Canine caretakers aim to ensure their furry friends remain fit and prosperous; however, this task can be difficult because animals cannot verbally communicate issues or pain. Thus, attentiveness is crucial for pet owners.
'When you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras,' is an adage I picked up during my time at vet school," explained Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian working for the veterinary telehealth service Vetster, to Pawonation.com. "This phrase serves as a reminder that typically, straightforward explanations are usually correct. So, when your dog exhibits odd behavior, it probably isn’t anything severe or uncommon. Nonetheless, certain circumstances do require prompt consideration.
Considering this, Pawonation.com sought insights from Myers and various specialists to pinpoint the indicators and modifications in a dog that should never be overlooked. Here are 13 key aspects to watch for.
A Persistent Cough lasting Longer Than a Few Weeks
We commonly link coughing to colds or influenza, yet an ongoing cough might be indicating a more severe condition, such as heart disease," explained Myers. "Although dogs can experience upper respiratory infections leading to coughing, these usually resolve themselves within a few weeks, frequently even without medical intervention.
Should your dog's cough persist for over a few weeks, it would be best to consult a veterinarian.
Myers pointed out that dogs across various ages can suffer from numerous types of heart issues that result in congestive heart failure, typically without significant initial symptoms. "Often," he added, "the earliest indication might be a persistent cough—particularly one that does not improve despite treatments aimed at addressing infections."
Unexplained Weight Loss
Unexpected weight reduction in canines is worrisome since it's rare and typically connected to severe health issues," Myers explained. "Although diminished food intake leading to weight loss happens commonly with numerous frequent ailments, considerable weight decrease in a dog that has a normal diet and isn’t showing signs of vomiting or loose stools is much more unusual.
If you're worried about changes in your dog's weight, she suggested consulting a veterinarian.
"If a dog begins to lose weight suddenly without any obvious reason, I worry about a possibly severe underlying condition like an uncommon infection, a blood disorder, or cancer," Myers stated.
Elevated Breathing Speed and Strain
"If a dog or cat experiences difficulty breathing without having engaged in strenuous activity, this could indicate an underlying health issue," stated Dr. Katie Krebs , an assistant professor of clinical primary care at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. "During rest, you can monitor your pet’s breathing rate and observe how much effort they're using to breathe."
If your dog's breathing rate is higher than normal when at rest, it's advisable to seek further assessment from a vet. This could indicate they may be dealing with a respiratory infection or another health problem.
"If my dog was having trouble breathing, I would take them for an exam and chest X-rays," he stated. Dr. Carly Fox A senior veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center stated, "Difficulty breathing can be caused by various factors such as pneumonia, congestive heart failure, or upper airway obstruction — conditions that necessitate immediate medical attention."
Resource Guarding
"Monitoring resource guarding is crucial for ensuring the safety of your dog as well as anyone nearby," stated Dr. Krista Williams , a veterinarian affiliated with VCA Animal Hospitals explains. "Resource guarding refers to a situation where a dog becomes overly defensive about items they consider theirs, like blankets, toys, or their food dish. For instance, this behavior might manifest when you approach your dog while it’s having its meal, causing them to tense up or start fixating on the individual getting closer."
She pointed out that such behavior typically stems from a dog’s previous adverse encounters, such as not having had their personal blanket or having to compete for food with other dogs at home.
Williams mentioned, "This behavior might also apply to individuals whom the dog feels particularly close to and wants to protect." He added, "Although it's normal to guard what we cherish, this conduct could turn risky when the dog exhibits aggression like snarling or nipping. Say, if you or members of your household avoid approaching your dog's feeding dish due to concerns about bites, consulting an animal behaviorist would be wise. They can assist both you and your pet in formulating strategies to address the issue of possessiveness over resources."
An Irritated, Inflamed Or Sealed Eye
"If your dog exhibits symptoms such as a sore, swollen, or closed eye, it should never be disregarded," he mentioned. Dr. Rebecca MacMillan , a veterinarian working with TrustedHousesitters states, "A variety of ocular issues can lead to significant complications if not addressed promptly."
She mentioned corneal ulcers, glaucoma, and foreign objects in the eye as instances.
All of these conditions can be extremely painful, and without proper treatment, they might lead to your pet losing its sight," MacMillan stated. "On multiple occasions, I've witnessed dogs lose an eye due to delayed medical intervention.
