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If your usually happy pup suddenly isn’t acting like themself, you’re not alone in wondering how to tell if your dog is sick. Dogs are experts at masking discomfort, which means even small changes can be meaningful. At 10 West Bird & Animal Hospital in San Antonio, TX, we help pet owners sort through the confusing mix of dog illness symptoms so they know what’s normal and what’s worth a closer look.

Below are some of the most common signs your dog is sick, along with guidance on when to take your dog to the vet.

If your dog has ever snacked on socks, swallowed stones, or munched on mulch, you may have wondered, why on earth does he do that? While occasional culinary curiosity is normal canine behavior, regularly eating non-food items can be a sign of a condition called pica, a potentially dangerous habit that deserves a closer look.

When you think about your dog’s health, you probably focus on the obvious things—shiny fur, wagging tail, maybe even those zoomies around the living room. But did you know that some of the most important health indicators are hidden deep inside your pup’s digestive tract? At Ten West Bird & Animal Hospital, we believe gut health can be as important as vaccines and vet visits. Let’s take a closer look at the gut microbiome in dogs and why it matters for your pet’s overall well-being.