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It's easy to tell when one of your children isn't feeling well, but how do you know when your dog is feeling under the weather? Can you look at your dog and tell he's listless? How can you be certain when being listless often times resembles tiredness and most dogs spend the better part of the day laying down and often sleeping. Did your dog throw-up one time or has he/she vomited several times? Does he constantly scratch his ear? Is it always the same ear? There's a lot of dog breeds that require regular ear care, maybe your dog's one of those breeds. Does your dog always want to be scratched rather than petted? It isn't always due to dry skin. Often times there could be a serious problem with fleas and ticks. Check throughout your dog's coat whenever he/she does a lot of scratching.

Did you know that if a dog has a runny nose it could be nasal congestion and if the flow from the nostril is thick it's quite possible your dog could be suffering from Pneumonia. Most of the time your dog will have a simple case of nasal congestion but still needs treatment to solve the problem so he/she can feel better. After all, when your nose is stuffy don't you run to the drugstore and purchase the product that's going to make you feel better? It's the same for your dog, too.

These are just a few things most dog owners would normally view as trivial, but they could have serious repercussions if ignored. Always pay attention to your dog's stools. It isn't uncommon for dogs to get diarrhea every now and then, however, if it is on a continual basis it's possible that your dog may suffer from a bowel disorder. On the other hand, if you dog has had no bowel movements for several days he'll need to see a vet in order to rule out or discover any digestive problems.

One of the more serious health issues is Bloat. Veterinarians still don't know the cause of this fatal medical condition. The scientific name is Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, more commonly referred to as GDV. Bloat affects over thirty-six thousand dogs each year just within the United States. On average, thirty percent of the dogs afflicted with Bloat will die. You need to be aware of the signs of Bloat since early detection is critical to your dog's survival. Bloat can kill a dog within a few hours after the onset. This canine condition is a true medical emergency.

During the early stages your dog may appear uncomfortable, unable to lay down, pacing and often whining. The dog will usually attempt to vomit several times but will be unsuccessful. You'll want to examine his gums. Are they pale? Rapid breathing will occur due to increased heart rate. Your dog will exhibit signs of pain, weakness and/or anxiety.

The basic stages of this condition are the dog's stomach will first fill with gas, causing the stomach to appear swollen, particularly on his left side. It's not uncommon for the stomach to rotate. When this happens blood vessels start to close and this restricts the blood flow. The dog will usually go into shock at this point.

Bloat is very common is some breeds, usually the deeper chested dogs. The following are just a few of the more common breeds that are susceptible to Bloat: German Shepherd, Great Dane, Boxer, St. Bernard, Doberman Pinscher, Irish and Gordon Setters, Dachshund, Labrador Retriever and the Basset Hound. Ask your vet or do some research to find out if your dog is also on this same list.

Regardless of how your dog is acting, if it's not in their character and they don't "seem right" to you then call your vet, explain your dog's symptoms and ask if you should schedule an appointment. It's always better to be safe now rather than sorry later.

Learn more about this author, Bonnie Kotsch.
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