How do you know when your dog is sick?

[Rachel]

Beside displaying the classic symptoms of being sick like acting lathargic and diarrhia how do you know if there is something wrong? or do you only go by those signs?

How do you tell if your dog is running a temp besides actually taking their temp. Sophie's ears get hot but they seem to be always hot...

Sometimes when we go for a walk she starts to sound congested like flem in her throat or something.. but this doesn't happen at any other time.  Is this something I should get check out?

Oh one more... Sophie's pee is like bright/ dark yellow or as Nick describes... darker then beer.  I don't think she's dehydrated she drinks water and gets lots of ice cubes.  Is this normal?

Since this is the first dog that we have owned by ourselves I'm just trying to get a feel for whats normal and whats not.  And if I should take her to the vet.  She doesn't act like there is anything bothering her. So anyways I was just hoping for some opinions and people's experiances.

[newflvr]

I think you'll start to just sort of trust your intuition.  Is he off his food a bit?  Are his eyes as bright and alert as always?  Is he quick to come to play as he usually is?  Those are things you just learn to  recognize.

[Kermit]

As for the peepee issue, I would say if it is brown or brownish red, I'd be concerned. (Darker than Budweiser? Or darker than a Guinness!!!) Also if she seems to have difficulty urinating or if it seems painful. And the coughing, could it be she's pulling on the leash?

Nigel usually feels pretty hot to the touch but it is normal for him and he is very healthy.

If her appetite is good, she's alert, and life is going as usual with no symptoms that last more than a few days, things are fine. Like newflvr said, you'll probably sense it if something is really wrong. And you know, a trip to the vet for a general health check might make you feel more at ease.

[Rachel]

Thanks for your responses.

I think we would have a real problem if it was darker then guiness    hehehe.  She's really good on the leash so its not the pulling.  I'll keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn't get worse.