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Dogs have no way of saying when something is wrong them. As a dog owner, however, you should be able to tell when your dog is having health problems. There are two general ways to detect if something is wrong with your dog. One is to observe changes in their behavioral patterns. Another is to look for changes in their physical appearance.

Pet dogs display certain behavioral patterns. They may like sitting on your lap when you’re watching evening news or bringing your slippers when you arrive home from the office. If they are ill, they might stop doing these routines, choosing to lie down on one corner instead. The slightest changes in your dog’s behavior could mean health problems, so you should not ignore these signs. Bring your pet to the vet for check up.

Another symptom that your dog is not well is loss of appetite. If your dog starts refusing to eat, check your dog’s temperature to see if it has a fever.

Diarrhea is another indication that your dog is suffering from health problems. In pups, it could be a symptom of tick fever, one of the most common dog health problems. Once you see such symptoms, bring your dog to the veterinarian.

Skin disease is another common health problem that plagues dogs. However, skin problems are not immediately visible particularly when the dog is covered by thick coat. Behavioral giveaways to skin problems include frequent scratching and vigorous shaking of heads. When bathing your dog, examine the skin for blisters or uneven patches. If there are any, bring your dog to the vet for appropriate medication.

The earlier dog health problems are detected, the better your dog’s chances of recovery. Developing an eye for symptoms of dog health problems is, therefore, a must for every pet owner.