Dog Symptoms Guide

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Sign Of ill health guide >>

Depression/Dullness
If your dog feels unwell for almost any reason, it may become dull or depressed. This is particularly true of infections which cause a high temperature. If your dog is uncharacteristically depressed and dull, it is worth contacting your vet even if there are no other signs that you can see.

A dog that appears depressed and nothing else can be a challenge for your vet to diagnose. Blood tests, x-rays and other tests may be required if your vet feels it is appropriate. In some cases a precise diagnosis may never be achieved, but they may still learn enough to be able to treat the condition.

Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is a common problem and varies greatly is severity. The faeces will be more liquid that they should and will be passed more frequently. The consistency of the faeces will give some clues as to the cause and severity of the problem, and your vet will want to know about this.

Not every dog with diarrhoea will require veterinary attention. Many dogs will have the occasional brief bout of diarrhoea, often accompanied by vomiting. This may be triggered by something they ate - often something scavenged. All that is required in many cases is to remove food for 24 hours, but leaving water, and then gradually re-introduce their normal food the next day.

Signs that your dog does need to see your vet are as follows: blood in the faeces (although small spots only are not serious), extremely watery and high volume diarrhoea, vomiting that will not stop, a very depressed and inactive dog and any bout that lasts much beyond 24 hours

Haemorrhagic gastroenteritis is one of the most severe forms of diarrhoea. The dog will produce a very watery diarrhoea which consists almost entirely of blood. This is often rapidly fatal without treatment as dehydration and shock set in, but with a drip and hospitalisation, most will recover well. Parvovirus will cause a very severe form in unvaccinated dogs.

You should be aware that dogs can suffer from Salmonella or Campylobacter. These are both responsible for food poisoning in humans, so care should be taken clearing up after you dog in case these are present. Should you suffer a problem at the same time as your dog, contact your doctor.