Are you a new dog parent, and worried if you dog is sick or not?
Dogs have an incredible ability to hide discomfort, a trait inherited from their wild ancestors to avoid appearing vulnerable to predators. As a result, it can be difficult for us as pet owners to know when something is wrong. But by staying alert and recognizing the subtle signs, you can catch potential health issues early, ensuring your dog gets the care they need. Whether it’s a sudden loss of appetite, a persistent cough, or unusual lethargy, these early warning signs can make all the difference.
Read further to explore the signs that your dog may be sick, ranging from changes in behavior to physical symptoms, and understand the underlying causes that might be at play.
How to Tell if Your Dog is Sick? 15 Common Signs
- Changes in Appetite
- Lethargy or Low Energy Levels
- Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea
- Excessive Thirst or Urination
- Unusual Bad Breath
- Coughing or Difficulty Breathing
- Weight Loss or Gain
- Skin Issues and Excessive Scratching
- Behavior Changes or Aggression
- Drooling or Difficulty Swallowing
- Pacing or Restlessness
- Limping or Difficulty Moving
- Changes in Coat or Fur Texture
- Shaking or Trembling
- Sudden Eye Changes
1. Changes in Appetite
A sudden loss of appetite, or a dramatic increase in appetite can signal underlying health issues. Dogs experiencing digestive disorders, infections, or liver disease may turn away from their meals due to nausea or discomfort. Conversely, if your dog’s hunger spikes unexpectedly, it might be due to conditions like diabetes or thyroid dysfunction, where metabolic changes lead to increased food intake. These shifts in appetite are among the first indications that your dog’s internal balance is off.
Read more: A Complete Guide: Essential Dog Nutrition to Keep Them Healthy
2. Lethargy or Low Energy Levels
Lethargy is one of the most common signs that your dog is sick. While a tired dog after a long walk is normal, persistent low energy levels can point to deeper health concerns. Chronic illnesses like heart disease, infections, or conditions like hypothyroidism—where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones—can sap your dog’s vitality. Low energy may also indicate pain from arthritis or other age-related conditions, especially in older dogs.
3. Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea
Digestive distress, whether in the form of vomiting or diarrhea, can arise from several causes. It might be a case of your dog eating something inappropriate, but it can also indicate infections, pancreatitis, or even more severe issues like gastrointestinal blockages. Chronic digestive upsets are often a symptom of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or food allergies, which affect how your dog’s body processes food, leading to recurrent digestive problems.
4. Excessive Thirst or Urination
If your dog is drinking and urinating more than usual, it could be a sign of diabetes, kidney disease, a urinary tract infection (UTI), or hormonal disorders like Cushing’s disease. These conditions impact your dog’s ability to process water and electrolytes, often resulting in increased thirst to compensate for fluid imbalances. In diabetes, for example, excess glucose in the blood pulls water into the kidneys, leading to urine frequently and dehydration as the body attempts to restore balance. UTIs can also cause your dog to drink and urinate more frequently due to irritation and inflammation of the urinary system.
5. Unusual Bad Breath
Bad breath is often more than a cosmetic issue. Foul-smelling breath is a classic indicator of dental disease, with plaque buildup or infections causing an odor. However, it can also be a warning sign for systemic issues like kidney disease, where failing kidneys struggle to filter toxins from the blood, producing a distinctive “urine-like” smell in your dog’s breath. Additionally, digestive disorders or diabetes can cause changes in breath odor.
6. Coughing or Difficulty Breathing
Frequent coughing can signal respiratory infections, heart disease, or even tracheal collapse, especially in smaller breeds. In some cases, it may indicate kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection common in dogs that have been in close contact with other animals, such as in kennels or dog parks. In older dogs, persistent coughing at night can indicate congestive heart failure, where fluid builds up in the lungs, making it harder for your dog to breathe comfortably. Allergies and environmental irritants can also cause coughing as the respiratory system tries to expel allergens or foreign particles.
7. Weight Loss or Gain
Unexplained weight changes are often a red flag for underlying health conditions. Weight loss can be an early sign of cancer, kidney disease, or diabetes, where the body struggles to maintain normal function. Weight gain, on the other hand, may indicate thyroid imbalances, where a sluggish metabolism causes weight to accumulate. Sudden weight changes can impact joint health and increase the risk of arthritis, especially in older dogs.
