Owners who
observe and handle their healthy dogs have a
head start on recognizing early signs of
illness in their pets. Those who know what a
healthy pet acts, feels, and smells like can
spot differences in behavior and bodies and
determine whether a trip to the veterinarian
is necessary.
|
Healthy
Dogs: |
Be
Prepared to Call your Vet if: |
 Body
temperature of 101-102º F |
Eyes:
swelling, discharge, redness |
|
Respiratory
rate of 15-20 breaths per minute |
Nose:
running, crusting, discharge |
|
Heart
rate of 80-120 beats per minute. |
Ears:
discharge, debris, odor,
twitching, scratching, shaking |
Pink
mucous membranes (gums, inside
of lips, tongue, inside of
eyelids) |
Coughing,
gagging, sneezing, retching, or
vomiting |
|
Clean-smelling
ears and skin |
Irregular
breathing, shortness of breath,
prolonged or heavy panting |
|
Full,
shiny coat |
Intestinal
activity |
|
Pliant
skin (sign of proper hydration) |
Color
and consistency of bowel
movement |
|
Clear
and bright eyes |
Frequency
of defecation |
 |
Bloody
stool |
|
Evidence
of parasites, etc |
|
Change
in amount of food and water
intake |
|
Change
in body weight |
|
Urine:
color, frequency, amount, odor
dribbling? |
|
Biting,
scratching, licking |
|
Behavior:
depression, anxiety, fatigue,
lethargy, sleepiness |
|
Trembling,
stumbling, falling |
(NOTE:
Information on this page is not
intended to be medically
binding. This is for general guidelines only and
should not be taken as a
diagnosis or as a prognosis.
If you have any questions or
concern about your pet, always
consult your veterinarian.) |
Noticing signs is half the battle;
keeping a record helps the veterinarian make
a diagnosis. Be sure to note when the
symptom first appeared, and whether it has
been intermittent, continuous, increasing in
frequency, getting better, or getting worse
before calling the veterinarian. |
