How to Know if Your Dog is Not Feeling Well

Dogs show illness through changes in appetite, energy, bathroom habits, breathing, and behavior. Key warning signs include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, excessive panting, loss of appetite, and unusual hiding or aggression.

What are the most obvious signs your dog feels unwell?

The most obvious indicators that your dog isn't feeling well typically involve dramatic changes from their normal behavior and physical state. A usually energetic dog becoming lethargic, or a food-loving pup suddenly refusing meals are clear red flags. Vomiting and diarrhea are immediate concerns, especially if they persist or contain blood. Difficulty breathing, excessive panting when not hot or active, and unusual postures like hunching or reluctance to move also signal distress. Your dog's eyes can tell a story too—dull, glazed, or bloodshot eyes often indicate illness. Remember that dogs instinctively hide pain and illness, so even subtle changes from your pet's normal patterns deserve attention.

What behavioral changes signal your dog might be sick?

Behavioral shifts often appear before physical symptoms become obvious. Dogs communicate distress through changes in their daily routines and interactions:

• Withdrawal from family activities or hiding in unusual places
• Increased aggression, snapping, or growling when normally gentle
• Excessive whining, panting, or vocalizing without apparent cause
• Changes in sleep patterns—sleeping much more or inability to rest
• Loss of interest in favorite toys, walks, or activities
• Unusual restlessness, pacing, or inability to get comfortable
• Seeking extra attention and comfort, or conversely, avoiding contact
• Changes in response to commands or house-training accidents in well-trained dogs

How do eating and drinking changes indicate illness?

Appetite and thirst changes are among the most reliable indicators of canine illness. A dog who suddenly stops eating or shows little interest in food may be experiencing nausea, dental pain, or internal discomfort. Conversely, dramatically increased appetite could signal metabolic disorders or medication side effects. Water consumption tells an equally important story—excessive drinking might indicate diabetes, kidney disease, or other serious conditions, while decreased water intake often accompanies fever or nausea. Pay attention to how your dog approaches food: difficulty chewing, dropping food, or eating only soft foods might suggest dental problems. Dogs who suddenly become picky about previously loved treats or change their eating posture may be compensating for pain or discomfort.

What physical symptoms require immediate attention?

• Difficulty breathing or labored panting
• Pale or blue-tinged gums and tongue
• Bloated or hard abdomen
• Repeated vomiting or dry heaving
• Blood in vomit, stool, or urine
• Inability to urinate or defecate
• Collapse, fainting, or loss of consciousness
• Severe lethargy or unresponsiveness
• High fever (over 103°F) or very low body temperature
• Seizures or tremors
• Eye injuries or sudden vision changes
• Signs of severe pain like constant whining or inability to move

When should subtle changes concern you?

Not all illness presents dramatically—subtle changes often indicate developing health issues that benefit from early intervention. A slight decrease in enthusiasm for walks, minor changes in bathroom habits, or small shifts in social behavior can precede more serious symptoms. Trust your instincts as a pet owner; you know your dog's personality and routines better than anyone. If something feels 'off' but you can't pinpoint exactly what, monitor your pet closely for 24-48 hours while documenting any observations. Gradual weight loss, slight changes in coat texture, minor differences in mobility, or altered breathing patterns during rest all warrant professional evaluation. Senior dogs especially benefit from attention to subtle changes, as age-related conditions often develop slowly. Remember that early detection typically means better treatment outcomes and lower veterinary costs.

How should you monitor a sick dog at home?

Proper monitoring helps you provide accurate information to your veterinarian and track your dog's condition:

1. Take your dog's temperature rectally using a digital thermometer (normal range: 101-102.5°F)
2. Count breathing rate while your dog is resting (normal: 10-30 breaths per minute)
3. Check gum color by pressing gently—they should return to pink within 2 seconds
4. Monitor food and water intake, noting specific amounts if possible
5. Document bathroom habits, including frequency, consistency, and any unusual characteristics
6. Record activity levels and note any changes in mobility or comfort
7. Keep a written log with times and observations to share with your veterinarian

What age-related factors affect illness recognition?

Puppies and senior dogs require special attention when assessing illness, as their symptoms and needs differ from healthy adult dogs. Puppies dehydrate quickly and can develop dangerous blood sugar drops, making rapid veterinary care essential for any concerning symptoms. Their immune systems are still developing, leaving them vulnerable to infections and parasites. Senior dogs often develop chronic conditions that mask acute illness symptoms, and they may not show typical signs of pain due to arthritis medications or age-related changes. Older dogs also recover more slowly and may need supportive care during illness. Breed-specific health concerns play a role too—brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs may show breathing difficulties more readily, while deep-chested breeds face higher risks of bloat. Understanding your dog's life stage and breed characteristics helps you recognize when symptoms deviate from normal age-related changes.

The key to helping sick dogs is recognizing that they're masters at hiding discomfort. As pack animals, they instinctively avoid showing weakness. This means that by the time symptoms are obvious to us, they may have been feeling unwell for some time.

Dr. Jennifer Martinez, DVM, Small Animal Internal Medicine Specialist

How do you prepare for emergency veterinary visits?

Preparation makes emergency veterinary visits more effective and less stressful for both you and your dog. Keep a written record of your dog's normal vital signs, weight, eating habits, and behavior patterns for comparison during illness. Maintain a current list of medications, supplements, and recent vaccinations in your phone or a easily accessible document. Take photos or videos of concerning symptoms if possible—this helps veterinarians assess conditions that might not be present during examination. Prepare a small bag with familiar comfort items like a favorite blanket or toy, as well as any recent stool samples if digestive issues are involved. Having your veterinarian's after-hours contact information and the nearest emergency clinic details readily available saves precious time during crises. Consider pet insurance or establish an emergency fund, as unexpected veterinary costs can be substantial and shouldn't delay necessary care.