8. Skin Issues and Excessive Scratching
Persistent scratching, itching, or skin abnormalities could be due to allergies, parasites like fleas, or fungal infections. Allergies may be food-related or triggered by environmental factors like pollen. In some cases, skin conditions point to more serious issues, like autoimmune diseases, where the body’s immune system attacks its own cells, causing inflammation and itching. Dry, flaky, or red patches can indicate that something is wrong beneath the skin’s surface.
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9. Behavior Changes or Aggression
Sudden behavioral changes, including aggression or irritability, may signal pain or discomfort. Dogs experiencing arthritis or neurological issues often become more irritable as they try to cope with physical pain. Hormonal imbalances, particularly those affecting the adrenal glands, can also cause mood swings and restlessness. For aging dogs, cognitive decline can lead to confusion and anxiety, affecting their behavior toward familiar people and situations.
10. Drooling or Difficulty Swallowing
Excessive drooling or trouble swallowing can indicate dental disease, where infected teeth or gums cause discomfort and drooling. This may also suggest a foreign object lodged in the mouth or throat, an issue common in playful or curious dogs. In some cases, nausea or even poisoning can lead to unusual drooling as the body reacts to ingested toxins, triggering the salivary glands.
11. Pacing or Restlessness
If your dog is pacing or acting restless, it might be a sign your dog is in pain or discomfort that prevents them from settling down. Gastrointestinal distress, arthritis, or even anxiety-related issues can lead to pacing. In older dogs, cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), a condition similar to dementia in humans, can cause confusion and restlessness as they struggle to navigate familiar environments.
12. Limping or Difficulty Moving
Limping can result from injuries, arthritis, or ligament issues, and it’s particularly concerning if it persists or worsens. In some cases, a limp could indicate a more serious problem, such as bone cancer, which affects mobility and is often accompanied by localized swelling or sensitivity. Senior dogs are more prone to joint problems, with arthritis impacting their ability to move comfortably.
13. Changes in Coat or Fur Texture
A dog’s coat can be a reflection of their internal health. A dull, brittle coat often points to poor nutrition, infections, or hormonal imbalances like hypothyroidism. In such cases, insufficient hormone levels lead to changes in skin and coat quality, making fur more prone to dryness and breakage. Regular coat changes can also be influenced by seasonal shedding, but any drastic shift in texture or thickness might signal a health issue.
14. Shaking or Trembling
Occasional shivering due to a cold or fear is normal, but consistent shaking or trembling can indicate pain, poisoning, or neurological issues. For example, poisoning can cause muscle tremors, while neurological disorders impact muscle control. Dogs experiencing severe pain may tremble as they try to cope with discomfort, especially in cases of gastrointestinal distress or injuries.
15. Sudden Eye Changes
Eye changes such as redness, cloudiness, or excessive discharge often suggest infections, injuries, or glaucoma—a condition where pressure builds up in the eye. Red or inflamed eyes might indicate an allergic reaction, while cloudiness can be linked to cataracts or other age-related changes. Glaucoma, if untreated, can lead to vision loss, so early detection is vital for your dog’s visual health.
What to Do if My Dog is not Feeling Well?
If your puppy is showing signs of illness, here’s what you should do:
- Observe and Document Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your dog’s symptoms, noting any changes in behavior, appetite, energy levels, or physical condition. This information will be helpful when you consult with a veterinarian.
- Seek Veterinary Care: If you notice any concerning symptoms, it’s important to contact your veterinarian. They can assess your dog’s health and recommend an appropriate course of action. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen.
- Provide Comfort: Make sure your sick dog is comfortable by offering a quiet, calm environment. Provide easy access to fresh water, and encourage rest, but avoid forcing them to eat or drink if they don’t feel like it.
- Follow Veterinary Advice: Your vet may recommend treatment or diagnostic tests, such as blood work or imaging, depending on the symptoms. Be sure to follow their instructions carefully and give any prescribed medications as directed.
- Hydration: If your dog is showing signs of dehydration (such as dry gums, lethargy, or loss of skin elasticity), offer them water regularly. In more severe cases, your vet may administer fluids through an IV or under the skin.
- Monitor Progress: After the vet visit, continue to monitor your dog’s health. If symptoms persist or worsen, follow up with your vet for further evaluation.
Conclusion
Dogs can’t tell us when they are sick, but their bodies do. Recognizing these 15 signs and symptoms, as well as understanding the causes, can enable you to take proactive steps to preserve your dog’s health. If you see anything wrong with your dog, early intervention frequently results in more effective therapies. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away. Your diligent care may make a huge difference in your dog’s well-being, keeping them happy, healthy, and active for years to come.
