stress or anxiety, so it should be ensured that he does not suffer from gastrointestinal disorders or skin problems through a blood test, a coprology (analysis of stool) and a thorough skin examination.
If other inappropriate attitudes are mentioned such as untimely barking, destruction, uncleanliness, the behavioral track will however be preferred.
Pingback: a dog able for fall - walkidoggy
Comments are closed.