It’s hard to pinpoint, but something feels off with your dog. Is it just a passing mood, or could it be a sign of illness?
As pet parents, we’re often on high alert for any unusual behaviors or changes in our furry friends. While some habits may seem normal, such as scratching or lack of appetite, they can sometimes hint at underlying issues or health conditions.
Knowing the common signs that your dog isn’t well can make all the difference. So, here are 10 signs your dog isn’t well to watch out for.
Contents
- 1 1. Foul Breath
- 2 2. Dropping Ears
- 3 3. Changes in the Eyes
- 4 4. Excessive Urination
- 5 5. Loss of Appetite
- 6 6. Changes In Drinking Habits
- 7 7. Difficulty Breathing
- 8 8. Sudden Weight Loss or Gain
- 9 9. Vomiting and Nausea
- 10 10. Shifts In Behavior and Mood
- 11 Final Thoughts
- 12 Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog Considers You to be its Best Friend
- 13 Read Next: 10 Myths About Dogs Your Should Stop Believing
- 14 Read Next: 10 Things Your Dog Will Never Forgive
1. Foul Breath
Foul-smelling breath in dogs isn’t just unpleasant—it’s often one of the obvious signs of a deeper problem.
While poor oral hygiene and dental disease are the most common culprits, bad breath can also indicate serious conditions like kidney or liver disease.
If your dog’s breath smells like urine, it might point to kidney disease, while foul breath paired with vomiting or diarrhea could suggest liver issues.
Regular dental care, such as brushing and dental hygiene treats, is key to preventing these problems. If bad breath persists, seek veterinary attention promptly.
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog is Bored and How to Fix Them
2. Dropping Ears
Dogs with droopy, V-shaped ears, like Basset Hounds or Beagles, are more prone to ear infections—7.3% of dogs experience these annually.
This is largely due to their ear anatomy, which traps moisture and limits air circulation, creating the perfect environment for bacterial infections.
If you notice physical symptoms such as suddenly droopy ears, redness, discharge, and smell, it may be time to pay your vet a visit.
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog Doesn’t Love You and What to do about it
3. Changes in the Eyes
Your dog’s eyes say a lot about their health.
Cloudy eyes, for instance, are a common symptom of cataracts, which can impair vision or even lead to blindness if left untreated. Cataracts may also indicate diabetes mellitus, especially if paired with increased drinking or urination.
Other clinical signs to watch out for include redness in the whites of the eyes, swelling around the tissue, excessive tearing, or unusual discharge.
Squinting, pawing at their face, or keeping an eye shut, may also require prompt medical attention.
Read Next: 10 Worst Mistakes You Can Make With Your Dog
4. Excessive Urination
House-trained dogs don’t typically have accidents indoors without a good reason, so any sudden change in urinary habits should raise concern.
If your dog is urinating more frequently or in larger volumes than usual, it could be a symptom of a deeper issue, such as a urinary tract infection, diabetes, or kidney failure.
Other warning signs include straining to urinate, blood in the urine, or urinating in their sleep. In cases where your dog can’t urinate at all, it’s a medical emergency—seek veterinary care immediately.
Read Next: 10 Ways to Improve Your Relationship With Your Dog
5. Loss of Appetite
A sudden appetite loss can be a telltale sign that something isn’t right with your dog.
While occasional pickiness shouldn’t be alarming, it’s a concern if a typically food-motivated dog refuses meals.
Appetite loss can stem from various medical conditions, including dental pain, kidney failure, heart disease, or fungal infections.
In some cases, foreign objects or gastrointestinal issues like pancreatitis could be the cause. Consult your veterinarian if your dog’s appetite loss persists beyond a day.
Read Next: 10 Surprising Things Dogs Hate that Owners Don’t Know
6. Changes In Drinking Habits
Besides eating, changes in your dog’s water intake can signal an underlying issue.
An increase in thirst, for instance, especially on days without extra exercise or heat exposure, might point to conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.
Monitoring their water bowls closely can help—you may notice you’re refilling them more frequently.
Another clue is your dog’s urine: darker urine can indicate dehydration, while very pale urine might suggest your dog isn’t processing water effectively.
