Dog symptoms
Noticed your dog behaving differently? Find the sign and read what can cause it, what else to watch for and when to see a vet.
This information is for guidance. A symptom on its own does not confirm a diagnosis, and this site is not a substitute for seeing a vet.
Most looked-up signs
- Dog diarrhoea Diarrhoea means the stools have become looser, or that your dog is passing them more often. Most often it is a short-lived reaction to a change of food or something picked up outdoors, and it settles on its own. Diarrhoea that lasts more than a day, keeps coming back, or comes with lethargy and vomiting is a reason to see a vet.
- Dog drinking and urinating more Increased thirst and more frequent urination nearly always travel together, because a body losing more fluid drives the dog to drink more. On a hot day or after exercise this is normal, but a lasting change with no obvious reason is one of the most important signs there is to bring to a vet.
- Dog limping Limping means your dog is protecting one leg and shifting weight onto the others. The reason can be simple, such as a stone wedged in a paw or a pulled muscle, but it can also sit in a joint, a ligament or the spine. If your dog will not put the leg down at all, or limps for more than a day, it needs examining.
Show more signs (4)
- Dog not eating One skipped meal means little on its own, particularly on a hot day, after a vaccination or when surroundings have changed. A dog that has not eaten for a day or more, or that eats but clearly without enthusiasm, is telling you something. A lost appetite is one of the most general signs of feeling unwell, so what matters most is what goes with it.
- Dog scratching Scratching itself is normal; constant itching is not. If your dog scratches every day, chews the skin until it is sore, sleeps worse, or you can see redness and bald patches, the cause is worth finding. Fleas are only one possibility, and not finding any does not explain the itch away.
- Dog vomiting Vomiting is the active expulsion of the stomach's contents, and it is a sign rather than an illness of its own. A single episode after a hurried meal or a mouthful of grass may mean very little, but vomiting that repeats, vomiting alongside lethargy, or vomiting in a dog that can no longer keep water down is a reason to see a vet.
- Dog vomiting yellow bile Yellow vomit usually means bile, the fluid made in the liver that passes into the small intestine to help digestion. When a dog vomits on an empty stomach, bile can wash back and come up as yellow foam. A single yellow vomit early in the morning most often just marks a long gap between meals, but if it keeps happening it is worth looking for the reason.
Digestion
- Dog bloody diarrhoea Blood in the stools is always a reason to contact a vet the same day. Bright red blood, or mucus streaked with blood, points at the lower gut; black, tarry stools point at bleeding higher up the digestive tract. When there is a lot of blood, or the dog is also flat, it is an emergency.
- Dog can't poo If your dog squats for a long time and strains but passes nothing, or only small hard dry pieces, this may be constipation. A single hard day is not a worry, but if it repeats, or your dog cries out in pain, it is a reason to see a vet.
- Dog diarrhoea Diarrhoea means the stools have become looser, or that your dog is passing them more often. Most often it is a short-lived reaction to a change of food or something picked up outdoors, and it settles on its own. Diarrhoea that lasts more than a day, keeps coming back, or comes with lethargy and vomiting is a reason to see a vet.
- Dog eating faeces Eating faeces is not rare in dogs, though owners find it very unpleasant. It can be a behavioural habit, but sometimes it suggests your dog is not getting enough from its food or has a digestive problem, so it is worth talking to a vet.
- Dog eating grass Many dogs eat grass now and then and stay perfectly well, so grass-eating on its own is not an illness. It is worth seeing a vet if your dog suddenly eats a lot of grass, eats it greedily, vomits as well, goes off its food or looks unwell.
- Dog not eating One skipped meal means little on its own, particularly on a hot day, after a vaccination or when surroundings have changed. A dog that has not eaten for a day or more, or that eats but clearly without enthusiasm, is telling you something. A lost appetite is one of the most general signs of feeling unwell, so what matters most is what goes with it.
- Dog passing a lot of gas All dogs pass a little gas, but if there is unusually much of it, if it smells very strong or if stools, appetite or weight changed alongside, it is worth talking to a vet. Gas itself is not dangerous, but it can point to a digestive problem.
- Dog regurgitating undigested food Regurgitation is undigested food or fluid falling back out with no effort, usually soon after eating. It differs from vomiting and points to a different part of the swallowing or digestive tract. If it keeps happening, see a vet, because regurgitated food can also put the airways at risk.
- Dog scooting its bottom along the floor A dog dragging its bottom along the floor or grass is telling you that the area around the anus itches, hurts or is uncomfortable. It is a common sign, but it is worth showing to a vet, especially if it keeps happening, your dog licks or chews at the base of the tail, or the skin is red or there is blood.
- Dog suddenly eating a lot Some dogs always love their food, so a change in appetite matters when your dog suddenly seems unusually hungry or eats far more than before. If it lasts for several days or longer, especially alongside other changes, it is worth talking to a vet.