Bad Breath
MacMillan stated, "Persistent bad breath shouldn’t simply be considered 'doggie breath.' This isn't typical and might signal dental issues or other oral conditions such as tumors or foreign objects. Bad breath may also arise due to kidney problems."
Even if your dog appears fine overall, it's important to investigate canine bad breath and have your veterinarian examine their teeth during checkups.
"Smell your dog's breath carefully," suggested Dr. Danielle Bernal , a veterinarian at Wellness Pet Food states, "Although a dog's breath won’t be as refreshingly minty as ours, it should still have an acceptable scent. If their breath becomes strongly odorous, this could indicate significant dental issues."
She noted that studies suggest At minimum, 80% of canines, especially older ones and smaller breeds, experience dental issues. Therefore, it's important to be vigilant about halitosis along with examining tooth discoloration, gum hue, and gum consistency.
Always pay close attention to your pet's teeth and gums because they significantly affect their general well-being," Bernal stated. "Untreated bad oral hygiene may advance into periodontal disease, possibly affecting your pet’s heart, kidneys, and even liver. Such dental troubles can result in discomfort, infections, feeding difficulties, and weight loss, leading to further complications.
Reduced Appetite
I own Labrador Retrievers, and when they cease eating, I become concerned," Krebs stated. "For canines that are very food-motivated, a lack of interest in meals or treats often indicates either an overall health issue or that they might be experiencing some form of discomfort.
When dealing with canines that have more selective eating habits, occasional missed meals might not be as worrisome. However, you shouldn’t disregard a significant reduction in hunger over an extended period.
"Poor appetite or an unwillingness to eat may also indicate gingivitis, gum disease, or periodontal disease," Bernal pointed out.
Conversely, be mindful if your dog appears unable to drink enough water.
"Overindulgence in alcohol consumption or frequent urination may indicate conditions such as diabetes, kidney diseases, or hormonal imbalances," stated Dr. Michelle Dulake a veterinarian and co-founder of the pet supplement firm Fera Pets.
Lethargy Or Weakness
"If your dog abruptly becomes less energetic, avoids playing, or appears weakened, this might indicate pain, an infection, or metabolic issues," Dulake explained.
A canine experiencing greater fatigue than normal could be showing mild indications of joint discomfort as a result of osteoarthritis. Dr. Courtney Pierce A veterinary pain management specialist from Zoetis suggested watching out for initial signs such as trouble climbing or descending steps, falling behind during walks, reluctance to leap up or down, and lameness following physical activity.
“My clients frequently tell me, 'He’s doing fine; he’s simply easing up a bit,'” she explained. “While I definitely don’t desire an elderly dog behaving like a young one—such as gnawing through my footwear or neglecting proper etiquette—I do not view this ‘easing up’ positively nor dismiss it casually. Nearly four out of every ten canines endure discomfort due to osteoarthritis, yet this issue commonly remains unnoticed until reaching an advanced stage,” she added.
Even though osteoarthritis is frequently viewed as a condition of advanced years, Pierce stressed that this notion is incorrect and pointed to research discovering that approximately 39% of canines aged from 9 months to 4 years exhibited radiological indications of the disorder in at least one joint .
My dog was found to have osteoarthritis at only four years of age after I observed that he no longer wanted to run and play with my kids as he once did," she shared. "Fortunately, since I paid attention to these indications, we could promptly initiate his treatment for pain along with a plan to manage his weight. This means we now anticipate numerous joyful and energetic future years together!
Recurring GI Issues
“A sporadic case of an upset stomach in a generally healthy dog typically doesn’t warrant worry,” Myers stated. “Many instances of vomiting or diarrhea due to consuming something out of the ordinary tend to clear up without intervention within one or two days. Nonetheless, if a dog exhibits periodic loss of appetite, along with recurring episodes of vomiting or diarrhea, it signals a potential issue.”
Despite each episode appearing self-contained, persistent gastrointestinal problems lasting for weeks or months might indicate a more significant health concern such as pancreatitis, a food sensitivity or allergy, an intestinal blockage, or diseases affecting the kidneys and liver. Diagnostic tests like blood work and abdominal imaging can assist veterinarians in pinpointing the root of these issues.
