• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
I Dream of Doggies
  • Home
  • Behavior
  • Breeds
  • Health
  • Shop

Top Signs Your Dog Needs to See a Vet

May 1, 2019 by Jason Jensen

Owning a dog is sort of like having a new born baby, in the sense that they can’t tell you if something is wrong with them. That means it’s up to you to keep an eye out for signs of poor health. Here are the top ways you can tell if your dog needs to go to the vet.

dog vet warning signs

Changes in Weight

If you notice any sudden changes in your dog’s weight – either gain or loss – you should get them checked out by a vet; especially if their eating and exercise habits have not changed. If you dog is losing weight rapidly, it could indicate they have a worm, digestive problem, or need an adjustment made to their diet. If your dog is gaining weight rapidly, they are probably eating too much, not exercising enough, or a combination of both; and you should have them looked at by a vet to determine if their weight is healthy or not.

Changes in Eating

Some dogs are picky eaters, but most are pretty consistent once they’ve adjusted to a regular feeding schedule. If you dog has suddenly lost their appetite, or developed an insatiable one, it may indicate something’s wrong with them.

Irregular or Difficult Bowel Movements

Healthy dogs are pretty regular. If your dog is suddenly having bowel movements much more frequently than usual, or seems to be having a hard time going, you may want to get them checked out; especially if the problem persists for more than a few days.

Incontinence (Going to the Bathroom Where they Shouldn’t)

If your dog has already been housebroken, but is suddenly going to the bathroom in the house or other places they know they shouldn’t, it could be a sign they’re incontinent. In other words, they haven’t suddenly become disobedient, they just can’t control their bladder. When a dog has lost their ability to control when and where they urinate, it’s a good indication something’s wrong.

Bad Odors

If you notice a distinctly bad odor coming from your dog, it could be a sign of infection, tooth decay, or another ailment.

Changes in Mood and Behavior

Dogs can be moody just like people. For examples, there are a lot of reasons a dog might get depressed. But if your pup appears to be feeling down for no apparent reason, they might be in a bad mood because they don’t physically feel well.

Excessive Vomiting

Just about every dog is going to eat some grass and throw up once in a while, but if your dog is vomiting every day, or even a few times a week, there’s probably something wrong with their stomach.

Excessive Scratching and Gnawing

If your dog seems like they’re always itchy, and they’re constantly scratching and gnawing at them self, that’s a good sign they have fleas, a rash, or something else that is irritating their skin.

Your Dog Seems Perfectly Fine

Even if your dog appears to be happy and healthy, you should take them to the vet regardless if it’s been more than a year or two since their last checkup. Remember, dogs need regular vaccinations and medications to protect them from common diseases and parasites, so don’t neglect taking them to the vet for too long just because they seem fine.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Jason Jensen
Jason Jensen
Jason Jensen is the founder of idreamofdoggies.com. He is a professional writer, experienced doggy-daddy, and longtime animal rights advocate.
Jason Jensen
Latest posts by Jason Jensen (see all)
  • Why I Feed My Dogs Lentils (Health Benefits + Recipe) - May 11, 2022
  • Why I Give My Dog Fish Oil for Arthritis Instead of Flaxseed Oil and Glucosamine - August 27, 2021
  • Why I Feed My Dogs Dry Roasted Cashews (Health Benefits + Recipe) - August 22, 2021

Filed Under: Dog Health

Previous Post: « What to Do if Your Dog’s Been Bitten by a Rattlesnake
Next Post: Most Common Health Problems for Older Dogs »

Primary Sidebar

red lentils

Why I Feed My Dogs Lentils (Health Benefits + Recipe)

best dog lead

LupinePet Padded Handle Dog Leash: The Best Flat Lead!

dog with sock in mouth

What to Do if Your Dog Swallows a Sock

Hare Indian Dog painting

21 Interesting Dog Breeds That Don’t Exist Anymore

bowl of rat poison

What to Do if Your Dog Has Eaten Rat Poison (Symptoms & Treatment)

dog laughing

Can Dogs Laugh?

A Havanese and cat snuggling

Havanese: A Great Dog for Cat Owners

Airedale Terrier good family dog

Are Airedale Terriers Good Family Dogs? It Depends…

dog eating McDonald's

Why You Shouldn’t Feed Your Dog McDonald’s (But a Few Fries Won’t Hurt)

vaseline

What to Do if Your Dog Has Eaten Vaseline (Symptoms and Treatment)

Footer

Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer

The owner of this website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon properties.

Pages

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

Follow Us

  • facebook
  • pinterest

Copyright © 2022 I Dream of Doggies on the Foodie Pro Theme