When you love your dogs like family it can be heartbreaking when they get sick. A sick dog that does not feel well will not act like its normal self. In order to provide your pup with the best possible care, you need to have a general understanding of the signs that could point to illness. When your dog is sick, you may notice a decrease in activity level, changes in appetite, and an increase in accidents inside the house despite being house trained.

Decrease in activity level

If an incredibly active dog turns into a docile dog overnight, it could be a sign that your dog is sick. No matter how effective your training methods are, you will not see an immediate change in activity level because of them. For example, if your dog always greets you excitedly at the door and ready to play when you arrive, and then suddenly ceases that behavior, it could be an indicator that your dog is sick. If you notice a decrease in activity level, start observing your dog closely for other signs of illness.

Changes in appetite

A decreased appetite can be a sign that your dog is sick. If you go to fill the food bowl and find it is still full from the previous meal, then there may be cause for concern. Keep the normal behavior of your dog in mind as you observe the amount that your dog eats. When a normally voracious eater stops eating altogether, you need to take note because it can be a sign of illness. The other element to think about here is if there was a recent change in the food you provide. If so, the problem could simply be that your dog does not like the change.

Having accidents inside the house

If your dog has long been house trained and suddenly begins having accidents inside, it could be a sign that you have a sick pooch. If your dog vomits or has diarrhea, both can also be signs of a problem.

All of the signs of a sick dog mentioned above have one very important element in common: they are marked by some type of behavior change in your dog. When you do not feel well, you simply cannot function at the same level as normal, and it is the same with dogs. If you notice any change in behavior that is concerning to you, it is worth it to make a call to your veterinarian. Since your dog cannot tell you how he or she is feeling, it is up to you to observe your dog’s behavior and get professional help whenever you have a concern.