14 Critical Signs Your Dog Is Begging For Help

In this video, we will discuss 14 important signs that your dog is sick and desperately needs your help. Since dogs can’t tell us when something is wrong, it’s up to us to recognize the signs that they may give us. Here are 14 signs that your dog is crying out for help. Sudden Aggression When your relatively young pet suddenly starts to become aggressive, there could be a problem. Your dog could be experiencing pain or have an infection. Appetite Loss a dog who seems to be eating less or who has stopped eating for longer than 24 hours is one who needs medical attention. A loss of appetite can mean infection, parasites, gastric disease, diabetes, and even cancer in some cases. Hiding A pet who goes from craving your attention to hiding under the bed all day might be in bad shape. Pets who suddenly start to hide could be stressed out or have an invisible illness wreaking havoc in their body. In dogs, it s important to take hiding as a bad sign. Postural changes When your tummy or joints hurt, you might have an instinct to stretch the area. Dogs have this instinct, too. So, if your dog starts to display odd positions such as the "prayer position" which means bum up, front down, and legs rigid, he might be having abdomen problems. Other positions that indicate a problem include the "sawhorse" - rigid legs outstretched- and a back that hunches or arches. Lack of Energy Although this is a bigger concern in puppies and young dogs, general disinterest in exercise or active pastimes can be an indication that your furry friend is ill or has a physical problem that is hurting them. Increased urination coupled with drinking a lot If your dog is housetrained and suddenly starts to urinate all over the house or needs to go outside more often, it might be due to some kind of illness. Namely, a dog who drinks a lot and then urinates frequently might be battling diabetes or a kidney problem. Swollen Tummy A distended abdomen - that is a large, swollen tummy- can mean several different problems. It can be a sign of a hormonal imbalance, an infection, a digestive disease, or internal bleeding. Undiagnosed, this problem can make it hard for your dog to breathe as it puts pressure on the lungs. Crying or Whining Crying or Whining can indicate that your dog is experiencing some kind of pain. Too much fur loss So, if you notice unusual clumps of hair on the floor or large patches of bare skin on your pet s back, a vet visit is necessary. Too much shedding can be an indication of skin disease. In some cases, it can also be due to a vitamin deficiency, an allergy, or an overload of stress. Changes in maintenance habits When your dog starts to neglect their grooming routine, it may be time for a checkup. Your dog could be suffering from a range of ailments that cause fatigue, which would explain the undoing of their grooming habits. Excessive licking Dogs will lick an area a lot if there is pain in that area. Commonly, dogs with sore paws or legs will lick them. They could also be suffering from fleas, which cause itchiness. Sometimes, licking means gastrointestinal issues are at play - especially if your pet starts to lick strange surfaces. Trouble getting up When your dog seems to take ages to stand up, he s probably not feeling well. A dog who takes a long time to pull themselves into a standing position is probably experiencing some form of pain, such as arthritis. He may also be suffering from internal disease that causes a loss of strength and energy. Sleeping longer than usual If you notice your dog is suddenly sleeping longer than usual, it may be a sign of diabetes, infections, thyroid gland issues, or stress. Dilated pupils Random pupil dilation or pupils that are large for an extended period of time can be a telltale sign that something hurts. Pupil dilation is connected to an increase in adrenaline, which surges when something hurts. Gums changing color Normally, your dog s gums are a healthy shade of pink, with the exception being certain breeds like chows. So, when you catch a glimpse of those gums and they re not pink and vibrant, your pet could be suffering from some kind of sickness. Gums that are redder than usual can indicate a dental issue - especially if the redness is right above the teeth, while bleeding gums can be a sign of trauma or infections. Pale gums that lack color are usually a sign of blood loss. This is because gums get their bubble-gum pink color from blood flowing beneath the surface. In addition, gums that have ulcers or an unpleasant odor should be taken as a warning sign. Coughing Coughing can be a result of breathing difficulties in breeds with pushed in faces such as pugs. These breeds are prone to airway blockages and sinus problems in the first place. A non-pushed in face dog who coughs likely had what s known as "kennel cough". This is the doggy equivalent to a cold, and it generally passes within a few weeks.