Recognizing your dog's distress signals

Dogs as family pets, like humans can not use language to express their discomfort, but they will be through behavioral changes to convey the “distress signal”. The following are the common distress signals of dogs and their detailed introduction:

1. Abnormal Behavior

• Hiding: When a dog is sick, it may hide in a corner and suffer in silence, hoping to get over it. They will ignore their owner's calls.
• Whimpering: Some smart dogs that are not feeling well will run to their owners, whimpering in a low voice that does not sound like petting and in a general state of mind.
• Appetite loss: A dog that suddenly eats very little or even nothing indicates that it is not feeling well and may be the result of a more serious internal disease. Appetite loss and poor appetite is different, poor appetite is manifested in the amount of food become smaller, less, while the appetite loss is almost do not eat, and the dog's mental state will be significantly worse.
• Behavioral abnormalities: Sudden changes in the dog's behavior, such as becoming very quiet, unwilling to move, or showing anxiety, irritability and other emotions, may be in trouble. Behavioral abnormalities often reflect the dog's inner turmoil or physical discomfort.

 

2. Excretory abnormalities

• Changes in defecation or urination habits: such as frequent urination, reduced urine output, constipation or diarrhea, these are distress signals. Abnormalities in the digestive system are often indicative of health problems and need to be taken seriously.

 

3. Scratching and licking

• Frequent Ear Scratching: Dogs that frequently scratch their ears with their back feet or toss their heads can be the result of ear infections, ear itch mites or parasites. These conditions can cause itching and pain in your dog's ears.
• Frequent licking parts: Dogs frequently licking and touching a certain part of the body are usually due to parasites, skin allergies, inflammation, wounds, etc. Owners are advised to promptly check if there is any abnormality in the parts licked by the dog.

 

4. Friction and walking difficulties

• Rubbing buttocks: Dogs rubbing their buttocks on the ground may be due to blocked anal glands, inflammation or parasites causing itching.
• Difficulty in walking: If your dog's hind legs are lifting when he walks, like a lamb jumping, it may be due to patellar dislocation that causes difficulty and pain in walking. In addition, difficulties in walking or standing, such as limping, unwillingness to stand, or wobbling when walking, may also be a sign of bone or joint problems.

 

5. Breathing Abnormalities

• Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath or open-mouthed breathing can be a sign of heart or lung problems, such as respiratory infections, cardiopulmonary lesions, or parasitic infections (e.g., canine heartworm).

 

6. Eye and ear abnormalities

• Eye abnormalities: the dog's eyes suddenly appeared a large number of strange discharge, may be the eye injury infection or suffering from distemper-like malignant infectious diseases.
• Ear abnormalities: the dog's ears have brown discharge, there may also be scabs and odor, these are signs of infection.

 

7. Skin and coat abnormalities

• Skin Abnormalities: Abnormalities in your dog's skin or coat, such as hair loss, redness, itching, or odor, may be signs of a health problem. Regularly checking your dog's skin and coat will allow you to detect problems early and take action.

 

8. Making unusual noises

• Abnormal barking or moaning: Dogs may normally express themselves by barking or grunting, but if they make abnormal barking or moaning, especially continuous wailing, they may be feeling sick or in pain.

Response measures

• Observe behavior: Spend time each day observing your dog's behavior and mood changes to understand their needs and feelings.
• Regular checkups: Take your dog for a thorough health checkup on a regular basis to identify and deal with potential health problems.
• Provide a healthy diet: Choose high-quality dog food, ensure balanced nutrition, add fresh meat and vegetables in moderation, and avoid excessive snacks.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene: Regularly clean your dog's living environment and keep it clean and tidy to minimize the occurrence of diseases.
• Timely medical treatment: Once you find your dog showing the above distress signals, you should seek medical attention in time to ensure that your dog receives timely and effective treatment.

 

In conclusion, as a pet owner, you need to pay close attention to your dog's behavioral changes, and discover and interpret their distress signals in time to ensure their health and well-being.