Signs of Illness & Chi Imbalance

What to look for:


1. Energy. A Chi imbalance will look like a lack of vitality and a loss of interest in play, an apathy for new situations and people. A dog should be engaged in their daily routines. If you become aware of flagging interest in what used to make your dog happy,
Schedule a check-up with your vet.

2. Breath. Yeah, a dogs' breath is not always pleasant. That's a given, having said that, it should not smell like rotting garbage or sulfur. Many diseases cause stomach ailments which will cause the "normal" smell to change from just "doggie breath" to
"ughh...that's foul!" Respiratory problems can also be heard as well as smelt. Panting is normal after exercise, but heavy breathing/wheezing at rest is not.

3. Appetite. An animal should always be eager to have his meal. Any changes toward his mealtime is a good indication that your pet could be having intestinal troubles.

4. Weight. This goes along with Appetite. However, a dog could be eating normally, but showing signs of weight loss. Know your dogs healthy weight. Any fluctuations either loss/gain should be checked out.

5. Elimination. Monitor your pets bathroom habits. Know what looks normal for him, both in stance and product at his potty time. Any straining or whining at elimination is not normal. Stools should be soft but hold together. Change in dog food and medications can cause occasional diarrhea. Continual soft, runny or very foul smelling stools is a sign of something else.

6. Eyes. Lastly, the eyes are another tool I use in assessing the health of an animal. The eyes should be alert, clear and bright. Watery, cloudy or red eyes could reveal an underling problem that should be investigated.
Use your eyes to check your pets. We look at them so often, but REALLY look at them for the purpose of checking for illness or disease. Be aware of changes, even very subtle ones. Scheduling check ups is a great way to practice preventive care. Seemingly little changes can be an indicator that bigger issues are brewing.