How to Know if Your Corgi Puppy is Sick (and What to Do!)
As a responsible corgi owner, the most important thing you need to do is make sure your dog stays fit and healthy.
When you're grooming your dog, or even playing with them each day, you should be vigilant in making sure you're looking for changes and problems. But sometimes things don’t go to plan, and even with your best efforts, you corgi can end up sick.
Here’s a quick guide on how to know if your corgi puppy is sick, and what to do next to get them well again.
When you're grooming your dog, or even playing with them each day, you should be vigilant in making sure you're looking for changes and problems. But sometimes things don’t go to plan, and even with your best efforts, you corgi can end up sick.
Here’s a quick guide on how to know if your corgi puppy is sick, and what to do next to get them well again.
What to do if you corgi is sick
It seems every couple of days, questions pop up on our Facebook and Instagram from people who have sick pets!
It can be hard to know what to do! It’s very hard to diagnose the problem and the solution over the web, no matter how trained or qualified you are.
For this reason, it is critical that if your dog is suffering, that you speak to a licenced professional in your area. This is usually your local vet – and the sooner you can do it, the better.
This is even more critical when you’re dealing with a corgi puppy. As a young dog, they are more prone to sickness and illness.
It can be hard to know what to do! It’s very hard to diagnose the problem and the solution over the web, no matter how trained or qualified you are.
For this reason, it is critical that if your dog is suffering, that you speak to a licenced professional in your area. This is usually your local vet – and the sooner you can do it, the better.
This is even more critical when you’re dealing with a corgi puppy. As a young dog, they are more prone to sickness and illness.
When to call the vet
Most owners know that calling a vet is the best option. But the difficult thing is to know when to call the vet. How do you know if it’s something serious, or if the problem is going to pass?
The challenge is knowing what is normal, and what is abnormal. Let’s take a look at some of these issues.
The challenge is knowing what is normal, and what is abnormal. Let’s take a look at some of these issues.
What’s expected for corgi puppies
These things may seem like warning signs, but they are actually fine, and not a cause of concern.
The list includes:
These are all signs which, while useful to monitor, do not necessarily point to something being wrong with your dog.
The list includes:
- They are peeing often (every hour or more) during the day.
- They are sleeping very heavily at night, but are active during the day.
- They are eating a lot, and pooing multiple times a day.
- They need to get up in the night (sometimes more than once) to pee or poo.
- They have an upset stomach, and this is evident in their poo, but it does not last long.
- They bite (nip) hard while playing, and may growl loudly.
These are all signs which, while useful to monitor, do not necessarily point to something being wrong with your dog.
Actual warning signs in corgi puppies
When you notice any of the following, you need to seriously consider taking your corgi puppy to the vet.
This list includes:
The most important thing you can do is take action: contact your vet.
This list includes:
- They seem bored or lack enthusiasm to do anything.
- They refuse (or can’t) eat their food.
- They have wet poos or ongoing diarrhoea.
- They vomit more than twice a week (or more than once in two days).
- They swallow something they shouldn’t
- They have tears in their eyes or cry for no clear reason.
- They are breathing more heavily than usual
- They seem unsteady on their feet, have a limp, or are dragging a paw.
- They are discharging from their body.
- They have a fall or a rough tumble.
- They have a cut on their body that is not healing or looks infected.
The most important thing you can do is take action: contact your vet.
My vet won’t help me
When you get your corgi, it is important to set up a good relationship with your vet. However, this doesn’t mean they are always going to get it right.
Sometimes, you may need to take additional steps to get the right treatment, diagnosis, or prescription.
Here are the steps to take if your corgi is still sick.
Sometimes, you may need to take additional steps to get the right treatment, diagnosis, or prescription.
Here are the steps to take if your corgi is still sick.
1. Go back to your vet and ask again
Most vets get into the business because they are animal lovers – and they want the best for all the pets they see.
If you’re vet has brushed off your issue, or not clearly explained the course of action they are suggesting, you are well within your rights to question it, and go back.
You need clear information in case you need to pass it on to another medical professional, and to collect any medicines.
After seeing your vet, you’ll often have a whole bunch of questions that won’t come to you until 11pm when you’re tucked up in bed. If this happens to you, write them all down and give you vet a call when they’re available.
Many vets are happy to field calls, provided you’ve built a good relationship with them.
If you’re vet has brushed off your issue, or not clearly explained the course of action they are suggesting, you are well within your rights to question it, and go back.
You need clear information in case you need to pass it on to another medical professional, and to collect any medicines.
After seeing your vet, you’ll often have a whole bunch of questions that won’t come to you until 11pm when you’re tucked up in bed. If this happens to you, write them all down and give you vet a call when they’re available.
Many vets are happy to field calls, provided you’ve built a good relationship with them.
2. Get a second opinion from another vet
Even when the science is settled, diagnosis can be a tricky beast. And vets aren’t always going to get it right 100% of the time.
And like finding the right psychologist or doctor, you need to do the same with your vet. Because having a good relationship is very important.
If you don’t connect with your vet, or they aren’t good at explaining things, there is no harm in getting a second opinion. Likewise, if you don’t agree with the diagnosis or the prescription.
However, do keep in mind that they are the expert, and it is still possible that they are right – and if your second opinion confirms this, even better.
And like finding the right psychologist or doctor, you need to do the same with your vet. Because having a good relationship is very important.
If you don’t connect with your vet, or they aren’t good at explaining things, there is no harm in getting a second opinion. Likewise, if you don’t agree with the diagnosis or the prescription.
However, do keep in mind that they are the expert, and it is still possible that they are right – and if your second opinion confirms this, even better.
Final Thoughts on How to Know if Your Corgi Puppy is Sick
These are some of the things to look out for if your corgi seems sick. Above all, we recommend seeking out a vet and speaking with them (nothing here is professional advice, or outranks what they can tell you!).
