It’s always a difficult decision to know when to take your dog to the vet. You may be worried about overreacting or under-reacting. But it’s better to be safe than sorry, and if you’re not sure whether something is wrong with your dog, it’s best to err on the side of caution and take them in for a check-up. We’ll outline six things you should do when you think your dog might be sick. We’ll also provide some tips on how to make your dog more comfortable when they’re feeling under the weather. Hopefully, this will help you feel more confident about knowing what to do when faced with a potential health emergency involving your furry friend!

1. Check Their Stool

If your dog is having diarrhea or constipation, this could be a sign that something is wrong. Dogs usually have one or two bowel movements a day, so if they’re going more frequently than that, it’s worth investigating. Additionally, if their stool is watery, bloody, or black (which could indicate internal bleeding), this is a cause for concern. If you have a Yorkshire Terrier, you should know exactly what you need to do when your Yorkie has diarrhea so that their condition doesn’t worsen. Diarrhea can be a sign of many different things, so it’s best to take your dog to the vet to rule out any serious health concerns.

2. Check Their Appetite

A loss of appetite is another telltale sign that something might be wrong with your dog. If they’re not interested in their food or they’re eating less than usual, it’s worth taking them to the vet for a check-up. This could be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as liver disease or kidney disease. Additionally, if your dog is drinking more water than usual, this could be a sign of diabetes. For example, if your normally voracious Labrador Retriever suddenly stops eating, this is a cause for concern.

3. Check Their Energy Levels and Behavior

If your dog seems unusually tired or sluggish, this could be a sign of sickness. Of course, it’s normal for dogs to have lazy days where they don’t want to do much. But if this is out of character for your dog or if their energy levels seem significantly lower than usual, it’s worth taking them to the vet. This could be a sign of anemia, Lyme disease, or even cancer. For example, if your usually active Golden Retriever suddenly starts sleeping all day, this could be a cause for concern. If your dog is acting out of character or you notice any changes in their behavior, this could also be a sign of sickness. For example, if your normally friendly dog starts growling or snapping at you, this could be a sign of pain. Additionally, if your dog seems disoriented or confused, this could be a sign of cognitive decline.

4. Check Their Body

If you notice any changes in your dog’s body, such as lumps, bumps, or rashes, this could be a sign of sickness. Additionally, if their fur seems dry and brittle or they’re losing hair in patches, this could also indicate a health problem. For example, if you notice a lump on your dog’s chest, this could be a tumor. If you notice any changes in your dog’s appearance, it’s best to take them to the vet so that they can rule out any serious health concerns.

5. Check Their Breath

If your dog’s breath smells bad or they’re drooling more than usual, this could be a sign of dental problems or periodontal disease. Additionally, if your dog is panting excessively or having difficulty breathing, this could be a sign of heart disease. If you notice any changes in your dog’s breath or respiratory rate, it’s best to take them to the vet for a check-up.

6. Take Them To A Vet

If you notice any of the above signs, it’s best to take your dog to the vet for a check-up. They will be able to rule out any serious health concerns and provide you with peace of mind. Additionally, they can provide you with tips on how to keep your dog healthy and happy. For example, a vet will be able to tell you the best diet for your dog based on their age, breed, and health. They can also provide you with tips on how to keep their coat healthy and free of mats.

If you notice any changes in your dog’s health, it’s best to take them to the vet for a check-up. However, before taking them to the vet, check for signs that something is wrong. This will ensure that they are healthy and happy. Additionally, the vet can provide you with tips on how to keep your dog healthy and safe.