If you're pet is healthy, you're happy. Things can be as simple as this to a devoted pet owner. If you are really into taking care of your pet, you know that your dog needs regular grooming, exercise, proper nutrition, and periodic check-ups with the vet. If it is your first time to own a dog, be sure that you give it basic health care to ensure wellness. The vet would know if your pet is sick, that's a given. However, it is always upon you, the pet owner to determine on the first instance if your dog is not feeling well. You should know right away if it is feeling uncomfortable or if it is in pain.

There are many reasons why dogs get sick. It could be because of exposure to extreme weather, emotional distress, contaminated food, genetic weaknesses, accidents, low immune system, exposure to parasites, inadequate exercise ? the list is endless.

By careful observation, you will be able to determine whether or not your dog is ill. By doing so, you don't have to wait for the next vet appointment before you unearth your dog's true condition. That time may be too late if you're not careful. Dogs follow certain behavioral patterns. If you feel that the pattern it is disrupted, you better take your pet to the vet for further diagnosis.

The first step to diagnosis dog illness is by knowing your dog's vitals. Determine your dog's posture, shape, and eating habits. Any changes in these aspects call for a red flag. Dogs that are disoriented are very likely to be sick. The same goes for those that don't want to go outside, do some exercises, or suffer certain physical deformities. Behavioral changes such as aggression and depression require your immediate attention as well.

Physical changes in your pet indicate a lot. If you observe any unpleasant scent, color, or discharges on your dog's urine, feces, or body fluids, then that's a sign that there's a problem from within. Your dog may have problems in its intestines, kidneys, or lungs. Or it could be infested with internal parasites like heartworm, tapeworms, and hookworms. Allergies would cause your dog's physical appearance to deteriorate. You'll see changes in its hair, hide, and skin. The same is true for cases of poisoning, gland inflammation, and even cancer. For instance such as these, formal diagnosis and laboratory tests are needed by your pet.

If your dog vomits frequently or has diarrhea, it could mean that is suffering from a much worse disease. Too much retching is a sign that your pet is suffering from something. So if your dog does this, you should be more observant. Retching can be a normal act or a symptom. Know when you have to take your dog to the vet and when to simply give it first aid. As far as your dog's skin, illness may show up as eruptions, scratches, or scaling. Parasites and lice are usually the reasons why your dog's hide is getting worse. You have to take measures to remove them before they do further damage on your pet.