You don't have to be a trained veterinarian to know when you have a sick dog on your hands.

As a dog owner, you know how your buddy acts, smells, and feels when he's healthy, and any change from that norm should be a tip-off that something is wrong.

It is a gut feeling, that your dog might be sick. Here are some signs to look for.

What's the norm?

First, like humans, dogs will often show signs of fever when their bodies are fighting off infection. Although exact norms vary by breed, most healthy dogs will have:

• A rectal temperature between 101 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
• A respiratory rate between 15 and 20 breaths per minute.
• A heart rate that falls between 80 and 120 beats per minute.
• Pink mucous membranes on the gums, the tongue, the insides of the eyelids, and inside the lips.
• Clean-smelling skin and ears, and clear, bright eyes.

When should I call the vet?

The short answer is: whenever you suspect there is a problem with your dog that you don't know how to treat.

But there are also specific signs to look for, that should trigger a call to the vet, because they can indicate serious illness.

Do a quick check of your dog if you think something might be wrong.

• Check the eyes: Is there redness, discharge, or swelling?
• Check the nose: Is there discharge, running, or crusting?
• Check the ears: Is there odor, debris, or discharge? Are they twitching or shaking?
• Is your dog scratching at them?

If your check reveals anything out of the ordinary, call your animal healthcare center.

Warning signs

Warning signs that your dog is unhealthy and needs medical attention:

• Coughing, vomiting, gagging, and retching.
• Heavy panting, shortness of breath, or irregular breathing patterns.
• Discolored bowel movements, diarrhea, or constipation without a known cause.
• Discolored urine, frequent urges to urinate, or straining during elimination; out-of- character "accidents".
• Unexplained changes in body weight, thirst, or appetite.
• A change in your dog's odor.
• Lumps, cuts, scratches, or bite marks on your dog's skin (self-inflicted or otherwise).
• Hair loss or excessive dander, often accompanied by excessive licking.
• Any evidence of parasites.

Even if there are no outward warning signs, changes in your dog's behavior can be indicative of a serious problem.

Talk with your animal health provider if your dog displays signs of anxiety, depression, lethargy, fatigue, trembling, falling, stumbling, or sleepiness.

These behavioral cues, which may only be noticeable to you, may be your sick dog's way of telling you he needs help.

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