{"id":1546,"date":"2022-03-15T16:17:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-15T23:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bowmanvet.com\/blog\/?p=1546"},"modified":"2022-03-06T16:20:56","modified_gmt":"2022-03-07T00:20:56","slug":"top-10-signs-your-dog-may-be-sick-and-what-you-can-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bowmanvet.com\/blog\/top-10-signs-your-dog-may-be-sick-and-what-you-can-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Signs Your Dog May Be Sick (and What You Can Do)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Signs<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If only our pets could talk! Knowing when a dog or cat is sick isn\u2019t always easy. Pets are notoriously good at masking symptoms of medical conditions<\/a>. By the time a sick dog or sick cat displays obvious signs of feeling under the weather, it\u2019s likely he\u2019s been ailing for quite some time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Maintaining annual wellness visits<\/a> coupled with age-appropriate diagnostic bloodwork<\/a> is the best line of defense against disease processes. But what should diligent pet parents do between visits with the vet to protect the health of their pets?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First and foremost, be aware that many symptoms of a sick dog\/cat are very subtle. And many times, even the most well-meaning pet parents attribute these subtle changes to the normal aging<\/a> process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, be aware of the physical and behavioral signs that could mean your dog is sick or your cat is sick. The experts at Bowman Veterinary Hospital<\/a> have compiled some symptoms to watch for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs of a Sick Cat or Sick Dog<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Without a doubt, you know your pet better than anyone. Any unexplained changes in your pet\u2019s normal activity level, temperament, or mobility warrant a call to your veterinarian<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 10 common signs that your cat or dog is sick:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Decrease in appetite accompanied by weight loss <\/li>
  2. Bad breath<\/a> or foul odor coming from the ears or skin<\/li>
  3. Excessive thirst or urination<\/a><\/li>
  4. Unexplained aggression or other behavioral changes<\/li>
  5. Trouble walking or climbing stairs<\/li>
  6. Inability to urinate or have bowel movements <\/li>
  7. Respiratory problems: sneezing, coughing, excessive panting, trouble breathing <\/li>
  8. Lethargy<\/a>, hiding<\/li>
  9. Frequent vomiting or diarrhea <\/li>
  10. Abnormal whining, crying, or other vocalizations<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Emergency Warning Signs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The best way to know for certain if your cat or dog is experiencing a pet emergency<\/a> is to contact your pet\u2019s doctor. However, some symptoms are clear signs that you should seek immediate treatment, including the following: <\/p>\n\n\n\n