Krebs stated, "Whenever you see blood, it shouldn’t be dismissed." He further explained, "If your pet has blood in their vomit or stool, they likely require examination by a vet."
Bloody indications might suggest an infection, poisoning, or issues within the gastrointestinal tract. Similarly, be cautious about bloating in the abdomen.
This issue is particularly pertinent for larger dog breeds, yet abdominal distention—or the look of bloat—can be a severe health crisis, according to Krebs. "If I notice dogs with swollen bellies, I'd immediately rush them to the veterinarian to check whether they require urgent treatment," he stated. The situation escalates further if these symptoms include retching and stomach discomfort.
Limping
If a dog shows signs of lameness, it indicates they might be experiencing discomfort, even if they continue to eat normally and do not vocalize," MacMillan explained. "Many pet owners overlook this issue, particularly when the dog appears healthy overall and the limp is slight or sporadic. However, it’s crucial to recognize that such an irregular gait isn’t typical and suggests underlying causes that require examination.
A limp may suggest an injury or conditions such as Lyme disease and various autoimmune disorders.
“My biggest concern, however, is lameness of a single leg accompanied by an increasingly larger area of swelling near the knee, shoulder or wrist,” Myers said. “Those locations are frequently affected by the most common type of primary bone cancer in dogs: osteosarcoma.”
Early identification can enable interventions before the tumor becomes large enough to cause major problems.
Aside from limping, dogs may show they're in pain through struggles with standing up, hesitance about sitting down, or an increase in mishaps indoors.
Williams further explained, "Small dogs might exhibit indications of discomfort when they resist being lifted. If you observe such behaviors in your pet, it's crucial to contact your vet and find out whether your dog needs an examination."
Multiple Enlarged Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes play a crucial role in maintaining a robust immune system; they swell when reacting to local infections," explained Myers. "As an illustration, if you come down with a common cold, you may observe enlarged lymph nodes beneath your chin.
Just like dogs, cats also develop swollen lymph nodes that can be felt as small circular lumps beneath the skin near their armpits, jawlines, behind-the-knee regions, and groin areas.
While localized swelling usually points towards an infection, certain disorders lead to the enlargement of lymph nodes all over the body," explained Myers. "Lymphoma, one of the most prevalent types of cancer in dogs, frequently leads to widespread lymph node expansion. This condition generally affects middle-aged and senior dogs; however, it may occur even in those less than a year old. Various other health issues might result in similar symptoms, yet lymphoma remains a major worry.
Sudden Behavior Changes
Dulake stated that heightened aggression, disorientation, or seclusion might indicate pain, an ailment, or issues within the nervous system,
She pointed out that consistent scratching could be a sign of allergies, parasites, or infections — particularly when these actions come with alterations to the skin or shedding of fur.
Dog owners must always address aggressive behavior in their pets — this clearly indicates that the dog is unhappy with some aspect of its situation," MacMillan stated. "Such aggression might arise when a dog experiences hidden discomfort or pain.
Anxiety, stress, or boredom might also set off this reaction. Absolutely avoid waiting until
Someone sustains an injury prior to consulting about your dog’s behavior.
Even though dogs will always be dogs, it falls upon the owners to teach their pets proper behavior and social skills to prevent unintentional harm and encourage friendly encounters with both humans and other canines.
Myers explained that without proper direction, numerous dogs might fail to grasp or acquire fundamental etiquette, which can result in issues such as excessive barking, leaping onto individuals, lacking self-restraint, and displaying 'welcoming' behavior that is ultimately impolite.
Collapse Or Seizure
“Typically, dogs do not collapse without having some sort of underlying health issue,” Krebs explained. “Various factors can lead to a dog collapsing, but it turns into a true medical crisis when the creature passes out or exhibits seizures.”
Should your dog experience a seizure, it’s advisable to seek a comprehensive assessment including blood tests, preferably conducted by a veterinary neurologist.
Seizure causes differ based on age and can encompass conditions such as epilepsy, poisoning from toxins, inflammatory diseases, and what’s known as intracranial neoplasm or a brain tumor," explained Fox. "In case my animal collapses, this might suggest a cardiac arrhythmia resulting in a syncope episode, sudden bleeding within the abdominal area or heart sac, or possibly a blood clot/stroke. Each scenario would necessitate urgent medical attention, diagnostic tests, and suitable therapies.
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