QUESTION: How can I tell whether my dog is sick?

ANSWER: Keep in mind that animals will generally attempt to mask illness. So regular wellness visits to your veterinarian can help to ensure optimal health. Decreased or loss of appetite, lower energy or activity levels, hiding, vomiting or diarrhea, and blood in the urine or stool could mean illness. Symptoms that indicate an emergency include the inability to urinate; a bloated, hard abdomen; excessive vomiting or diarrhea; seizures; and inability to stand up.

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The Hawaiian Humane Society welcomes questions by e-mail, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Indicate “;Pet Ohana”; in the subject line. Or, write “;Pet Ohana,”; Hawaiian Humane Society, 2700 Waialae Ave., Honolulu 96826.