How to Tell if Your Dog Has an Illness

Many people consider their dogs part of the family. However, unlike other members of the family, dogs are incapable of communicating when they are feeling ill. Most dog owners are able to easily identify when their pet is acting strangely. However, it can be difficult to know when a trip to the veterinarian is in order. Luckily, there are a few obvious warning signs that you can look for to help determine when your dog might need a professional examination.

Like humans, dogs can act abnormally for a variety of different reasons. Sometimes, dogs can become temporarily lackadaisical due to fatigue or depression. In this case, some simple TLC can be a suitable cure. However, there are certain symptoms and behaviors that should be taken seriously. If your dog demonstrates any of the following symptoms, you should immediately take him or her to a veterinarian for a proper examination.

Physical Symptoms

The skin, ears, eyes, nose and mouth can tell you a lot about whether or not a dog is ill. If you notice redness, swelling, crust or discharge coming from either the eyes or the nose, your dog might be suffering from a viral or bacterial infection. In this case, a veterinarian might be able to prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and provide drugs that can relieve uncomfortable symptoms.

The ears can also give hints to how your dog is feeling. If you notice drainage or foul odors emitting from the ears, you should be suspicious of a possible infection. Also, unusual twitching, scratching or shaking of the ears can point toward feelings of discomfort caused by a potential illness.

The skin and mouth should also be checked for strange, foul odors. The dog's tongue should be checked for dryness or strange coloring. Flaky, dry or red skin also represent warning signs as these could point to a potential fungal or parasitic infection.

Behavioral Symptoms

Most people have a good idea of how their dog normally behaves. If your dog is acting differently, it may just be a faze. However, if he is not eating or drinking water at the usual rates, this is generally a cause for alarm as this can be a sign of a variety of illnesses. Rapid weight loss, scratching, sleeplessness or sleeping too much are also indications that something might be affecting his or her health. Trembling, stumbling or falling should prompt immediate action as this could point to serious, advanced illness.


For many, their dog is more than just a pet. More than a few homes are full of photo albums peppered with images of the family canine. A lot of people consider their dogs an integral part of their family life and can't imagine life without them. By knowing what to look for, you can help keep your dog healthy and get him the proper attention he requires if he falls ill.

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How to Tell If Your Dog is Sick

Protecting your dog’s health and well being is important. Unfortunately, your dog can’t tell you when he feels bad and it can sometimes be difficult to tell when your faithful canine is “under the weather”. It’s particularly important, as a good dog owner, to be aware of signs that your dog is experiencing a health problem. The key to detecting a problem early is to be knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of disease as well as what’s normal for your particular canine. Here are some signs and symptoms that indicate your dog is sick.

Look for changes in behavior.

By spending time with your dog on a daily basis, you’ll be more aware of what’s normal and what’s not normal for your dog. For some dogs, particularly older ones, it’s typical for them to sleep during the day. For other dogs who are younger and more energetic, daytime sleeping may be a sign of illness. The same goes for eating behavior. Some dogs are naturally finicky and need to be coaxed to eat their food, while others will eat anything you offer them. A change in eating patterns such as a voracious eater not finishing a meal should raise a red flag and prompt a visit to the vet. Even an unusually enthusiastic appetite can be a sign of diabetes or other metabolic problems. The key lies in knowing your dog’s habits.

Change in weight.

This is another important that may suggest that your dog is sick. If possible, check a monthly weight on your dog and record it in a book so you can see if there are any major changes over time. Any significant downward change in body weight should be brought to the attention of your vet.

Bowel and bladder changes

If your dog has accidents in the house, don’t assume it’s a behavior problem. Bowel and bladder changes can be subtle signs that your dog is sick. An increase in urination or urinating in the house can be one of the first signs of diabetes, particularly if your dog is drinking more than usual. Loose stools can be a sign of pancreatitis or infestation with parasites. Also check for the presence of mucous or blood in the stools which can be signs of intestinal disease. If possible, get a sample of the loose stool and take it with you when you take your dog to the vet.

Excessive panting or coughing

Panting that occurs in the absence of vigorous exercise or in cool temperatures can be a sign that your dog is sick. In an older dog, this can be an indication of congestive heart failure as well as lung disease or anemia. Check your dog’s gums for a blue discoloration which could signify heart disease. The presence of pale gums may be a sign of anemia or impending shock. Coughing can be a sign of congestive failure, lung disease, or the presence of a foreign body in the throat. If your dog is manifesting any of these signs, see your veterinarian immediately.

By Dr Christie. Reprinted with permission.