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MUST READ: Top 10 Overlooked Health Issues With Dogs

| Published on August 30, 2015

Unfortunately, our dogs can’t speak our language and tell us when something is wrong. And, like many animals, dogs can be good at “hiding” or down playing when something is wrong – it’s a survival tactic. Trupanion veterinarian, Dr. Denise Petryk, explains “It is common for veterinarians and ER veterinarians to see a pet at the clinic in an absolute crisis, but when their owners look back critically, they think of symptoms they overlooked that hinted that this crisis was pending.”

Foreign body ingestion, when your pet eats something they shouldn’t, is one example she says. Foreign body ingestion is Trupanion’s second most common claim for dogs and can present several of the symptoms listed here. Costs can range significantly depending on how soon you can treat your pet—from $100 for supportive care to over $10,000 if an object becomes trapped in their digestive tract and your pet experiences complications like sepsis.

“The bottom line is, if you notice anything off when it comes to your pet, it’s never a bad idea to consult your veterinarian,” Dr. Petryk advises. “Yearly check-ups are extremely important—even if your pet is up-to-date on his/her vaccines, the physical exam can help you catch something you may have overlooked.”

Here is Dr. Petryk’s list of most overlooked health issues. These symptoms can be a sign of many different conditions that can become incredibly costly if they aren’t caught early on.

#1 – Change in appetite

Is your pet is no longer interested in dry food, seems to want or need wet foot, canned food, or people food?

Image source: @BuzzFarmers via Flickr
Image source: @BuzzFarmers via Flickr

#2 – Weight loss

Have you noticed subtle, long term, ongoing weight loss, especially without a change in appetite?

Image source: @maplegirlie via Flickr
Image source: @maplegirlie via Flickr

#3 – Change in habits

Does your pet now seem to sleep more in the garage or under a chair? Have they become more reclusive, or have you noticed another change behavior patterns?

Image source: @DjunKim via Flickr
Image source: @DjunKim via Flickr

#4 – Change in energy level

Has your pet stopped meeting you at the door when you come home or have they lost interest in play time?

Image source: @yornik via Flickr
Image source: @yornik via Flickr

#5 – Change in interest level

When you say, “let’s go bye-bye” or “let’s go play ball” have they lost interest? Can they hear you? Are they developing arthritis or other health issues?

Image source: @CherylCox via Flickr
Image source: @CherylCox via Flickr

#6 – Great Dane

Although not big enough to squeeze onto your lap at the coffee house, the Dane will lean on you to get as close as he possibly can. He also has no problem giving you lots of kisses and even a hug if you let him.

Image source: @Jacopo via Flickr
Image source: @Jacopo via Flickr

#7 – Hot spots

Is your dog licking at themselves and developing new skin sores?

Image source: @MajaDumat via Flickr
Image source: @MajaDumat via Flickr

#8 – Change in need for interaction

Is your normally independent dog now is always under your feet? Or your social dog becoming more reclusive?

Image source: @StevenSaus via Flickr
Image source: @StevenSaus via Flickr

#9 – Change in appearance

Is there a change in how wet the nose is, how bright the eyes look, and how soft your dog’s coat feels?

Image source: @bizmac via Flickr
Image source: @bizmac via Flickr

#10 – Change in how the dog feels

When I pat or rub him/her along the back, do the back bones feel more prominent? Have you noticed any lumps or bumps?

Image source: @tonyAlter via Flickr
Image source: @tonyAlter via Flickr

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