5 Signals That Your Dog Requires Emergency

As dog owners, we all know that no matter how we take care of our furry companions, at some point you'll be faced with a dog illness. Although sometime the illness may not require more than a bit of rest and time to recover, in some cases even minor symptoms warrant a visit to the vet. Don’t forget, if you are not completely certain about your animal's health; always bring him or her to the emergency vet. Here are the 5 signs of dog illness every dog parent should pay attention to:

•  Any time your dog walks differently than you would normally expect from him or her and does so persistently, it could be a symptom of a medical problem. If left untreated, a neurological dog infection could degenerate even further and become an even bigger problem. Frequently this type of behavior indicates not just an infection, but a tumor which might become terminal if you wait to have your sick dog examined.

•  Usually, dog illnesses change the eating behavior of the animal. If they have a sudden loss of appetite, excessive drinking, lots of vomiting, and diarrhea as well as unusual lethargy, this may be a sign that your dog is sick, and you should ask your veterinarian about it.

•  Make sure they aren't acting weird or out-of-place. Often weird behaviors can signal dog illnesses. Usually when a dog's attitude or demeanor changes it is often cause they are sick. Also, they may seem more aggressive when they are sick, excessive growling, biting, and barking is signs of an illness.

• Often when dogs have an illness their temperature will be raised or lower depending on the illness. This is often shown by a hot, dry nose. Make sure you contact your vet if the dog is showing any signs of temperature change. Also, take note that after strenuous activity and excitement the dog's temperature will rise so make sure you take it when the dog is calm.

To take the dog's temperature make sure you have a thermometer and rub Vaseline or a different lubricant and put it in your dog's rectum about an inch. A temperature reading of 101.5F is the normal temperature, and hairless dog breeds usually have their temperature about one or two degrees higher. A reading above 102.5F or below 100F is a sign of dog illness and the dog should be taken to the vet.

• Discharge from the eyes, as well as inflamed eyes, are also signs of dog illness. Make sure to note if the dog has a rapid breathing pattern or persistent coughing because these are all signs of something serious.

•  Excessive vomiting is inherently dangerous because your canine is losing fluids. In addition, it's important to have this addressed promptly because it is often a signal that something is seriously wrong with the stomach, or possibly neurologically.