Health: alarming symptoms
How do you know if your pet is okay?
Being a dog owner is a bit like being a “detective.” Dogs can’t say, “Something hurts my stomach,” so we learn to “read” their condition by small changes in behavior.
Does something happen "just like that"? Rarely. Usually the body is trying to send a signal, and our task is to notice it in time.
What to pay attention to (your daily “checklist”):
1. Appetite: A dog that suddenly refuses or loses a bit of its appetite for its favorite breakfast is a reason to take a closer look at it. If it doesn't eat a second meal in a row, that's a serious sign.
2. Bowel movements: Changes in consistency are the first indicator of intestinal health. Slightly softer stools can be due to a new treat, stress, overeating, but diarrhea is always a challenge to the digestive system. Especially for a puppy! Puppies lose water from their bodies very quickly.
3. Temperament: If your energetic "hurricane" suddenly becomes passive, hides in a corner, or doesn't want to go for a walk - this is not laziness, this is poor health.
4. Body temperature: The normal temperature for dogs is approximately 38.0–39.0°C. Puppies may have a slightly higher temperature.
A dry nose is not at all an indicator of illness or exposure to the sun (it can be like this after sleep or exposure to the sun). But if the dog is hot to the touch, lethargic and breathing heavily - it is better to take the temperature (rectally).
What to do if you notice changes?
• “Just like that” does not happen: Even if the dog ate something wrong on the street, it is “not just like that”, it is a mistake in the diet. First, try to remember: did you give him something new? Did he pick up something on a walk, did he steal something from the table? Maybe you recently saw a tick on the dog? (Even if the dog is treated for parasites)
• Observe for 1-2 hours: If the dog is slightly lethargic but drinking water and interested in toys - contact your veterinarian for first aid and observe.
• Fix the details.
When to panic (and when to act calmly):
You can observe if:
• The dog is a little less active than usual, but is drinking water and responding normally to treats.
• There was one episode of loose stools, but everything else is normal.
• A slight rumbling in the stomach appeared (sometimes it is simply the result of overeating).
It's time to sound the alarm (see a doctor immediately!) if:
• Apathy: The dog lies "in a daze" and does not respond to your call.
• Repeated vomiting or diarrhea: Especially if it's a puppy. Puppies become dehydrated in a matter of hours.
• Refusal of water: This is the most dangerous signal.
• Temperature above 39.5°C or below 37.5°C: These are critical values.
Advice from our kennel:
You need to immediately spend time visiting a doctor rather than waiting for it to "go away."
Your intuition as an owner is your best ally. You know your dog better than anyone, so if you feel like “something is wrong” – trust that feeling and get it checked out.