As dog owners, our furry companions bring us endless joy, love, and adventure. But understanding their behaviour and health can sometimes feel like decoding a mystery. Over the past few months, we’ve learned this firsthand with our Belgian dog, Uhtred. His playful and adventurous nature hides a story of health challenges that have deepened my understanding of his needs and the importance of recognising the signs when something is wrong.
Here’s what we have learned, and we hope it helps you, too.
Why Dogs Get Stressed
Stress in dogs is often misunderstood, but it plays a significant role in their overall health. For Uhtred, stress was very much a hidden culprit behind several health challenges. One 
of the biggest triggers was not getting what he wanted — like playing with other dogs. Uhtred thrives on social interaction, and being unable to engage with other dogs due to his health caused him visible frustration and stress.
Stress manifests in various ways, including anxiety attacks. For Uhtred, being away from a family member, or being at the vet clinic often triggered anxiety. Velcro dogs like him tend to cling closely to their favourite person, and separation can be tough on them. This stress, combined with other factors, exacerbated his health issues, making it clear how closely linked emotions and physical health are for dogs.
Discovering Ehrlichia and Blood Parasites
Uhtred’s health journey took a serious turn when his platelet count dropped dangerously low. After several tests, he was diagnosed with a blood parasite and later tested positive for Ehrlichia. This condition, often caused by tick bites, can severely affect a dog’s immune system and lead to symptoms like fever, anaemia, and lethargy. In Uhtred’s case, anaemia became so severe that he required a blood transfusion. Nothing stops here; a few weeks after the blood transfusion, he suffered liver disease due to his medication. We had no choice but to stop his antibiotics and steroids. We focused on a proper diet and ensured he had enough probiotics to protect his stomach from bad bacteria.
We were diligent about monthly anti-tick and flea treatments and regular deworming. These small but consistent steps became crucial in supporting his recovery and preventing further complications.
It’s so heartbreaking to see your dog struggle, but knowing the signs and acting quickly can make a huge difference. Frequent trips to the vet and regular monitoring of his platelet count became a new normal for us. Unfortunately, we learnt the hard way in terms of how crucial it is to check for ticks and protect dogs from parasites.
Recognising Signs of Illness in Dogs
If only they could talk to us! Dogs can’t tell us when they’re feeling unwell, so it’s really up to us to notice the subtle signs. Uhtred’s symptoms included fever, a lack of appetite, and a sudden disinterest in playing — a clear red flag for such an active and playful dog. We also noticed discoloration on his skin, bumps on his body, and hair loss. At first, we suspected an allergic reaction to his food, but further investigation revealed that these were symptoms of his underlying health issues.
Another alarming sign was his dry mouth and itchy skin. These small changes in his appearance and behaviour were clues that something wasn’t right. As a fur parent, staying observant and proactive is essential. Keeping an eye on your dog’s skin, coat, and overall demeanour can help catch issues early.
What’s Normal vs. Alarming
Not every symptom requires a rush to the vet, but it’s vital to know what’s alarming and what’s not. For Uhtred, his lack of appetite and high fever were immediate causes for concern. On the other hand, occasional itchiness or minor changes in behaviour might not always indicate a severe issue but still warrant attention.
Here are some general guidelines:
• Alarming signs: High fever, sudden lethargy, severe vomiting, rapid weight loss, discoloured gums, or laboured breathing.
• Manageable signs: Mild itching, temporary loss of appetite (less than 24 hours), or slight behavioural changes.
When in doubt, always consult a vet. Uhtred’s journey taught us that it’s better to err on the side of caution!
Strengthening Your Bond Through Understanding
A key thing to note though, is your understanding of your dog’s unique personality and needs. Uhtred’s velcro tendencies meant being apart from us could quickly affect his emotional state. To ease his stress, we have created a calming environment at home and provided enrichment activities that don’t involve other dogs.
Understanding your dog’s emotional and physical needs isn’t just about preventing illness; it’s about building a deeper bond. By learning to recognise their signs and signals, we can better support their overall well-being.
Lessons Learned
Uhtred’s story is a reminder of how closely linked a dog’s emotional state and physical health are. Stress, illness, and even subtle changes in behaviour can have significant impacts, but with love, attention, and the right care, our furry companions can overcome even the toughest challenges.
As a fur parent, the journey can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. 
Uhtred’s resilience and spirit have taught us to keep learning and to share these lessons with others. The hope here is his story encourages you to pay closer attention to your own dog’s needs, and never hesitate to seek help when something feels wrong!
Dogs like Uhtred remind us of the unconditional love and loyalty our furry friends bring into our lives. By understanding their behaviour and recognizing their needs, we can ensure they live happy, healthy lives. Whether it’s checking for signs of illness, addressing stress triggers, or simply being there for them when they need us most, every effort makes a difference.
