Is It Just A Tummy Ache Or Something More?

It’s the dead of winter and, of course, sickness is running rampant. Colds always seem to last for weeks on end, and let’s not even talk about what happens when you get the flu. Getting sick sucks no matter which species you belong to, but lucky for us humans, we have the ability to convey with language exactly how and why we’re not feeling so great. Dogs, on the other hand, don’t have that luxury and often times we just have to guess what’s hurting them based on their behaviors.

Take a look at the following list of symptoms to see if your dog might be suffering from something serious:

1. Prolonged upset stomach - It’s normal for both dogs and humans to experience nausea or diarrhea every so often. However, if you notice that your dog’s tummy has been upset for more than a few days, it might be time to contact your veterinarian. Severe and prolonged upset stomach could be due to parvovirus, intestinal worms or parasites.
2. Bloating - Some dogs just eat every meal like they haven’t been fed in weeks, which can lead to something called gastric torsion. If your dog eats too quickly too often, then his stomach could become enlarged, which could lead to an inability to vomit. Other symptoms of gastric torsion include retching, salivating or restlessness. To prevent this, you can feed your dog using food-dispenser toys that force him to eat more slowly.
3. Ear infections - Some dogs, especially those with big ears, are just more prone to getting ear infections. However, often times those recurring ear infections are due to allergies, including corn, wheat or soy in their diets. If your dog regularly gets ear infections then it might be a good idea to get his diet evaluated by a veterinarian to rule anything out.
4. Dental abnormalities - Most of us don’t really consider dental hygiene for dogs often enough, but oral infections are actually the most common type of dog disease there is! Signs that something might be wrong with your dog’s oral health include loose teeth, disinterest in dry food, lumps on the gums or discolored teeth.
5. Frequent or painful urination - Just like us humans, dogs can also get urinary tract infections. The biggest signs of this are frequent urination, blood in the urine, urinating inside even when house-trained, or yelping when urinating. UTIs can be extremely uncomfortable, so you’ll want to get your furry friend to the vet ASAP.
6. Leg-lameness - Lameness that shifts from one leg to another over time is actually the number one symptom of Lyme disease. It might sound scary, but symptoms of Lyme disease can often be eliminated within four weeks of taking the proper medication. Of course, to prevent Lyme disease, keep your dog away from tick-ridden areas or check thoroughly for ticks in case you suspect that he came into contact with them. There are also medications available that can help to prevent any tick-borne illnesses.

All of these potential medical ailments can sound pretty scary, coupled with the fact that your dog can’t just tell you what’s wrong! Of course, always talk to your veterinarian if you have concerns, but take comfort in that fact that you’re actively looking out for any unusual symptoms and behaviors that could one day save your dog’s life.

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