We pet owners take it for granted that each morning, our beloved doggie will greet us with the same enthusiasm and attention that we are accustomed to. But what if that behaviour changes? What if your dog doesn’t greet you at the door when you arrive home or devour its food with the usual gusto?

Unlike most humans, dogs tend to be stoic and hide their pain or discomfort so that they can continue having fun and being loved. The idea of our pet being in pain is upsetting to say the least, and it is important to recognize changes in behaviour which may indicate illness/discomfort; this is not difficult once you know your dog as you will see when its behaviour is out of character.

There are several signs that your dog may be feeling unwell, including:

-Lack of Appetite

-Less interest in walks

-Breathing changes

-Unusual sounds/vocalization

-Excessive grooming/licking

-Altered bowel/urination patterns (i.e. diarrhea and/or blood in stools or urine)

-Pale gums/tongue

-Bleeding gums

-Head Shaking

-Smelly/inflamed ears

As these, and other symptoms, may be caused by many things, self-diagnosis is difficult and if symptoms persist for more than a day or the dog is in obvious distress, see your vet immediately.

After all, our beloved pet deserves the same level of healthcare and attention as the rest of the family.