Is My Dog Sick?

Identifying the signs of sickness in a dog can be challenging, even for the most vigilant pet owners. Since a sick dog is unable to verbally communicate what hurts, pet owners must pay close attention to identify the signs of illness. Subtle changes in behavior or appetite may be symptomatic of an underlying health problem. While dogs cannot verbally tell us when they are sick, they use physical symptoms and behavior changes to communicate.

Determining when a trip to the doctor is warranted can be challenging. One of the most common symptoms of illness is vomiting or diarrhea. Dogs, however, may vomit on occasion without actually being ill. Eating food too quickly or drinking water too fast can cause vomiting, although the dog will feel much better afterwards. So how can a vigilant pet owner tell when a dog actually needs veterinary care? Profuse vomiting, bloody vomiting, lethargy or anorexia concurrent with vomiting all require immediate medical intervention. Vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours is a sign that a pet needs veterinary care. Vomiting or diarrhea for an extended period may be symptomatic of many things, including pancreatitis, infections, ingestion of foreign material, accidental poisoning, or parasites, all of which require urgent veterinary care.

Dog owners should also be alert for signs of lethargy. If a normally active dog suddenly loses interest in playing fetch or no longer runs across the room, this may be a sign of illness. A long run at the park may cause exhaustion, but if a pet owner cannot identify a specific cause, then contact a veterinarian. Lethargy can be symptomatic of hundreds of disorders, one example is heart disease, which requires veterinary care. Pet owners should also look for a change in exercise tolerance and unexplained weakness. A loss in consciousness, difficulty breathing, bleeding, or seizures always requires immediate emergency care for all animals.

Pet owners should also be on the lookout for the following symptoms: poor appetite, lameness, weakness, frequent urination, excessive scratching or licking, nasal discharge, constipation, an unusual bump, or excessive thirst. If these symptoms occur for more than two days, pet owners should contact their veterinarian.

In general, it is better to be proactive about veterinary care than to wait. In the wild, animals instinctively mask symptoms of illness so they will not appear weak to predators or be shunned by their own kind. Consequently, a dog will instinctively try to hide any health problems. Prompt care thanks to a vigilant pet owner can make a big difference for a dog's health. If you question whether a visit to the doctor is needed, please call and discuss it with your veterinarian.

Source:

American Animal Hospital Association, “Urinary Tract Infections.” 2013.

RE-FUR-AL PROGRAM:

We do have a re-fur-al program for re-fur-ing friends & family. Discount varies by location.

Office Hours

Clifton Location

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

Closed

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Hoboken Location

Monday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

TESTIMONIALS

  • "Foofie Poochies is a excellent grooming salon. The shop is very clean, Dogs are well taken care of. I have been taking my dogs there for over 8 years. The owner makes sure all dogs are up to date on shots, is very comforting to your dog when it enters to take away any fears you or your pet has, this I have seen first hand many times. They will make you aware of anything they suspect on your pet. My dog had a tick once and the owner even gave me the tick in the bag in case I wanted to have it checked. I have recommended friends to Foofie Poochies because I feel they are a very good grooming salon and are knowledgeable in grooming any type of dog. Also, if your dog has a health issue, the owner is extremely considerate in working with your pet, I have a dog with a health issue and she watches my buddy very closely making sure he is ok. One thing, they do stress you honor your appointment or at least let them know in a timely manner if you have to cancel. I trust them completely!"
    Tawny K (August,2023)
  • "Best groomer in Hoboken! We have been taking our two maltipoos here since we moved to the area 6+ months ago and Doreen does such an amazing job with both of them! She is very patient with both as one gets nervous at the groomer and the other is full of high energy (and I imagine she is difficult to keep still for grooming). They always look so good and smell amazing after! Doreen is always so nice and happy to see our pups. They love her and the sweet treats she gives! She offers a lot of different services that are affordable and never has long booking waits. Highly recommend taking your dog here!"
    Annabeth Canfield (July, 2023)
  • "Only groomers I trust my dog with been going here for years. Love the new location"
    LYNN D. (July, 2023)
  • "The best grooming salon in town!!"
    MARILYN F. (April,2023)
  • "Doreen took amazing care of my 10 month old puppy! He came home smelling great and looking clean! Doreen was extremely professional, quick to respond, knowledgeable, and very nice. We will definitely be back!"
    LAUREN C. (December, 2022)
  • "I have been using Foofies Poochies for close to 8 years ,my entire family has their fur babies groomed by Doreen.You will not find a more compassionate ,professional groomer anywhere else.I know she treats my fur baby like its her own and always feel secure leaving him there !!"
    BEV K. (October, 2022)
  • "My boys Dexter (cockapuggle) & Milo (Kashon) love it here & so do I. The groomers are so sweet and patient with my dogs. I've been coming here for about a year after bad experiences with other places. I've only had great experience with Foofie Poochies. They are excellent. I've recommended them to family and friends for their furry babies and they also love it here."
    JOAN T. (3/1/2017)
  • "Zonti always nervous when i take him to groomers but with them he is more relaxed he loves them he comes out smelling great and looking so handsome they are sweet and do a great job ...Highly recommend"
    JAS Z. (2/25/2017)
  • "King has been going to Doreen since he was a puppy! he's almost 3 now! She always leaves him looking like a million bucks! I Love that we found such a clean nice shop!! "Auntie Doreen" is the best!"
    CHRIS R.

FEATURED ARTICLES

Read about interesting topics

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Sign up for more articles