Dogs are an essential part of happiness for any animal lover. They show you unconditional love by throwing a party every time you walk through the door.
You love your pup, but sometimes (if you’re being honest), it takes you a while to get them back to the veterinarian.
There are some out there that aren’t aware of when to take their furry friend to the vet.
What are the telltale signs of when you need to schedule an appointment? Here are several signs that you need to reach out to the vet and plan a time to come in right away.
1. Bathroom Habits Are Out of Wack
One of the most obvious signs that your dog needs to see their veterinarian is when their bathroom habits get thrown out of wack.
Most pups are consistent with the regimen that you give them to go to the bathroom. Some out there don’t catch on to that rhythm quite as fast.
For some of you out there, you might notice that your dog is having to go outside far more often than usual. If they’re trying to use the bathroom each time, then it’s a sign they need a checkup.
They may have gotten into something they shouldn’t have eaten, they might have parasites or other organ issues that need to be treated.
If your dog is struggling to go to the bathroom at all, then you need to reach out to a local animal hospital and bring them in right away.
2. They’re Thirstier Than Usual
Some dogs require much more water than others, so don’t take this as an immediate sign that there’s something going on with your furry compadre.
The only time you should be alarmed at their drinking habits is if they start drinking noticeably more or less than usual.
If they’re drinking excessive amounts of water, then they might be dealing with a kidney issue or with an early onset of diabetes.
There are two main ways to tell if your dog is drinking more than usual: 1) if you have to refill their bowl more often or 2) if they have uncharacteristic accidents in the house.
3. Bump on Your Dog’s Skin
A bump of any kind on our dog’s skin is cause for concern. Don’t shake it off merely because they don’t wince or squeal when you touch it.
Your dog could be dealing with something such as mange, folliculitis, allergies, or even a cancerous growth on their body.
Anytime that you notice a bump on their skin that you’d never seen before, take it as a sign that you should visit the veterinarian right away.
These bumps are especially common (or at least more noticeable) on shorthaired dogs. Give yourself peace of mind by visiting your local vet to see what’s going on.
4. Dragging Their Rear End
Granted, this is an odd sight to behold, so your natural reaction to seeing your dog drag their rear is to either laugh or scream “bad dog!” as loud as possible.
However, it’s a universal sign among pet experts that your dog is actually telling you something they’re going through.
Typically, this either means they’re dealing with an infection on their anal glands, diarrhea, worms, or even a urinary issue (although that’s a bit rarer).
All your dog knows is that something isn’t right within the backend of their body. So their natural reaction is to try and scratch away at the pain or discomfort that they’re feeling.
5. Bald Patches on Their Fur
Obviously, if your beloved pet is undergoing a loss of hair, then you should take it as a serious sign that something is wrong.
It could be an indication of thyroid disease, and if it is, then you’ll also notice that your dog is noticeably not feeling well.
Sadly, thyroid disease can’t be cured, but it can be taken care of through prescription medicine from your vet. That medication can help them live a longer, happier life.
No dog owner wants to hear that their pup is diagnosed with a disease. However, it’s important that you’re aware of the issue so that you can help them make due.
6. Noticeable Weight Loss
Has your chubby puppy suddenly loss a vast amount of their luster? While you might want your overweight dog to lose a few pounds, a sudden weight loss should prompt you to schedule an appointment with the vet.
If your dog was already on the skinnier side of things, then you need to take them to the vet all the faster.
Even if the weight loss isn’t dramatic, be sure to bring it up at your dog’s next checkup to see if the vet thinks it’s any cause for concern.
7. You Catch Them Licking at Nothing
If your pet has suddenly developed a habit of licking at the air around them, they might be trying to tell you something.
It could potentially be a pain in their teeth or gums that’s causing them to react to the pain the only way they know how.
Take a look at their teeth yourself to see if anything is noticeable. Whether you find anything or not, be sure to schedule a quick appointment.
Take Your Dog to the Vet Right Away!
Whether it’s for an annual checkup or an emergency visit, be sure to schedule an appointment with the vet right away.
Take your time to consider which vet you’d like to take your pup to. Make sure they handle your furry friend with care and diligence.
Be sure to browse our website for more helpful articles on dogs, as well as other valuable information.