- Dog vomiting Vomiting is the active expulsion of the stomach's contents, and it is a sign rather than an illness of its own. A single episode after a hurried meal or a mouthful of grass may mean very little, but vomiting that repeats, vomiting alongside lethargy, or vomiting in a dog that can no longer keep water down is a reason to see a vet.
- Dog vomiting blood Blood in vomit can look like bright red streaks, a pink tinge, or dark grains resembling coffee grounds. In every case it means there is damage or bleeding somewhere in the digestive tract, so it should be taken seriously and shown to a vet as soon as possible.
- Dog vomiting white foam White foam in the vomit usually means the stomach is close to empty and the dog is bringing up saliva and stomach fluid. A single episode on an empty stomach says little, but repeated foamy vomiting, and above all unproductive retching with a swollen belly, is a reason to see a vet.
- Dog vomiting yellow bile Yellow vomit usually means bile, the fluid made in the liver that passes into the small intestine to help digestion. When a dog vomits on an empty stomach, bile can wash back and come up as yellow foam. A single yellow vomit early in the morning most often just marks a long gap between meals, but if it keeps happening it is worth looking for the reason.
- Dog with a bloated belly A belly that swells suddenly and feels hard, especially with unproductive retching, drooling and restlessness, is an emergency: go to a vet straight away. A belly that grows slowly is also never normal and needs to be looked at.
- Dog with a painful belly when touched When a dog shies away, growls or tightens its belly as you stroke it, it is often trying to say it hurts. Belly pain has a very long list of possible causes and is hard to judge at home, so it is worth showing to a vet.
- Dog with black stool Black, tar-like and strongly smelling stool can mean blood has entered the digestive tract higher up, in the stomach or small bowel, and has already been digested. That differs from stool that is merely dark brown, so the colour and consistency are worth judging carefully.
- Dog with worms in its stool White threads, rice-like pieces or moving worms in the stool show your dog may have intestinal parasites. This is a fairly familiar sight, but the type of parasite and what to do about it must be decided by a vet.
- Dog's stomach gurgling Belly gurgling is the sound of gas and fluid moving through the gut. Now and then it is entirely normal, especially before or after a meal. If it is constant, loud and goes with diarrhoea, vomiting, gas or changes in appetite, it is worth seeing a vet.
- Mucus in dog's stool A little mucus in the stool can be seen, because the lining of the gut makes some naturally. But if there is a lot, if it keeps coming back, or if it appears together with diarrhoea, blood or lethargy, it is worth seeing a vet.
Skin and coat
- Dog chewing its tail A dog that keeps chewing, licking or biting its tail is usually trying to ease an itch or pain. The causes range from fleas to pain, so it is worth noticing which part of the tail bothers it.
- Dog licking its paws A brief lick of the paws after a walk is ordinary grooming. Constant licking that turns the hair between the toes red or brown, leaves the skin damp and brings a smell with it is a sign. Behind it usually sits itching, pain or tension, and what tells those apart is what else you can see.
- Dog losing hair Seasonal moulting is normal, and dogs shed heavily in spring and autumn. Bald patches, thinning over particular parts of the body, or hair loss alongside changes in the skin are a different matter. The cause then usually lies in the skin or in the hormones rather than in moulting.
- Dog rubbing its face A dog that keeps rubbing its muzzle on the carpet, the sofa or your leg is trying to ease an itch or pain in the face. The cause can lie in the skin, mouth, nose, eyes or ears, so rubbing that goes on is worth showing to a vet.
- Dog scratching Scratching itself is normal; constant itching is not. If your dog scratches every day, chews the skin until it is sore, sleeps worse, or you can see redness and bald patches, the cause is worth finding. Fleas are only one possibility, and not finding any does not explain the itch away.
- Dog smells bad A dog has its own characteristic smell, but when it suddenly gets stronger, changes, or turns sour, rotten or yeasty, it often means something is wrong with the skin, ears, teeth or elsewhere. The point is to work out where the smell is coming from.
- Dog whose nose or lips are losing colour A dog's nose or lips can gradually lighten, fade or lose their dark pigment and turn pink or white. Sometimes this is linked to age or the season, and sometimes it shows inflammation or another disease. A colour change is worth showing to a vet.
- Dog whose skin is turning darker In some dogs the skin darkens: the skin of the belly, groin, flanks or bald areas turns grey, brown or almost black, and sometimes thickens too. It is not a disease in itself, but it shows that the skin has been irritated for a long time or that its condition has changed. A vet needs to find the cause.
- Dog with a broken nail A nail can crack, snap or be torn, and where it breaks it often hurts and bleeds. Even if your dog seems fine, a broken or torn nail is worth showing to a vet.
