Being a dog owner comes with a lot of responsibility and can be scary sometimes, especially when your dog starts acting up or comes down with a disease. It’s not always easy to know when it’s time to take your dog to the vet. The signs might be subtle sometimes, while in other cases, things might seem dramatic but are actually benign. This is why you need to know a thing or two about natural dog behavior so that you don’t panic every time your dog does something strange. Let’s take a look at some of the signs that your dog may need to see a veterinarian.
Your Dog is Licking Air
A dog licking air can be very confusing for an owner as it can either be totally normal or a sign of something worse. If they’re licking air while you’re pouring out food or when you’re cooking something, then it could simply be a sign that they’re getting hungry, so you have nothing to worry about. If you noticed that they have started licking the air out of the blue lately and it’s accompanied by symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting, on the other hand, then it could be a sign of something much more serious.
If you want to know more about the reasons behind a dog licking air, check out Native Pet. They have a very extensive article that explains different scenarios and accompanying symptoms you should watch out for. You’ll also know when your dog licking air should be cause for concern and when you shouldn’t worry about it.
Strange Eating Habits
If you notice that your dog is skipping meals lately, then this could be a clear sign that something is wrong. It’s completely normal for a dog to skip a meal or two from time to time, especially if it’s hot outside. But you should be concerned if this stretches over a long period. If your dog goes more than two days without eating, then you need to get them to a vet immediately. If your dog is usually well behaved but they have just started to rummage through the garbage or ravage your pantry, then you should consider seeing a vet here too.
This is something you should react to right away because it may cause further issues down the line. Marion county pet parents always bring their dog to a Veterinary Clinic in Indianapolis when they see a change in their dog’s eating habits. The doctors assess their situation and come up with the best solution to treat it.
WEIRD RASHES AND SKIN ISSUES
Apart from taking them in for treatment, you should see what caused the issue in the first place and get to solving it. The people working at Aerapy Animal Health can explain how many things around your home can infect your dog. This can include things like plastic food containers, toys, and even grooming items. With the latest technology, however, you can keep both your pet and your family safe from any germs.
They Act Strange When You Pet Them
If your dog is getting older and they are starting to act strange whenever you pet them, then this might be a sign that they’re having bone health issues. A lot of dogs will start developing spinal issues or problems like osteoporosis as they age. If they get aggressive when you pet them on the back and you notice that they’re a bit more cautious with their movements, then it would be a good idea to take your dog to the vet for a check-up.
You should always pay special attention to your dog’s gait and movements as they are a good indication of their overall health. There are some cases when changes are caused by bone and joint issues, but they could also be caused by more serious neurological problems. This is especially true if you notice that your dog has awkward motions or balance issues. If your dog has a limp, on the other hand, then it could be a sign of something like a ruptured tendon which would require immediate attention.
Changes in Stool
The color and composition of a dog’s stool can also say a lot about their overall health. If you have noticed that their stool is more runny than usual, it could be a sign that they have diarrhea. This doesn’t mean that you absolutely have to take your dog to the vet because it’s normal for dogs to get diarrhea from time to time. But, if the situation doesn’t improve after three bowel movements and they have accompanying symptoms like vomiting on top of it, then you might want to see a vet.
You should also be on the lookout for extremely hard or smelly stools. This could be a sign of constipation or gastrointestinal issues. If you’ve introduced kibble to their diet, then this could explain why their stool has changed but if you haven’t changed anything in their diet and the situation persists, go see a vet.
Weird Rashes and Skin Issues
Dull coats, dry skin, and skin rashes can be the result of allergies or changes in diet and are not always serious. But you shouldn’t let your dog suffer from rashes or skin issues that won’t go away. A vet will be able to look at the situation and see what’s going on. They will then be able to look for serious solutions with you.
These are all signs that your dog may require immediate medical attention. Don’t neglect your dog’s health and keep an eye on their behavior, eating habits, and general appearance so you always know what’s going on with them.
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