Not eating
:( Most times when dogs and other animals are ill they do not eat or drink. This will carry over for a short time after the obvious signs of illness pass (notice I said short, 1 or 2 days, no longer).
Keep your dog in a quiet, un-stressful place and make sure the he/she has a supply of water. When he/she begins to drink again, offer a little bland soft food to start with.
Watch for signs of dehydration. Raise the scruff (neck skin) and let go. If it falls back to the normal position rapidly, no dehydration, but if it returns slower, there is a problem (really slow is time for the vet to get an I.V. going). Also check the inside of the mouth and see how pink the gums are (does not work on Chows because of black mouth). The whiter the gums, the sicker the animal. If very white, rush to vet or emergency animal hospital.
Most dogs snap out of a short, un-life threaning illness by themselves, without needing a trip to the vet, but if you are unsure, take them to the vet. Better safe than sorry.
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