Detecting Health Problems In Your Dog

**Collaborative post**

Unlike humans, dogs cannot tell you when they are feeling ill or in pain. In fact, many dogs will try to hide their discomfort until it is severe. As a dog owner, you need to constantly be looking out for health problems – detecting them early can make them more treatable. Below are a few ways to detect health problems in your dog.

Visual symptoms

Some health problems display clear visual symptoms. Eye infections are often easy to spot as there will be redness and your dog may have one eye closed or be squinting. Antibiotics and natural eye drops for dogs without chemicals can be able to treat your dog’s eye infection if you catch it early. 

Due to the thickness of your dog’s fur, you may not always notice skin infections or wounds. However, constant scratching, limping or a desire to nibble an area could be clear visual symptoms that something is wrong. 

Temperament changes

Many dogs will become irritable when in a lot of pain or discomfort. They may become more snappy and bark more (especially around other pets). In other cases, dogs may become lethargic due to feeling sick or tired – they may not want to play or go on walks. If an older dog starts chewing things, this meanwhile may be a sign of dental pain. As an owner you will know your dog’s temperament – if their temperament changes consider whether it could be due to a health problem.

Unusual eating habits

You should also consider your dog’s eating habits. If your dog no longer wants to eat their food and they previously loved their food, it may be due to sickness or dental pain. 

Some dogs can meanwhile become extra ravenous due to health problems. If your dog starts relentlessly begging for food or stealing your food and they were otherwise well-behaved before, it could be due to a condition like diabetes or hyperthyroidism. 

Poo problems

You can also tell a lot from your dog’s poop. If it is very runny, they could have a stomach problem. Alternatively, if they are straining to go, they could have a health problem causing them to become constipated. 

You should also make sure that your dog’s poop isn’t a strange colour and that there isn’t any blood in it. Also look out for issues like worms..

What does the vet say?

If you suspect there to be a problem, you should always see a vet. They will be able to help diagnose the issue.

It is worth scheduling biannual vet checkups to also help detect hidden problems. A vet may be able to spot lumps or redness early. They may also be able to carry out other checks such as looking in your dog’s ears, checking their breathing and checking their blood pressure. By going for checkups, a health problem may be able to be detected early before there are any visible symptoms. Find a local vet who you trust.