After a long day of work dealing with unhappy clients and rude customers, sometimes all you want to come back to is your best friend. We all adore our furry friends and want to see them wagging their tails joyfully. But what happens when our pups start feeling under the weather and exhibit signs of nausea?
Like us, dogs can experience sickness too, and it is essential to recognize the symptoms to ensure their well-being. We know just how much our pets can mean to people. Thus, when they get sick, we know you feel the pain as if you are enduring it yourself.
This means that it is important to understand the symptoms of dog nausea to help you get your pup the timely help that they may need! While we have many tips and tricks for you, it is also important to remember that we do not have all the answers. Thankfully, professional animal urgent care can offer personalized and specific help.
In any case, read on to know the warning signs and help your furry friend.
Dog Heat Stroke Symptom #1: Excessive drool
While some may find the drool entertaining, this is a sign of nausea. While some breeds naturally drool more than others, sudden and persistent drooling can indicate an upset tummy. Watch for thick, sticky saliva or drool pools around your dog. Just like humans, excessive drooling can result from the glands in your mouth responding to signals from your body saying something is wrong!
Dog Heat Stroke Symptom #2: Loss of appetite
If your dog is anything like mine, he loves food— he is a foodie. As such, one of the most obvious signs that there may be something wrong is a sudden loss of appetite. If your usually food-loving pup turns its nose up at mealtime or only picks at its food, it might indicate an upset stomach.
While it’s normal for dogs to have occasional fluctuations in appetite, a prolonged lack of interest in food should be cause for concern.
Dog Heat Stroke Symptom #3: Unexplained weight loss
Has your furry friend been shedding pounds unexpectedly? We understand that this sign of nausea may be harder to monitor, especially if you have a larger dog you dislike picking up. However, it indicates that more brooding is underneath the surface. This is where the annual check-ins and overall monitoring of their diet and exercise come in.
Chronic nausea can lead to decreased appetite and weight loss in dogs. While weight loss alone may not necessarily indicate nausea, it can be a red flag when coupled with other signs, such as vomiting or loss of appetite.
Dog Heat Stroke Symptom #4: Lethargy and increased sleep
If your usually energetic pup seems uninterested in playtime or exhibits excessive sleepiness, alarm bells may go off in your head. Our dogs are known to be energetic, bringing light to our lives, but lethargy often accompanies an upset stomach, as dogs conserve energy to cope with their discomfort.
You might notice your dog napping more frequently or lacking enthusiasm for their favourite activities. Personally, this just breaks my heart a little. While it is normal for dogs to have lazy days, persistent lethargy or a significant change in sleep patterns should be investigated further.
Dog Heat Stroke Symptom #5: Excessive swallowing or licking of their lips
This is a sign that not many are aware of— indeed, excessive swallowing or licking of lips can mean that your poor pup has nausea. Dogs often use lip-licking as a way to calm themselves when they are feeling uneasy. If you see them doing it more often than usual or combined with other symptoms, it is time to put your investigative cap on and do some digging.
Excessive swallowing, lip licking, or smacking their lips may be their way of alleviating stomach discomfort. Pay close attention to their behaviour and seek veterinary advice if they do not stop!
Dog Heat Stroke Symptom #6: Vomiting and dry heaving
If you are nauseous, it makes sense that vomiting is the next action in the natural order. If your pup is throwing up or retching without producing anything, keep an eye out on their behaviour and the rest of the symptoms in this list. Keep track of the frequency and consistency of the vomit, as this information can be helpful for your vet’s diagnosis.
Vomiting can occur for various reasons, including issues within the stomach and intestines and ingesting something indigestible. Call the veterinarian if your dog is experiencing frequent bouts of vomiting, especially accompanied by other signs of nausea.
Dog Heat Stroke Symptom #7: Diarrhea and soft stool
Like vomiting, diarrhea can be the next in succession when a pup is nauseous. Notice if your dog has any changes in their bowel movements, including increased frequency or loose, watery stools. Diarrhea is the body’s way of trying to flush out unwanted substances or irritants. You know what to do if diarrhea persists for over a day or two.