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog is Definitely Mad at You
7. Difficulty Breathing
Difficulty breathing in dogs is always going to be a medical emergency. Signs to watch for include wheezing, coughing, nasal discharge, and rapid or labored breathing rates.
Excessive panting on a hot day or after exercise is normal, but breathing difficulty often comes with alarming symptoms like pale or bluish gums, widened eyes, or a heaving chest and belly.
Respiratory issues can range from kennel cough or canine flu to serious conditions like tracheal collapse or heart failure.
Read Next: 10 Common Misconceptions about Dog Behavior
8. Sudden Weight Loss or Gain
Sudden weight changes in dogs can be a red flag for serious health issues. Weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite often points to illnesses like liver disease or kidney failure.
In liver disease, your dog may struggle to absorb nutrients properly, leading to symptoms like jaundice, vomiting, or abdominal swelling.
Kidney failure can similarly disrupt the body’s balance, causing weight loss as muscle and fat break down.
Weight gain is another physical symptom pet owners should be wary of. For a dog, obesity can breed other serious illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, and other medical complications.
Read Next: 10 Everyday Things That Hurt Your Dog’s Feelings
9. Vomiting and Nausea
Frequent vomiting or nausea in dogs can signal gastrointestinal (GI) issues. Occasional vomiting may not be a big deal, but if it happens often or is severe, it should be a cause for concern
Symptoms like restlessness, drooling, or burping may accompany nausea. These could be signs of gastrointestinal disease or a more serious condition like gastric bloat or torsion, which require emergency care.
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog is Healthy Owners Need to Know
10. Shifts In Behavior and Mood
Take note of unexplained shifts in your dog’s behavior, like heightened aggression or sudden withdrawal, as this could indicate potential health problems.
Hypothyroidism, seizures, or brain diseases may cause unusual aggression, while pain can make a normally friendly dog growl or snap.
On the other hand, some dogs become more clingy when sick or may show signs of discomfort, particularly if there’s abdominal pain. Signs of disease can vary, so it’s important to notice if your dog’s behavior shifts.
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog Thinks it’s the Boss
Final Thoughts
Dogs are often subtle when feeling unwell, so paying attention to small changes in appetite, behavior, or daily habits is key to ensuring they remain healthy.
Trust your instincts—if something seems off, it’s worth consulting your vet. You know your dog best, and your observations can make all the difference in helping your dog recover and stay fit and happy!
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog Considers You to be its Best Friend
Are you wondering if your furry friend sees you as more than just a provider of food and belly rubs?
As social creatures, dogs form strong bonds with their human companions. And they have unique ways of telling you ILY.
Want to know if you’ve hit BFF status with your pup? Below are 10 signs your dog considers you its best friend!
10 Signs Your Dog Considers You to be its Best Friend
Read Next: 10 Myths About Dogs Your Should Stop Believing
Dog owners know what it’s like to be constantly bombarded with advice, tips, and stories from fellow pet parents.
Some of these pieces of information are helpful, while others have been passed down through generations but have little truth to them.
Over the years, I’ve heard countless myths about dogs—some that even I believed until I dug deeper.
Understanding what’s true and what’s simply misinformation can make all the difference in how we care for our dogs.
In this article, I’ll debunk 10 common myths about dogs that you should stop believing right now.
10 Myths about Dogs You Should Stop Believing
Read Next: 10 Things Your Dog Will Never Forgive
Dogs are often praised for their loyalty and endless love, but even the most forgiving dogs have limits!
There are certain things they won’t forget, and understanding these “unforgivable” moments can make all the difference in your bond with them.
You can create a more beautiful life for your furry companion by tuning in to what bothers them most, So, here are 10 things your dog will never forgive—no matter how hard you try to make it up to them!
10 Things Your Dog Will Never Forgive
This article originally appeared on The Discerning Cat.
Amanda O’Brien is the owner of The Dog Snobs website. She is dog mad and dog aunt to Clover in London and Poppy in Sydney. She can’t wait to have a schedule that allows her to have a dog of her own (for now it is two Siberian cats) and loves learning about dog breeds and dog behavior.