If your dog is sick, it’s important that you know what warning signs to look out for so you can take proper action.
Just like you, your dog can get sick. While the more serious problems should be dealt with by your vet, some minor issues can be dealt with at home. Knowing the danger signs and knowing what action to take can help you decide the best course of action in the event your dog does start feeling ill.It’s not always easy to detect sickness in your dog, so you’ll need to look for a range of indirect signs that may show a potential problem. If you do notice anything out of the ordinary, don’t rely on books or websites for a diagnosis. Contact your vet.
Some signs to watch for in your dog:

Diarrhea
If your dog has constipation or diarrhea that lasts longer than 48 hrs or there are any differences in the poop, it is recommended to visit your vet and, if possible, take a fresh sample with you.

Repeated vomiting, gagging, sneezing or coughing
Persistent sickness or choking when eating is a concern. Vomiting can be a sign of an allergy or a more serious infection, predominantly in older dogs.

Excessive thirst or urination
Unusually excessive thirst and frequent urination is a common sign of illness.

Red or swollen gums
Reddened or swollen gums, particularly when associated with bad breath, are an indication of gum disease. If your dog is losing teeth, dropping food from their mouth and suffering weight loss, it could be because of the difficulty of eating.

Itchy, flaking skin
Skin condition is a good general gauge of health. Skin should be smooth and pink or black. Persistent itching, sores, lumps and signs of dermatitis could indicate an allergic reaction to flea bites.

General lethargy, tiredness – just looking not well
If for any reason your dog just isn’t his or her normal, healthy, active self, it’s worth taking a look. Like us, dogs can just look not well and even if there are no obvious clues to what’s wrong, a trip to the vet is a good ideal.

Prevention
Yearly vet appointments not only help to spot disease in early stages, its most likely to respond to treatment, it can also help you avoid substantial medical expense and risk to your dog’s health if an illness goes undetected.