Most pet owners treat their dogs as though they were members of the family. You probably feel the same way about your dog. You want your dog or any other kind of pet to live a long and healthy life. Just like a parent needs to recognize the symptoms and negative effects of disease and illness in their children, you will need to know the signs and symptoms in your dog so you can know when they are sick and when they will need to go to an animal hospital. Below are some of the signs and symptoms to look for in your dog.

1. Vomiting. Any dog owner knows that their dog will vomit on occasion just because they have eaten too fast or have eaten something that does not agree with them. The same thing happens to humans and is not a big concern. However, if your dog is vomiting on a more consistent basis, this is a sign of a larger problem. Parasites, infections, worms and other issues may cause vomiting. Other, more serious issues like cancer or colitis may also be reasons for the vomiting. Because it is so difficult to ascertain the reason for the vomiting, it is important to take your dog to the vet if the vomiting happens multiple times in one day and continues to another day.

2. Itching and Hair Loss. Most dogs go through bouts of itching. It could be a simple issue of fleas that a good flea medicine can cure. Other times, the itching can be severe and hair can begin to be lost. When this is the case, it can be a more severe problem like a staph infection or fungal infection. These can only be treated by going on an antibiotic that will need to be prescribed by a qualified vet.

3. Change in Activity. Just like humans, dogs can be tired because of too much activity. However, if they are lethargic for long periods of time for seemingly no reason, this can be a cause for concern. Other symptoms such as loss of appetite and not willing to exercise can mean heart disease or other serious issues. If you see these symptoms for longer than 24 hours, you should take your dog to the vet immediately.

These are some common symptoms and signs of illness with dogs. You will want to make sure that you keep a close eye on your dog and take them to the animal hospital if you have any doubt about their well-being.

Click this link or speak with a local veterinarian to learn more.