How to Tell if Your Dog is Sick

 DogHeirs Team  Dog Care, Health


When our dogs do not feel well, they can’t tell us what is wrong with them or why they may be in pain. In this video, Nancy Kerns, editor of the Whole Dog Journal talks about how to tell if your dog is sick and read the vital signs of a dog before calling the veterinarian.

She mentions that heart rate, temperature and respiratory rate are three very important things to monitor if you are concerned for your pet’s health.

She also debunks some myths about how to tell if a dog is healthy or not.

Some of the tips she discusses are:

1. Checking the color and wetness of a dog’s gums. If the gums are a nice pink color they are okay. But if they are too red, too dark, too blue, or too white then your dog is in serious trouble.

It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with your dog’s normal gum color because every dog is a bit different and it will be easier for you to tell if there is a problem in the future.

2. Checking your dog’s pulse. You can check a dog’s pulse by placing your fingers (not your thumb) on the side of your dog’s chest and pressing your fingers against the ribs. A good place is near the elbow joint. A second place to find the pulse is high up on the inner side of the thigh (where the femoral artery is).

3. Checking your dog’s temperature. Using a rectal thermometer you can measure your dog’s temperature. It may be helpful to have someone assist you in doing this.

Of course, if you have any serious concerns about your pet’s health, consult your veterinarian immediately.





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