6.5 Warning Signs Your Dog Exhibits And Might Need A Visit To The Vet

Dogs can’t speak the human language. That’s a fact. No matter how great the bond between the pup and owner is, it can be challenging to know when they’re in pain. However, several behavioural signs are more evident than the rest, which can indicate what is wrong with your furry friend.

*Please by no means attempt to treat your dog’s issues by yourself. Always consult a professional/vet before any treatment.

1.Spike in aggressive or antisocial behaviour

A huge indication of this pattern from dogs is that they don’t run to greet you at the door anymore. In some cases, your pupper might even try to avoid contact and become aggressive. From a personal experience, my poodle tends to stow away at the corner of the main door and lays flat with paws out, seemingly moody. Any obvious change in behaviour can be a matter of attention. So keep a lookout and keep your pups happy.

2.Eating, drinking, and sleeping habits

Dogs that are in pain sleep more—the same as us humans. It might be difficult for them to be active and move around. Appetite changes like the amount of food and water intake are common symptoms of this ailment. A seperate issue noticeable would be difficulty in chewing harder foods, which can indicate dental pain.

3.Vomiting or changes in stool

Throwing up their dinner once and having diarrhoea might not be a cause of alarm. However, if you notice that it has been ongoing for several days, that’s when things start to get serious. Digestive inflammation, a blockage, or severe allergy can be present. This can indicate that your doggo might have consumed something they shouldn’t have.

To counter this behaviour, vets will usually recommend your dog start taking sensitive foods. There exist a variety of sensitive diets that might blow you away. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food is one of them that is advertised in every pet store in Singapore.

A tip for completely changing out your doggo’s food cycle is slowly adding a little of the prescribed kibbles until they are comfortable with it.

Also, this diet will help provide a different kind of nutrition to your pupper, so don’t worry, they’re still well-fed.

4.Rashes, Skin and Hair Change

Rashes are a common ailment in Singapore household dogs. While many of these ailments related to skin or hair are caused by food and allergies, one cannot simply let your best friends suffer from irritations and itches that seemingly never leave. A drive to the vet can determine which supplement, lotion, or food is the solution.

A single itching remedy that we have long stood by which works is the Cardinal Remedy Recovery – Hydrocortisone Lotion.

More like a lotion instead of a shampoo; use it after showering your dog. It’s as simple as that.

*Do take note that you should only use a tiny amount.

5.Excessive chewing

Chewing can be a reason for an imbalanced diet. If your floofer isn’t getting enough nutrients for a balanced diet, they might develop a condition called “pica”. If you’ve seen your friend or even neighbours dogs chew on inedible objects, chances are, it’s “pica”.

While taking your pet to the vet is a good choice, some owner’s might not have the luxury or time to afford to do so. What we can suggest is this:

Let your dog’s chew on something better. Spending more time together can help rehabilitate your canine’s mood and possibly, happier again! Dog Chews such as Red Dingo Durables Dog Toy and Nylabone Dura Chew Barbell Peanut Butter flavoured barbell can also help prevent gum diseases. Now that’s a treat!

6.Scabs and biting

If you see or feel any scabs on your dog, chances are, they scratched or bit themselves. Fleas might be your prime suspect. But before you jump into the car and to the vet, let’s talk about the symptoms.

Fleas are tiny parasites that feed off their hosts and lays eggs, a lot of eggs! They start from minor red bite marks to a much larger red area.

You can start to look for fleas near their ears, neck, abdomen, and base of the tail, and if you manage to find some. Use TropiClean Natural Flea & Tick, Bite Relief to relieve itching after a medicated shower.

*Always head to the vet for fleas, don’t let your precious friend itch and wait.

6.5.The Zoomies or Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs)

The zoomies occur instantaneously, predominantly in the mornings or evenings when dogs have pent-up energy. Some dogs get zoomies after a bath, while stressful situations like visiting the vet trigger others. Zoomies mostly often occur in younger pups, but the phenomenon can strike canines of all ages and breeds at times.

Most times, zoomies show how much your dog can’t wait to interact with you. So take some time off and shower your furry friend with some love.