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Owners who pay
close attention and handle their healthy dogs daily, have a head
start on recognizing early signs of illness in their pets, and have
an easier time determining whether a trip to the veterinarian is
necessary.
Healthy dogs have a temperature of 101-102, a respiratory rate of
15-20 breaths per minute, and a heart rate of 80-120 per
minute.
They have pink mucus membranes (gums, inside of lips, tongue,
inside of eyelid) and rapid capillary refill action in these
areas.
Clean smelling ears, skin and a full haircoat, skin that is pliant
(an indication of proper hydration), and eyes that are clear and
bright are all signs of a healthy dog.
If your dog shows any of the following signs, be
ready to call your veterinarian.
Eyes; swelling, discharge, redness.
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Nose; running, crusting, discharge.
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Ears; discharge, debris,
odor, twitching, scratching, shaking.
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Coughing, gagging,
sneezing, retching, or vomiting.
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Irregular breathing,
shortness of breath, prolonged or heavy panting.
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Intestinal activity; color
and consistency of bowel movement, frequency of defecation, bloody
stool, evidence of parasites
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Change in amount of food
intake.
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Change in body
weight.
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Change in water
intake.
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Urine; color, frequency, amount, straining,
dribbling
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Odor; mouth, skin,
ears.
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Coat and skin; wounds,
tumors, hair loss, dander, color change, biting, scratching, bite
marks, evidence of parasites, licking.
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Behavior; depression, anxiety, fatigue, lethargy,
sleepiness, trembling, stumbling, falling,
aggression.
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The first step is
noticing the signs....
keeping a record helps the veterinarian make a diagnosis...
make notes on when the symptoms first appeared, whether it has been
intermittent, continuous, increasing in frequency, getting better
or worse.
