How to know if your corgi puppy is sick? 

What to look out for and what you should 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.

What are the warning signs my corgi is sick?

When you notice any of the following, you need to seriously consider taking your corgi puppy to the 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.

What are false warning signs my corgi is sick?

When something seems like it may be a warning sign or cause for concern, it is important to take a closer look and evaluate the situation before jumping to conclusions.

In many cases, what may initially seem like a red flag may actually be perfectly normal or benign.

For example, if you notice that your dog is panting heavily on a hot day, this may seem like a cause for concern.

However, panting is a normal way for dogs to regulate their body temperature and cool down, so it is not necessarily a cause for alarm.

Here is a list of behaviours that may seem like warning signs of sickness, but are actually normal and not a cause of concern.
  • 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. 

That said, if your corgi is exhibiting these behaviours alongside other true signs your corgi may be sick, then it is certainly worth flagging with your veterinarian when you visit them.

What should I do if my corgi is sick?

It seems every couple of days, questions pop up on my 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.

How do I know 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.

Determining when to call a veterinarian can be a challenging task for pet owners. Corgis, like humans, can experience a wide range of symptoms and health issues, and not all of these are cause for concern.

If you notice any of the above signs in your pet, it's important to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
They will be able to provide advice and guidance based on your pet's specific situation, and can help determine the best course of action.

​Keep in mind that it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your pet's health, and it's better to call the veterinarian and find out that there's nothing wrong than to wait and potentially miss a serious health issue.

What do you do when your veterinarian can’t figure out what’s wrong with your corgi?

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. If your veterinarian is unable to diagnose what is wrong with your pet, there are a few steps you can take. These are outlined below.

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.

2. Ask about specialised tests

If your pet is experiencing symptoms that are concerning or unusual, it may be worth discussing with your veterinarian the possibility of undergoing specialised tests or treatments that may be able to provide more information.

These tests can help to identify the underlying cause of your pet's symptoms and provide your veterinarian with more information about your pet's health.

Specialised tests can range from simple blood tests to more complex imaging techniques such as X-rays or ultrasound.

Depending on the results of these tests, your veterinarian may be able to provide more targeted treatment options that can help your pet feel better and improve their overall health.

​It's important to remember that every pet is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Your veterinarian is the best person to consult with regarding the best course of action for your pet's specific situation.

3. 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. It is not uncommon for different veterinarians to have different areas of expertise, so a second opinion can be helpful in cases where a diagnosis is not clear.
​
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.

4. Talk to a specialist

If your pet's condition is not improving despite treatment from your regular veterinarian, it may be worth considering consulting with a veterinary specialist.

Veterinary specialists are veterinarians who have undergone additional training in a specific area of veterinary medicine. These specialists have extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with complex or rare medical conditions, and may be able to provide a different perspective on your pet's condition.

Consulting with a specialist can be especially helpful if your pet is experiencing symptoms that are difficult to diagnose or treat. Specialists may be able to offer more advanced diagnostic and treatment options that are not available at a general veterinary practice.

It's important to keep in mind that consulting with a specialist may require referral from your regular veterinarian and may involve additional costs.

​However, the added expertise and knowledge of a specialist can often be worth it in cases where your pet's condition is not improving.

Final thoughts on how to know if your corgi puppy is sick

​It's important to always keep an eye on your pet's health and behaviour, and to be aware of any changes that may indicate that they are not feeling well.

If you notice any of the warning signs in your corgi, it's important to seek out a veterinarian and speak with them. They will be able to provide professional advice and guidance based on your pet's specific situation.

Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your pet's health, and a veterinarian can provide valuable insight and advice.

People like you were also interested in...

How to Buy A Corgi: The Ultimate Guide to Everything you Need to Know​

Picking the right corgi for you is an important part of your journey to dog ownership. Here’s everything you need to know about this adorable breed.​