Pet Party Line is a column written by Beth Byrd and is featured weekly in The Citizen News, one of our local newspapers.

"SIGNS FOR A HEALTHY DOG"

Q. My dog is normally healthy and happy. Lately, she doesn’t seem to be herself. What should I lookout for?

A. To know your dog is to have a healthy dog. To know when your dog is getting sick is to know what she’s like when she’s healthy.

1. Watch how much she eats - a change in appetite could be a sign of illness.
2. Watch how much she drinks - a dog’s water intake normally fluctuates with the weather and how much exercise she’s getting; but a dramatic change can be a sign of serious problems.
3. Watch her bathroom habits. Take a quick look at your dog’s urine and stools - they can provide a lot of information in a hurry. Any change in their usual appearance may be a warning sign.
4. See your vet - an annual check up is always a good idea. Older dogs need to see the vet more often, usually two to three times a year.