10 Signs Your Dog May Be Sick (And It's Time to Call or Visit the Veterinarian)

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Sept. 12, 2015 - PRLog -- Here are 10 signs that a dog may not be feeling well, and therefore may need veterinarian assistance.

1. Bad breath: Foul or fruit-smelling and uncontrollable drooling; pale or yellowed gums.

2. Distended abdomen: Swollen tummy, which is sensitive to touch; gas.

3. Change in appetite and/or thirst: Refusal to drink water or eat; overeating or excessive drinking resulting in over urination or an inability to urinate and associated with weight loss or gain.

4. Movement difficulty: Stiffness or difficulty in rising or climbing stairs.

5. Lethargy: Sleeping more than normal, change in activity level, or attitude changes such as aggression.

6. Dyspnea: Coughing, sneezing, excessive panting, or labored breathing.

7. Excessive scratching: Dry or itchy skin, sores, lumps, scooting or shaking of the head.

8. Vomiting and/or Diarrhea: Frequent digestive and bowel upsets such as bile or soft stool.

9. Nystagmus: Involuntary eye movement; dry, red, discharge, or cloudy eyes.

10. Injury: Blood, laceration, signs of trauma, disorientation, or circling.

So your dog is showing one of these signs? Don’t panic: You’re being proactive and responsible by noticing, but it’s time to take the next step to help get him or her better.

Seek advice from your veterinarian — they can help you to identify if you should bring the dog in or proceed with in-home care.  If after hours, the next step is to transport the dog safely and comfortably to the nearest pet care emergency clinic or hospital for immediate attention.

About the Author: Nanette Gordon is the business owner and personal pet care service provider for Nanette's Pampered Pets in Boca Raton, providing professional and deluxe pet sitting services to her local service area. Nanette is insured and bonded for pet and house sitting services, as well as certified in pet care and safety by Pet Tech and the American Red Cross. Nanette keeps a first aid kit with her at all times and is trained in emergency pet care procedures. Prior to every pet sitting assisgnment, pet health is determined, as well as veternarian contact information and in some cases, pet emergency care authorization filing is recommended to the pet parents. Visits nanettespamperedpets.com for additional details.