- Dog with a dry, cracked nose The skin of a dog's nose can turn dry, thicken, crack or change colour. A briefly dry nose after a nap is normal, but a nose that stays dry, cracked, crusted or altered is a reason for a vet to take a look.
- Dog with a dull, dry coat A healthy dog's coat usually has a sheen and is elastic and soft for its type. When it turns dull, dry, coarse, woolly or begins to break, it may be a signal from the skin or from the whole body. A vet needs to find the cause.
- Dog with a lump under the skin Many owners find a lump under the skin while stroking their dog. It is impossible to tell by feel whether a lump is harmless, so every new lump is worth showing to a vet to be examined.
- Dog with a pit or cord under the skin on its back A small pit in the skin with a tuft of hair, a cord or lump felt under the skin along the middle of the back are signs a vet should examine. It is often a feature present since birth, but it cannot be judged from looks alone.
- Dog with a sore that will not heal A small wound or ulcer that does not close within a few weeks, keeps reopening or even grows is a sign that something more than a simple scratch is keeping it going. A vet has to find the cause.
- Dog with a swollen or hot wound When a wound or the place where a procedure was done swells, reddens, turns hot or starts to hurt more than in the first days, it is a sign that something more than ordinary healing is going on in it. A vet has to find the cause.
- Dog with a tick attached A tick that has attached to a dog's skin looks like a small dark or greyish bead stuck at the base of the coat. The important things are to notice it, write down where and when, and call a vet, especially if your dog afterwards stops seeming like themselves.
- Dog with a weeping sore A wet, red, painful, sometimes pus-filled patch of skin that your dog licks or chews can appear within hours. Such a sore is worth showing to a vet, because infection or the cause that started it may lie beneath.
- Dog with cracked paw pads Paw pads should be tough but flexible. If they are dry, cracked, thickened, crusted, or your dog is limping because of them, the cause is worth finding rather than hoping it passes on its own.
- Dog with crusts and sores on the skin Crusts, sores and ulcerated skin on a dog's nose, muzzle, ears, joints, legs or elsewhere are a change that should not be ignored. They may come from infection, an immune system disorder, an inherited skin disease or other causes. A vet needs to find out what is behind them.
- Dog with dandruff Pale flakes in the coat and on the skin may simply mean dry skin, but they can also point to something deeper. It is worth noticing whether the dandruff comes with itching, thinning coat, redness or a bad smell.
- Dog with greasy or damp skin Oily, sticky or damp skin, greasy build-up in the coat and a strong smell are signs that the skin is not healthy. They often appear with infection, though the infection usually settles onto another underlying cause. A vet needs to find it.
- Dog with pimples and pustules on the skin Small red bumps, pimples or pustules on a dog's belly, back, chin or elsewhere show that the skin is inflamed, and often come with crusts or scratching. A vet needs to find the cause, whether it is infection, mites or something else.
- Dog with red skin Red skin is one of the most common things an owner sees when looking at a dog. It may be on the belly, in the armpits, between the toes or anywhere else, and sometimes flaking is visible as well. The redness alone does not give the cause, so a vet needs to find it.
- Dog with red skin on its belly The belly skin is thin and not covered by thick fur, so redness shows up there first. It can point to irritation, allergy, infection or parasites, and often your dog scratches or licks at it too.
- Dog with sores on its paws and toes Scraped or open spots on the paw pads and between the toes, red and swollen toes or small pustules are a sign that something is wrong with the paws. A vet has to find out why.
- Fleas on a dog Fleas are small, dark, very quick and slip out of sight in the coat, so they are often noticed only by the traces they leave. If your dog scratches, chews at the back near the base of the tail, or you can see black specks in the coat, it is worth checking for fleas.
Breathing
- Dog blue tongue A blue or purple tongue and gums mean the blood is short of oxygen, and this is an emergency sign. If the blue colour appeared for the first time or alongside breathing difficulty, go immediately.
- Dog breathing fast while asleep A sleeping dog's breathing is normally calm and even. If it is persistently quick, or the sides or belly can be seen working, a vet wants to know about it, because it can be an early sign of a heart or lung problem.
- Dog changed bark If your dog's bark has turned hoarse, quieter, rougher or has gone altogether, it can point to a change in the voice box or airways. Sometimes the cause is simple, such as a tired voice after a lot of barking, but when the change lasts longer it is worth seeing your vet.
- Dog coughing A cough is how the airways push out what should not be in them, and it can come from the throat, the windpipe, the bronchi, the lungs or from the heart's side of things. The odd cough after a drink or a pull on the lead means nothing, but a cough that happens daily or at night always deserves assessing.
- Dog having difficulty breathing Laboured breathing is one of the few signs that should never be watched at home. If your dog is breathing with effort at rest, breathing noisily, the gums or tongue look blue, or your dog sits with the neck stretched out and cannot lie down, this is an emergency. Go to a vet straight away.
