Let’s be real—dogs aren’t just pets. They’re family. So when something seems off with your pup, that little worry in your gut? Yeah, it’s valid. You know your dog better than anyone. And when they’re suddenly not wagging their tail as usual or skipping dinner? It’s time to pay attention.
As someone who once rushed my Labrador to the vet just because he blinked weird (true story 😅), I totally get it. Dogs can’t say “Hey, I’m not feeling great today.” But they do show us in their own way.
So in this post, we’re breaking down 10 subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs your dog might be sick—and exactly what to do if you spot them.
🐾 1. Loss of Appetite
Let’s start with a classic. If your food-loving dog suddenly turns up their nose at dinner, that’s a red flag. Sure, skipping one meal isn’t the end of the world—but more than 24 hours without eating? Something’s up.
What could it mean?
- Upset stomach
- Infection
- Dental pain
- Stress or anxiety
👉 What to do: Try offering a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice. If your dog refuses to eat for more than a day, see a vet ASAP.
🐶 2. Excessive Lethargy
Okay, naps are life. But if your energetic furball suddenly acts like a tired old mop, that’s concerning.
Signs of unusual fatigue:
- Doesn’t want to play
- Sleeps way more than usual
- Doesn’t respond to commands or treats
👉 What to do: Rule out overexertion (like after a long hike). If rest doesn’t perk them up, it could be a sign of infection, pain, or something internal. Get them checked.
🐕 3. Vomiting or Diarrhea
It happens sometimes—dogs eat weird stuff. But if you’re cleaning up vomit or poop more than once in a day, especially if it’s bloody or watery, don’t ignore it.
Possible causes:
- Stomach bugs
- Parasites
- Toxic food ingestion
- Pancreatitis
👉 What to do: Keep them hydrated. Watch for dehydration signs like sticky gums or sunken eyes. If symptoms last more than 12 hours, head to the vet.
🦴 4. Weight Loss (Without Trying)
Your pup didn’t go keto—so if you’re noticing a slimmer frame, it’s time to investigate.
What it could signal:
- Diabetes
- Worms
- Organ disease
- Cancer (in older dogs)
👉 What to do: Monitor their food intake and activity. A vet may need to run blood tests or an ultrasound to rule out serious stuff.
🧼 5. Changes in Coat or Skin
Your dog’s fur should be soft, shiny, and healthy. If it suddenly becomes dull, flaky, or they’re scratching like they just found out about fleas—pay attention.
Watch out for:
- Bald patches
- Redness or swelling
- Excessive licking or chewing
- Fleas/ticks or dry skin
👉 What to do: Try switching to high-quality food (omega-3s help!). If the itch or rash continues, it could be an allergy, skin infection, or mange.
🐾 6. Coughing, Wheezing, or Breathing Issues
Heavy breathing when they’re napping? Cough that won’t go away? That’s more than a furball issue.
Possible causes:
- Kennel cough
- Allergies
- Heart disease
- Lung infection
👉 What to do: If your dog’s breathing looks strained (flared nostrils, open-mouth panting while resting), go to the vet immediately. Breathing issues are urgent.
🐶 7. Unusual Urination or Accidents
House-trained dog suddenly peeing indoors? Straining to go? That’s a red flag waving hard.
It could be:
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Kidney issues
- Bladder stones
- Diabetes
👉 What to do: Note the color and frequency of pee. If there’s blood, strong odor, or they’re in pain while going—book a vet visit.
🐕 8. Limping or Trouble Moving
A little stumble now and then? Fine. But consistent limping, stiffness, or avoiding stairs? That’s pain talking.
Common causes:
- Joint pain or arthritis
- Injury or sprain
- Broken bone
- Tick-borne illness (like Lyme disease)
👉 What to do: Check paws for thorns or cuts. Don’t try to “crack” joints or massage aggressively. Let a vet do a proper mobility exam.
🧠 9. Behavioral Changes
Sudden clinginess? Hiding in corners? Growling when touched? That’s your pup trying to tell you something.
Emotional shifts may signal:
- Pain
- Neurological problems
- Anxiety
- Hormonal changes
👉 What to do: Try calming routines and remove any new stressors. If it continues, ask your vet about pain management or anxiety support.
🧏 10. Changes in Eyes, Nose, or Ears
Red eyes, goopy noses, smelly ears—none of these are normal. And no, your dog didn’t just cry watching dog rescue TikToks.
Look out for:
- Yellow discharge
- Cloudy eyes
- Excessive ear scratching
- Head shaking
👉 What to do: Gently clean with vet-approved wipes, but don’t poke deep into ears or eyes. These could be signs of infection or allergies needing meds.
🚨 When to Go to the Vet—No Questions Asked
Let’s not wait till it’s an emergency. If your dog is showing:
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Labored breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Not eating/drinking for 24+ hours
Drop everything and go. Better safe than sorry.
🤔 Why These Signs Matter (And How You Can Stay Ahead)
Dogs are masters of hiding pain. In the wild, showing weakness = danger. So you often won’t notice something’s wrong until it’s already progressed.
That’s why it’s so important to:
- Know what’s normal for your pup
- Catch early signs
- Keep regular vet checkups
- Feed high-quality food and keep vaccinations up to date
And just like planning your next beach trip (maybe the Best Beaches in Spain—hint hint), staying on top of your dog’s health should be part of your routine. 🏖️🐕
🐶 Final Woof: Trust Your Gut, Not Google
Look, we all do it—we Google our dog’s symptoms, panic halfway through reading WebMD, and spiral into worst-case scenarios. 🙈
But the truth is: you know your dog best. If something feels off, trust that instinct. Whether it’s a subtle limp or skipped breakfast, speak up for your pup.
Their tails may not talk, but their behavior tells a story.
And now, you know how to listen. ❤️