How to Tell if Your Dog Is Sick: Symptoms and When to Go to the Vet

From vomiting and diarrhea to a lack of appetite and a change in energy levels, knowing the signs of common dog illnesses can help you ensure that your pet gets the care they need before a health issue becomes more serious. Some of the most common signs that a dog is sick include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, extreme lethargy, coughing, difficulty breathing, and changes in drinking or urination.

In this article, we explore insights from veterinarians to help you identify common dog illnesses and underlying health problems based on the symptoms and changes in behavior that they cause. As a result, you'll walk away with a better idea of when you should take your dog to the vet right away and when you can afford to wait to see if a symptom or behavior change resolves itself. Ultimately, this will help you make sure that you're doing everything you can to keep your four-legged friend healthy.

General Symptoms of Dog Sickness

Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, coughing, breathing issues, and changes in drinking or urination are some of the most common symptoms of illness in dogs, according to AKC Pet Insurance. It's important to monitor the severity and duration of these symptoms.

While mild vomiting or diarrhea may go away on its own, Pets Best explains that if it continues for more than 24 hours and is accompanied by other symptoms like weakness or loss of appetite, it may be a sign of a more serious issue like an infection or parvovirus. A study cited by Muirfield Animal Hospital found that excessive panting can be a sign of heatstroke, heart failure, and respiratory disorders.

Changes in drinking and urination, including increased frequency and blood in the urine, can be symptoms of kidney disease, diabetes, and urinary tract infections, according to AKC Pet Insurance. Meanwhile, persistent coughing, wheezing, and nasal discharge are often signs of respiratory illnesses like canine flu and kennel cough.

In addition to these physical symptoms, any sudden changes in a dog's energy levels, appetite, or behavior could be a sign of an underlying health issue, according to Pets Best. If there are multiple symptoms or if symptoms last for more than a day or two, it's important to get to the vet as soon as possible to address the underlying issue and prevent further complications.

How to Take Your Dog's Temperature and Recognize a Fever

Learning how to take your dog's temperature is an important part of recognizing potential health concerns. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, a dog's normal body temperature ranges from 101.0 to 102.5°F. Temperatures above 104°F or below 99°F are considered abnormal and should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

You can take your dog's temperature at home using a digital aural thermometer or a rectal thermometer. The American Kennel Club offers a detailed description of how to do this. Insert the thermometer gently about an inch for small dogs and 2-3 inches for larger dogs, and wait for the thermometer to beep.

A fever, which is defined as a temperature of 103°F or higher, can be a sign of an infection, inflammation, or poisoning, according to the American Kennel Club. If your dog's temperature is spiking quickly, especially if your dog is a brachycephalic breed, you should try to cool them down by offering water and applying damp cloths to their paws. If the fever doesn't break or your dog starts showing other symptoms, contact your vet.

Natural Home Remedies for Dogs

While there are times when prescription medications are the only way to treat a health issue, there are also times when natural home remedies can be used to help your dog feel better. PetPlate lists several natural remedies that can be used to help with issues like digestive problems, skin conditions, anxiety, and minor injuries.

For example, if your dog is experiencing mild diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues, Ethos Veterinary Health suggests fasting for 12 to 24 hours and then feeding your dog a bland diet of boiled chicken, rice, or canned pumpkin. These foods can help calm the digestive system without causing additional stomach upset. Meanwhile, PetMD recommends using Epsom salt baths to soothe itchy, inflamed skin and melatonin or pheromone diffusers to help dogs with anxiety.

That said, it's important to talk to your vet before using any home remedies, especially if your dog has a more serious or chronic condition. According to PetPlate, many natural remedies are safe, but they can also be powerful and have interactions with other medications or cause side effects. Your vet can help you determine when home remedies are appropriate and when you should seek professional medical care to make sure your dog gets the treatment they need.

How to Monitor and Care for a Sick Dog at Home

When your dog is sick, it's important to monitor their symptoms closely. VCA Animal Hospitals recommends giving your dog a thorough home check-up, which includes a brief physical exam that covers your dog's eyes, nose, ears, mouth, skin, and more. You should also watch for changes in your dog's appetite, energy levels, urination, and bowel movements.

In addition to monitoring your dog's symptoms, it's important to make sure your dog has a safe, comfortable space to rest and recover, according to PetCareRx. This may mean keeping your dog in a separate room or area of your home where they won't be disturbed by other pets or children. You may also need to limit your dog's activity by crating them or reducing their playtime.

If your dog is on any medications, make sure you're giving them to your dog as directed by your vet and that you're monitoring your dog for any side effects. PetCareRx also notes that you should monitor your dog's urine, feces, and any surgical wounds and contact your vet if you notice any changes.

In the end, your dog's recovery will depend on your ability to provide a safe, supportive space and monitor your dog's symptoms. However, if your dog's symptoms don't improve or get worse, or if your dog develops new symptoms, it's important to seek veterinary care right away so your dog can get the help they need.

When to Take Your Dog to the Vet

According to The Humane Society of the United States, there are certain symptoms in dogs, including constant vomiting, bloody diarrhea, extreme tiredness, and labored breathing, that require veterinary care. Dogs Trust says that you should seek immediate care if your dog is experiencing gastrointestinal issues, including unproductive vomiting, vomiting blood, or vomiting immediately after eating or drinking.

Situations that require immediate emergency care, as noted by Dogs Trust, include severe physical trauma, like being hit by a car, and birthing and pregnancy issues. Waiting to seek care for these emergencies can lead to life-threatening problems.

That said, not every health issue requires an emergency vet visit. Dogs Trust says that you should schedule a non-emergency vet visit if your dog is experiencing changes in appetite, thirst, urination, or behavior, as these could be symptoms of an issue that needs to be addressed quickly but isn’t an emergency.

Preventative care, as mentioned by The Humane Society of the United States, is also important when it comes to catching and treating potential health issues early. Regular vet visits can help catch problems before they become more serious, which can lead to better outcomes for your pet.

In the end, it’s important to trust your gut as a pet owner. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health or well-being, it’s always best to seek out professional medical advice. Catching a problem early can help ensure that your dog gets the care they need.

Conclusion: How to Best Care for Your Sick Dog

It’s important to closely watch your dog’s symptoms when they are sick. VCA Animal Hospitals recommends that you give your dog a thorough home check-up, which includes a brief physical exam that looks at your dog’s eyes, nose, ears, mouth, skin, and more. You should also be on the lookout for any changes in your dog’s appetite, energy levels, urination, and bowel movements.

You should also make sure that your dog has a safe, comfortable space to rest while they are sick, as PetCareRx explains. This may mean keeping your dog in a separate room or area of your home where they won’t be bothered by other pets or children. You may also need to limit your dog’s movement by using a crate or restricting playtime.

If your dog is on any medications, make sure that you follow your vet’s instructions for administering them and that you watch for any side effects. PetCareRx also notes that you should monitor your dog’s urine, feces, and any surgical incisions. If you notice anything unusual, contact your vet right away.

In the end, your dog’s recovery will depend on your ability to provide a safe, supportive environment and to monitor their symptoms. That said, if your dog’s symptoms don’t improve, if they get worse, or if they develop new symptoms, it’s important to take them to the vet to make sure that they get the care that they need.