- Dog panting at rest Dogs pant to cool down, so panting after a run or on a hot day is normal. When your dog pants while lying calmly in a cool room or at night, it is worth assessing, because pain, anxiety or a problem with an internal organ can be behind it.
- Dog panting hard after light exercise A dog that pants loudly and takes a long time to settle after a short run or a small walk may have disturbed breathing or less stamina than before. The difference between normal and excessive panting matters, so it is worth noticing and showing to a vet.
- Dog runny nose A wet, cool nose is normal in a dog, but discharge that shows up as runny liquid, thick mucus or blood suggests something is going on in the airways. What matters most is the colour of the discharge, how much there is and which nostril it comes from.
- Dog seems to be choking When a dog coughs, gags or stretches its neck as if something is stuck in the throat, it can be real choking, or an airway or throat problem that only looks like it. The key is to quickly tell whether your dog is breathing freely.
- Dog sneezing A sneeze is the nose's way of clearing an irritant, so a few sneezes during play or after sniffing grass are normal. It deserves attention when it repeats day after day, comes with nasal discharge or blood, or your dog keeps rubbing the nose with a paw.
- Dog snoring Snoring happens when air struggles to pass through the nose or throat. For some dogs, especially short-nosed ones, it is routine, but new or worsening snoring, especially while awake, is a reason to find out why.
Movement
- Dog avoiding stairs If a dog that used to run up the stairs now hesitates, picks its way carefully or refuses altogether, it can be an early sign of pain or a joint problem. Reluctance to climb and reluctance to go down usually point to different things, so it is worth noting which one is harder.
- Dog bunny-hopping When a dog pushes both hind legs together as it runs, hopping like a rabbit, it may point to a problem with the hips, back or muscles. Film it and show it to your vet.
- Dog dragging hind legs When a dog drags its hind legs, the toes or claws scrape along the ground and the feet do not always land as they should. It means the legs are not receiving or not sensing nerve signals properly, and it always deserves a vet's examination, and urgent help if it began suddenly.
- Dog holding a leg out to the side When a dog sits with one leg stuck out to the side, or stands with an elbow held away from the body, it is often trying to ease pain or discomfort in a joint. It is an unusual posture and worth showing to a vet.
- Dog holding its head low When a dog keeps its head lower than usual, is reluctant to lift it or looks at the ground, it may be neck pain or muscle weakness. Note the change and show it to your vet.
- Dog holding its tail down If a dog that usually carries its tail up or wagging suddenly holds it down, hanging limp or clamped against the body, it can mean pain, a muscle injury or anxiety. It is worth noting whether the tail does not move at all or the dog is simply hiding it.
- Dog limping Limping means your dog is protecting one leg and shifting weight onto the others. The reason can be simple, such as a stone wedged in a paw or a pulled muscle, but it can also sit in a joint, a ligament or the spine. If your dog will not put the leg down at all, or limps for more than a day, it needs examining.
- Dog losing muscle Muscle wasting means your dog's muscles are shrinking and weakening: the hind legs, back or head look thin even though body weight may not change. It is not the same as being lean, and a vet needs to find the cause.
- Dog scratching at the air near its neck When a dog scratches with a hind leg at its neck or shoulder but the claws do not touch the skin, this is not ordinary itching. A vet should assess it, especially if it keeps happening or the dog also seems to be in pain.
- Dog standing or sitting oddly A changed gait or posture, such as a dog sitting or standing differently from usual, a hunched back or legs splayed or crossed, is a change an owner can see. It can point to pain, weakness or problems with the joints, bones or nerves.
- Dog struggling to get up A dog that takes a long time to stand, braces on the front legs, struggles to lift the back end or rocks before rising is telling you something is getting in the way of movement: pain, stiffness or weakness. It is worth noticing even when the dog loosens up afterwards and looks normal.
- Dog tires easily A dog that starts lagging behind on a walk sooner than usual, breathes heavily or lies down may have a heart, metabolic or other health problem. The change matters when your dog tires faster than before, rather than simply being older or lazy.
- Dog walking stiffly When a dog walks with stiff legs and short, rigid steps, stiffens after a walk or does not want to move, it may be a muscle or joint problem. Watch when and how it shows.
- Dog whose bones break easily A bone that breaks after a small fall, a jump or even ordinary play suggests the bone may be weaker than it should be. It is not a sign of a careless dog but a reason for a vet to find out why the bones are not strong enough.
- Dog with a hunched back When a dog walks hunched, holds its back arched or the back rises during play, it may be pain or muscle stiffness. Note when you see it and show it to your vet.
