How do you know if your dog is sick? How do you know when you should take him or her to the vet? It can be a very difficult decision, especially considering they DO NOT want you to know if they're sick! It's simple pack mentality. Here are some signs to look out for that could save your dog's life! After all, wouldn't he or she do the same for you, given the chance?

1. Dull, dirty, or red eyes. Squinting or vision changes
2. Dry, hot noses with swelling or discharge. Could be a sign of illness or age. Dry, warm noses are not necessarily a problem in and of themselves. Watch for physical changes and other symptoms.
3. Watch for odors or discharge in ears, especially in long-eared dogs. watch for "dirt" which can be a sign of mites. Also, watch for excessive head-shaking.A change in skin color inside the ears is likely a sign of infection and should warrant a trip to the vet, immediately! Ears should be dull pink inside
4. Pale or yellow gums could signal anorexia or anemia
5. Dull coat or drastic change in coat quality such as limpness or thinning could signal parasites or anemia. Or worse!
6. damaged nails or uneven wear signals limping or foot or leg pain
7. worms or swelling or discharge  in the anal area or genitals
8. Diarrhea containing blood
9. Fever
10. Crawling or dragging
11. Limping- See #6
12. Bad breath-cavities, gastritis, diet, gingivitis
13. Excessive scratching-fleas, allergies, could be a sign of a skin disease.

We hope this list has been helpful. We also hope you don't need to rush to the vet for these symptoms. But if you do, this list could save your dog's life.  Because we want your pet to be healthy! And for you and your pet a long and happy life together!

Love,

Cathy's Critters.