Important signs your dog may be sick

As a pup parent, you’ve probably often wondered how to tell if your dog is sick – they can’t always tell you, after all. In this guide, we’ll cover some of the most commonly asked questions by worried dog owners, and what different symptoms point towards.

What are the signs of serious illness in dogs?

• Collapsing or fainting

• Seizures

• Dull or depressed behaviour

• Uncontrollable vomiting

• Passing large amounts of bright red blood from the back passage

• Black or tarry stools

• Significant weight loss

• Non-weight-bearing lameness

• Profuse bleeding

• Unexplained bruising

• Not eating

This list does not include all possible symptoms, so if you’re worried your dog is seriously unwell for any reason, contact your vet. What are the signs of infection in dogs?

Infections in dogs can be the result of bacteria, viruses, parasites or even fungi. The signs vary dependent on which body system is affected, but may include:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Coughing

• Nasal discharge

• Changes in urination behaviour

• Changes in appetite

• Increased thirst

• Raised temperature

• Nasty smells (for example coming from the ears, skin or mouth)

If your vet suspects an infection, they may recommend further testing. This may include blood tests, imaging or taking samples to look for organisms to better understand the disease. Antibiotics are only needed for bacterial infections – they won’t help if a virus, parasite or fungus is the cause of the infection. Why is my dog shaking their head?

Head-shaking is a common reason for vet visits. Causes include ear infections and foreign bodies in the ear (such as grass seeds). If your dog keeps shaking their head, your vet will advise an ear examination using a special piece of kit called an otoscope. Ear disease can be incredibly painful, so your vet may recommend sedation or an anaesthetic to perform a proper examination without hurting your pup.

Why is my dog drooling excessively?

Everyone knows dogs can be slobbery, but what does it mean when your pup is drooling more than usual? Increased salivation is commonly seen in dogs when they are feeling nauseous, or if they have a foreign body stuck in their mouth.

Many conditions can cause your dog to feel sick and cause drooling. Your vet will likely perform a complete physical exam and recommend tests (such as blood tests or imaging) to get to the bottom of the problem.

Why is my dog licking their lips?

Lip-licking can be normal in dogs, but if you notice your dog is doing it more than usual, it can be another sign they’re feeling nauseous. It can also signify that your dog’s suffering from silent reflux. Lip-smacking is another sign that warrants further investigation.

Why is my dog drinking more than normal?

The average water intake for dogs is around 25-50ml per kilogram of bodyweight in every 24-hour period[1].

Your dog may drink more on hot days or if they’ve been exercising, but if you notice a consistent increase in their thirst, it’s usually a sign of a medical problem. There are many potential causes of increased thirst, so your vet will need to investigate the problem before they can give the right treatment.

Why is my dog weeing more than usual?

If your dog’s thirst and water intake changes, you may also notice changes in their urination behaviour – something your vet may also need to investigate further.

If your dog is having unwanted accidents in the house, your vet will usually recommend testing (including urine samples) to assess whether these accidents are a behavioural problem or related to a medical issue.

Why is my dog panting a lot?

Panting can be perfectly normal, especially in hot or excited dogs, as it’s how they cool themselves down. However, excessive panting can be a sign of conditions such as heatstroke, Cushing’s disease, heart or lung problems, pain or even anxiety.

Why is my dog coughing?

The occasional cough can be expected, but if you notice your dog is coughing frequently, this could be due to something serious like lung, heart or throat disease. Investigations into the problem may include blood tests or an X-ray of your dog’s chest.

Why does my dog have an upset tummy?

Vomiting and diarrhoea, or a combination of both, are common problems seen by vets[2]. There is a vast number of causes, ranging from dietary issues to cancers – so how do you know if an upset tummy is serious?

If your dog has been sick several times a day or has repeated sickness episodes, then further investigation by a vet is needed – especially if your dog has profuse diarrhoea, or fresh blood or anything black or tarry in their stool. If your dog seems unwell or miserable with their digestive upset, they may need vet treatment for dehydration.

Why is my dog eating less than normal?

Changes to your dog’s appetite can point to many different medical problems. If your dog eats noticeably less than usual, it may indicate they’re feeling poorly or experiencing pain. After a comprehensive examination, your vet will advise you on the next steps – often diagnostic testing or trialling treatment depending on your dog’s individual needs.

How can I tell if my dog is suffering?

How do you know if your dog is in pain? Dogs are very good at putting on a brave face (and a waggy tail) even when they feel unwell or in pain[3]. So, if you notice subtle changes in your dog’s behaviour or bodily functions, it’s always sensible to get your vet’s advice.

How do I keep my dog healthy?

There are lots of things you can do to keep your pup in tip-top health, including:

• Feeding them a complete and balanced diet tailored to their life stage

• Regular exercise to keep both their body and mind active

• Checking their body over from nose to tail at least once a week, but ideally daily

• Brushing their teeth daily

• Considering introducing probiotics into their diet

• Attending regular vet health checks

Final thoughts

Changes to your dog’s behaviour or new symptoms can be an early warning sign that they’re sick. As a pup parent, you know your dog better than anyone, so if you’re concerned or unsure you should contact your vet for advice. Remember, most medical conditions are quicker and easier to treat when they’re caught early.