- Dog with a swollen joint A swollen, warmer or reddened joint means inflammation, damage or a build-up of fluid inside it. It often hurts and limits movement, so such a joint should be shown to a vet, and urgently if your dog is also feverish or dull.
- Dog with bowed or deformed legs Short, bowed legs, paws turned out to the sides or a body whose proportions look unusual are changes an owner can see for themselves. They are often linked to inherited or growth-related bone disorders, so they are worth showing to a vet.
- Dog with muscle twitching Muscle twitching can be entirely harmless, in sleep for example, but if it happens when your dog is awake, keeps coming back or comes with other changes, it is worth showing to a vet. A video and a description of which part of the body, for how long and how your dog behaves help.
- Dog with neck pain A dog that dislikes having its neck touched, is reluctant to lower its head or holds its neck stiffly may be in neck pain. Note the sign and show it to your vet.
- Dog with weak hind legs Weak hind legs mean your dog finds it harder to stand, rise or walk: the legs buckle, slip, tremble or drag. The cause can lie in the spinal cord, the nerves, the joints or the muscles, so a vet needs to find it.
- Dog wobbly walking Swaying, stumbling, a loss of coordination or a dog that walks as if drunk can point to a balance problem, a nervous system problem or another serious disorder. It is especially important to notice whether it began suddenly, or whether the head tilts or the eyes move at the same time.
- Dog yelps when moving If a dog suddenly yelps when it is picked up, bends down, turns or is stroked, it almost always means pain. It is worth noticing which movement or touch makes it cry out, because that helps the vet work out where it hurts.
Head and senses
- Dog avoiding bright light A dog that looks for shade outdoors, squints or shrinks away from bright light may be feeling discomfort in its eyes. It can be a sign that an eye is sore or damaged, so a sudden avoidance of light calls for a vet the same day.
- Dog cloudy eyes A cloudy eye means something has changed in the clear parts of the eye. It can be a harmless sign of ageing or a condition that is painful or threatens sight. Since these cannot be told apart by looking, a cloudy eye needs to be examined by a vet.
- Dog ear discharge Fluid, discharge or dark deposits in the ear mean something is wrong in the ear canal. It is most often inflammation, but the colour, amount and smell of the discharge are not enough to tell, so a vet needs to look at the ear.
- Dog hearing less A dog who hears less stops responding to their name, the doorbell or a squeaky toy, no longer startles at noises, or sleeps so soundly that they are hard to wake. Sometimes the cause is in the ears, sometimes age or birth, so it is worth having a vet find out.
- Dog red lump in the corner of the eye A red, round lump in the inner corner of the eye, nearest the nose, means the gland of the third eyelid has slipped out of place. It does not usually look painful and is not urgent in itself, but it can irritate the eye, so it is worth not waiting for an examination.
- Dog seeing less A dog who sees less may walk more cautiously at dusk, bump into furniture, fail to notice a thrown ball or misjudge the stairs. Changes in vision sometimes come on very slowly, so it is worth having a vet look into it early.
- Dog shaking head Persistent head shaking and ear scratching nearly always mean something in the ear is irritating — inflammation, moisture, a foreign object or an allergic reaction. The odd shake is normal, but if your dog does it several times an hour, or the ear is red or smells, it needs examining.
- Dog squinting one eye A dog who holds one eye shut or half shut is nearly always doing so because of pain or irritation. It is one of the signs that is worth showing to a vet the same or the next day, because some eye problems get worse quickly.
- Dog with a changed eyelid edge Fine hairs along the lid edge, an eyelid edge rolled inwards or a thickened edge of the third eyelid are changes an owner often notices. The eyelid edge touches the surface of the eye, so changes there can irritate the eye and harm sight.
- Dog with a changed head or muzzle shape An unusually large, dome-shaped head, a soft spot on top of the head or a narrow, pointed muzzle can be an inherited trait, but may also point to a developmental problem. The shape of the head is worth showing to a vet, especially when it is seen in a puppy.
- Dog with a head tilt A dog who holds the head tilted to one side may simply be curious, but if the tilt lasts longer or is constant, especially along with stumbling or eye movements, it can point to an ear or nervous system problem. It is worth seeing a vet.
- Dog with a spot on the eye A white, silvery, milky, cloudy, dark or pinkish spot on the eye or inside it is a change worth showing to a vet. There are many causes, and eye problems can harm sight, so a sudden change in particular should be examined the same day.
- Dog with a swollen ear flap A swollen ear flap looks like a thicker, softer or tight ear, sometimes red and hot. If your dog shakes the head, scratches the ear or holds it differently, see a vet, as the swelling rarely goes down by itself.
- Dog with an enlarged or bulging eye If one eye looks bigger than the other, swollen or bulging, it is not a quirk of appearance but a sign that something is changing in or behind the eye. A sudden change in an eye needs a vet's examination the same day, because sight can be lost within a short time.
