Dogs can’t tell us if they feel ill, but now experts have identified six tell-tale signs which could save a pet’s life. Britain is a nation of dog lovers and many of us think of our furry friends as family members.
Now pet food nutritionists at Years.com have identified six things which should set alarm bells ringing for dog owners. The experts claim spotting these signs early could save the life of a beloved pet dog and help prevent costly vet bills.
They are urging all dog owners to keep a watchful eye over their pet to ensure they remain in the best of health. Each one of the signs spotted in isolation could have an innocent explanation but dog owners are being told to be particularly concerned if they notice their pet displaying several of the tell-tale warning signs at the same time.
Darren Beale from Years.com said: “Us Brits really do love our dogs and that’s why we want to do everything we can to ensure they remain in the very best of health for as long as possible. Sadly a dog cannot let their owner know if they are feeling unwell, at least not verbally. But there are several other ways which may signal a dog is feeling poorly.
“We all want the best for our pets, which is why it's always important to be aware of any changes in their behaviour and appetite. “There are important signs to look out for which means they may need to be seen by a vet, such as strange lumps appearing on their body and if they start to have any discolouration.
“Nobody wants to be left with heartbreak when they realise it’s too little too late by not taking their symptoms seriously. This is why we’re urging all pet owners to always be on the lookout for signs that their pet may be sick as early treatment can lead to a better outcome for our beloved animals.”
Here are the six signs that suggest your dog could be ill:
Loss of appetite
If your dog isn’t licking all four corners of the bowl, don’t panic. If they continue not to eat much of their food even after swapping to a wholefood diet, they could be feeling stressed and anxious at home or have underlying digestive issues.
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Strange lumps on the body
Always feel around your pet’s fur to check for any bumps and lumps, even if they’re small to notice. Check if the lump grows any bigger or if any more appear in a two-week period and take your dog to the vet if you notice there has been a change.
Constantly clawing to go outside
Dogs love to go out and play in the garden, but if they’re constantly clawing at the door after eating it may not mean they’re wanting to get some sunshine. Going to the toilet immediately after eating could mean they have digestive issues and the food they’re on is only worsening their stomachs.
Reddish skin
If you look closely at your dog's fur and notice the skin is red and discoloured, it could mean they have a bacterial skin infection. If left untreated, it can spread across the entire body and cause widespread irritation, which is only made worse with scratching.
Smelly nails
If a foul odour is coming from your dog’s nails it could be a sign of bacterial claw infection. If left untreated, it can worsen and develop into bone infections which isn’t only uncomfortable for them to walk on but cause their health to get significantly worse.
Itchy ears
Dogs love to have their ears scratched and while it may not appear to be harmful, it could have risky consequences if it’s non-stop. Ear mites may be the cause of the irritation, which can lead to ear infections if left to fester as well as swelling of the ear canal. This could spiral into partial deafness if unresolved for a long period.