- Dog with blood in the eye A red or dark patch of blood inside the eye, behind the clear surface, is not a harmless change. Blood in the eye means something is wrong in the eye itself or in the body, and eye problems can threaten sight quickly, so a vet is needed the same day.
- Dog with changed pupils Pupils of an unusual shape, very wide or of different sizes, a gap in the iris, or eyes that reflect light brightly are changes worth showing to a vet. A sudden change or pupils of different sizes needs a vet the same day, as eye problems can quickly threaten sight.
- Dog with eye discharge Yellow, greenish or thick discharge in a dog's eye shows the eye is irritated or inflamed. A little dried mucus in the corner after sleep is normal, but pus-like, copious or repeatedly returning discharge is a reason to see a vet.
- Dog with eyes turned down and sideways When a dog's eyes look turned down and out to the sides, as if it were looking past itself towards the ground, that is an unusual eye position worth showing to a vet. It is mostly seen in young puppies, and an inherited or developmental change in the head may lie behind it.
- Dog with red eyes A red eye means there is inflammation on the surface of the eye or inside it, or that the pressure within it has risen. Some causes are minor, such as irritation from dust, but others can damage sight in a short space of time. A painful, squinting or suddenly red eye is a reason to be seen the same day.
- Dog with watery eyes A dog's eyes may water in one eye or both, sometimes only briefly after wind or sleep, sometimes constantly. If the tears run every day, leave rust-coloured stains under the eye, or your dog is also squinting, the cause is worth finding.
Mouth and teeth
- Dog bleeding gums Bleeding gums are usually noticed after chewing, brushing, or as a pink mark on a toy. The cause can be in the mouth itself, but sometimes it is a sign of a clotting problem. Bleeding from the gums is worth showing to a vet.
- Dog chewing on one side When a dog starts chewing food or toys on only one side of its mouth, it is usually protecting the other side from pain or discomfort. The cause can be a tooth, the gums, the jaw joint or the muscles. It is worth checking the mouth before your dog cuts down on eating.
- Dog drooling Some breeds drool more than others, but drooling that starts suddenly or looks unusual is a sign that something is wrong. The cause can be in the mouth, in the stomach, or linked to overheating. The key is to note when it began and what came with it.
- Dog having trouble swallowing If your dog swallows a mouthful with difficulty, chews for a long time, gags, coughs or tries several times to swallow the same bite, swallowing is disturbed. Food or liquid can enter the airway, so this deserves a vet's attention promptly.
- Dog lost a tooth In a puppy, losing baby teeth is normal, but in an adult dog a lost tooth usually points to a problem in the mouth or jaw. It is worth noting whether the tooth fell out or broke, and what the rest of the mouth looks like.
- Dog mouth ulcers Mouth ulcers are painful red or white sores on the gums, tongue, cheeks or palate. They can come from local irritation, but sometimes they point to a wider illness. Mouth ulcers are always worth showing to a vet.
- Dog struggling to open its mouth If your dog cannot open its mouth wide, chews carefully, pulls away when you touch the head, or whimpers when trying to eat, it is a sign of pain or of a problem with how the jaw moves. A vet has to find the cause.
- Dog swollen muzzle A swollen muzzle or face can appear suddenly after an allergic reaction, or gradually because of a tooth, a growth or inflamed muscles. The key is to watch how fast the swelling develops and whether your dog can still breathe, eat and close its mouth.
- Dog with bad breath Bad breath is not a normal feature of being a dog, and it nearly always has a reason. Most often that reason is in the mouth itself — plaque, tartar and inflamed gums. Less often the smell comes not from the teeth but from the digestive or metabolic side, and then it has a character of its own.
Drinking and urinating
- Dog blood in urine Blood in urine can look like a pink, red or brownish tint, and sometimes clots are visible. The cause can be in the bladder, the kidneys or elsewhere in the urinary tract. Blood in the urine is always a reason to see a vet.
- Dog cannot urinate If your dog strains, takes up the urinating posture but nothing comes out, or only a few drops, this can be a blockage in the urinary tract. Such a state can quickly become life-threatening, so a vet is needed the same day.
- Dog drinking and urinating more Increased thirst and more frequent urination nearly always travel together, because a body losing more fluid drives the dog to drink more. On a hot day or after exercise this is normal, but a lasting change with no obvious reason is one of the most important signs there is to bring to a vet.
- Dog leaking urine A wet patch on the bed or carpet when your dog wakes or rests can mean it can no longer hold its urine in. The causes vary, and a dog may not notice it. It is worth writing down when it happens and talking to a vet.
- Dog licking its genital area Dogs wash themselves after urinating and now and then, and a short lick is normal. What deserves attention is licking that goes on for long, keeps coming back or comes with frequent urinating, blood in the urine or discharge. A vet needs to find the cause.
- Dog not drinking A dog that drinks less than usual or refuses water altogether may feel unwell because of mouth pain, nausea or a general illness. Lack of fluid harms the body quickly, so keep watching and do not wait if the signs continue.
- Dog straining to urinate A dog that stands hunched for a long time, strains, cries out or squeezes out only a few drops of urine may have a disturbed flow of urine. This can become an emergency, especially in a male dog that passes little or nothing, so a vet is needed the same day.
- Dog strong-smelling urine Urine can smell stronger when it is concentrated, but an unusually sharp, sweet or foul smell can point to a urinary or general illness. It is worth writing down when the smell changed and showing your dog to a vet.
- Dog urinating indoors When a dog that was house-trained starts urinating indoors, it may not be mischief but a signal about health or emotions. The cause can be in the urinary tract, the kidneys, the hormone system, or anxiety. It is worth writing down when and how it happens and showing your dog to a vet.
- Dog urinating often, in small amounts When a dog keeps asking to go out and passes only a little urine each time, it can point to bladder irritation or another urinary problem. It is worth telling frequent small urination apart from urinating large amounts, and showing your dog to a vet.
Behaviour and mood
- Change in a dog's behaviour When a dog becomes restless, timid, irritable, slow to learn or simply acts differently from usual, it is often the first sign that it is in pain or ill. It is not stubbornness, so a vet needs to find the cause.
- Dog afraid of noises A dog that shakes, hides or tries to bolt during thunder, fireworks or other sounds is feeling real fear. If the fear is new or has recently grown, it is worth finding out whether pain, the ears or another health cause is behind it.
- Dog cannot be left alone A dog that howls, barks, scratches or soils the house when left alone is going through strong distress. If this is new or appeared suddenly, pain, illness and age-related changes need to be ruled out first.
- Dog hiding and avoiding people A dog that starts to hide under furniture, avoid the family or shut itself away is often trying to say that it feels unwell. Such a change is a reason to have a vet check for pain or illness.
- Dog licking itself constantly A dog that keeps licking the same spot or licks itself for long periods is often trying to soothe pain, itch or an unpleasant sensation. Constant licking is therefore a reason to look for a cause, not only to get used to a different behaviour.
- Dog pressing its head against a wall The dog stands pressing its forehead against a wall, a piece of furniture or a corner, often for a long time and for no obvious reason. This is not normal behaviour, and such a change is a reason to see a vet as soon as possible.
- Dog restless and unable to settle A dog that paces in circles, keeps changing position and cannot find a place to settle may be in pain or unwell. Restlessness is often the first sign that something is wrong, so it deserves to be taken seriously.
- Dog restless at night A dog that paces, pants, whines or cannot settle at night is often trying to say that something is wrong: it hurts, it is thirsty or needs to urinate, or it feels unwell. New restlessness at night is a reason to see a vet.
- Dog seeming confused or dazed The dog stares into space, no longer reacts to familiar things, wanders or seems drunk. A sudden or new change like this is a reason to see a vet, because pain or illness may lie behind it.
- Dog staring at walls A dog that stares for long at a wall, a corner or an empty spot and does not respond may be having a seizure, confusion or another change in the nervous system. This behaviour is a reason to have your dog seen by a vet.
- Dog suddenly aggressive When a dog that used to be calm starts to growl, snap or bite, it is not a change of character but a signal. Most often there is pain, fear or illness behind it, so the first step is a vet, not working out who is to blame.
- Dog walking in circles A dog that walks in circles, other than the usual turning before lying down, may have an ear, balance or nervous system problem. This behaviour is a reason to see a vet soon.
- Dog whining for no clear reason Whining can mean a wish to go out, anxiety or simply wanting attention, but it can also be the voice of pain. If your dog has started whining in a new way or differently from usual, pain and illness need to be ruled out first.
General wellbeing
- Bitch in difficult labour A bitch strains hard but no puppy is born, there is a long gap between puppies, she looks exhausted or there is dark or bloody discharge. This is an emergency: go to a vet immediately.
- Bitch with heat cycle problems A bitch's heats become irregular, stop altogether, or she does not conceive after mating. This is a sign that something may be wrong with the hormones or reproductive organs, so it is worth discussing with a vet.
- Dog collapsing Collapse means a dog suddenly goes down, cannot get up or briefly loses consciousness. Even if it recovers within moments and seems normal, it is a serious sign that the heart, blood sugar or another body system is disturbed. A dog that has collapsed should be examined by a vet.
- Dog gaining weight Weight gain most often means a dog takes in more energy than it burns, but sometimes a hormone disorder or a build-up of fluid lies behind it. If your dog is getting heavier without a change in habits, or other changes appear alongside, it is worth having them seen.
- Dog has a fever A fever means your dog's body temperature is above normal. It most often signals that the body is fighting inflammation or infection, but temperature can also rise from overheating. A fever is hard to spot without a thermometer, and its cause is for a vet to find.
- Dog has pale gums Healthy dog gums are usually pink and moist. When they turn pale or white, it means the body is getting too little blood or too few red blood cells, and it can be a sign of a serious, even life-threatening condition. A dog with pale gums should be seen the same day.
- Dog has swollen lymph nodes Lymph nodes are small knots of immune tissue that enlarge when the body is fighting inflammation or infection, but sometimes because of more serious disease. Swollen lymph nodes are not a diagnosis in themselves, but they are always a reason to have your dog seen by a vet.
- Dog has swollen testicles A swollen, enlarged or painful testicle can be a sign of inflammation, injury or a growth. Sometimes the size changes gradually and without pain, sometimes suddenly and very painfully. Either way, it is a reason to have your dog seen by a vet.
- Dog in pain when touched The dog yelps, flinches, pulls away, refuses to be touched or even snaps when you touch a particular part of its body. Such a reaction points to pain, so a vet should examine the spot.
- Dog lethargy Lethargy means your dog moves less, takes less interest in the surroundings and tires faster than usual. It is not a disease in itself but a sign that something is wrong, and the possible reasons are many. If your dog stays lethargic for more than a day, or other changes appear with it, it needs examining.
- Dog losing weight Weight loss means your dog is losing body mass without you meaning it to. If your dog eats as usual but gets thinner, or gets thinner and eats less, the reason needs to be found by a vet. Unexplained weight loss is seldom only temporary.
- Dog nosebleed Bleeding from the nose is not normal in a dog. It can come from a problem in the nose itself, such as a foreign object or inflammation, but sometimes it points to a clotting disorder or another serious illness. Every nosebleed should be shown to a vet.
- Dog seizures A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of muscle activity, in which a dog often falls on its side, paddles its legs and does not respond to you. It is a frightening sight, but the most important thing is to stay calm, observe and contact a vet as soon as you can. A first seizure should always be investigated.
- Dog shivering Shivering in dogs means very different things: anything from plain cold or excitement to pain, poisoning or a disturbance in body chemistry. What matters most is not the shaking itself but what goes with it — whether your dog is eating, bright, and able to walk normally.
- Dog slow to recover after anaesthesia A dog is drowsy after anaesthesia, but if it wakes much more slowly than the clinic said, or stays very sleepy or unsteady, tell the clinic straight away.
- Dog suddenly weak While running or playing, the dog suddenly slows down, wobbles, crouches or even collapses, although a moment earlier it seemed healthy. Sudden weakness is a reason to see a vet as soon as possible.
- Dog that struggles in the cold When a dog tires quickly in the cold, looks weaker or keeps looking for a warmer spot, it may be more than a matter of comfort. Note whether it feels the cold more than other dogs with a similar coat, and show it to your vet.
- Dog with a pot belly The dog's belly looks sagging, round or swollen, although other parts of its body may be lean. This can point to excess weight but sometimes to illness, so it is worth showing to a vet.
- Dog with bruises on the skin Bruises or dark red patches on a dog's skin mean blood has leaked under the skin. A small bruise after a clear knock can be minor, but bruising with no explanation, or any bleeding, is a reason to see a vet, and wider bruising or pale gums is an emergency.
- Dog with repeated infections When a dog keeps coming down with the same thing, such as chest or other infections, and never fully recovers in between, note it down and show it to your vet.
- Dog with swollen legs The dog's legs look thicker, soft or as if filled with fluid, sometimes with a larger belly as well. This is a sign that fluid may be building up in the body, so a vet should examine the dog.
- Dog with yellow gums and eyes A yellow tint to the gums, the inside of the ears or the whites of the eyes means there is too much bile pigment in the blood. It is not a quirk of appearance but a sign that something is wrong with the liver, the bile ducts or the blood cells, so it always deserves a vet's attention.
- Dog's wound keeps bleeding A small wound normally stops bleeding quite soon, because the blood clots. If the bleeding will not stop, starts again, or is heavier than it should be, the cause may lie not only in the wound itself but in a problem with blood clotting.
- Female dog has discharge from the vulva A discharge from the genital tract is normal in a female dog during a season and after giving birth, but if it is pus-like, foul-smelling or comes with other signs it can point to disease of the womb or other reproductive organs. If she is lethargic, drinking more or not eating, it cannot wait.
- Puppy growing slowly Puppies grow at different rates, and one smaller than its littermates is quite common. But a puppy that does not put on size steadily, stays much smaller, or is weaker or duller than the others should be shown to a vet.
The dog disease encyclopaedia
If you already know the name of the condition, start there instead: every condition has its own page with the signs and when to see a vet.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.