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How to Tell if Your Dog is Sick

How to Tell if Your Dog is Sick

Updated on February 03, 2023
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Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care
Education and Compliance (ACE) Team
Sad beagle dog

Nothing is worse than knowing your pup isn't feeling their best. And sometimes, seeing the signs that your dog is sick isn't easy. Dogs will often mask their sickness, not showing any signs until their illness has progressed.

However, keying in on sick dog symptoms early on can help you provide your dog with the right care. Find out how to tell if your dog is sick and what you can do to help your dog get well.

Sick dog symptoms & signs

Learning key signs your dog is sick can help you provide them with the treatment and care they need right away.

For dog parents who aren't quite sure whether their dog is exhibiting signs of illness, Sabina Snyder, Specialty Surgery Technician, PetCoach, shares, "Most of the time, you can tell your dog is sick in many of the same ways you would be able to tell that you or your child was sick. However, pets are 'programmed' to hide their sickness from us, so you must be a little more observant. Most dogs, when they are ill, will be more listless. They will sleep more. Vomiting or diarrhea is always something to watch for. Not eating or drinking is a sign of illness. Droopy eyelids, droopy skin or skin that seems to pull away from the body and not go back easily can be signs of dehydration. "

itching dog

You can also look for the following symptoms and signs that your pup isn't feeling their best:

  • Itchy skin: If your dog is scratching excessively or licking their paw pads, these can be signs of allergies or illnesses.
  • Itching their ears: A common sign of an ear infection in dogs is pawing at their ears or shaking their head vigorously.
  • Lethargy: If your dog isn't interested in their usual activities and is acting lethargic and tired, it could be a sign they aren't feeling well.
  • Decreased appetite: If your pup is less interested in their food bowl or stops eating meals, it might be a sign of an underlying health concern.
  • Increased thirst: While hydration is a good thing, when your dog suddenly drains their water dish more than usual without cause, it can be a sign of an illness, such as kidney disease or diabetes.
  • Changes in their digestion: If your dog has major bowel movement changes, such as diarrhea or a change in the consistency of their poop, it could indicate that they are dealing with an illness or parasites.
  • Vomiting: While vomiting is sometimes simply due to a bout of anxiety or a grassy snack, if your dog is vomiting frequently or vomiting up blood, it is often a larger concern.
  • Increased urination: If your dog needs to pee more than usual, it can be a sign of a urinary tract infection or kidney issue.
  • Bad breath: More than simply unpleasant, if your dog has particularly bad breath, it could be a sign of a dental illness.
  • Behavioral changes: As a pet parent, you're in tune with how your dog normally behaves. Any major changes in their behavior, such as lethargy, hiding or decreased activity, could indicate they are feeling unwell.

Common dog diseases & causes

Understanding common dog diseases and their causes can help you key in on what illness your own pup might be facing. Keep in mind that the following is not an exhaustive list of illnesses, and you should always consult with a vet to diagnose your dog.

  • Diabetes: Canine diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin production or an inadequate response to insulin. Some dogs are genetically prone to diabetes, and being overweight can put dogs at a heightened risk for this disease.
  • Heartworm: Heartworm is transmitted to dogs via the bite of infected mosquitoes. The disease can be avoided by putting your dog on heartworm prevention medication.
  • Rabies: This disease is transmitted when one infected animal bites another. The good news is that rabies can be prevented through routine vaccination.
  • Distemper: A leading infectious disease in dogs, distemper is easily spread through a dog's nose excretions. This disease can often be prevented through routine vaccination.
  • Bordetella: The most common cause of kennel cough, Bordetella is transmitted between dogs, like the common cold in humans. Routine vaccination should be provided for dogs that will be socializing with other dogs at daycares, dog parks or other group settings.
  • Parvovirus: This canine disease is transmitted through exposure to contaminated feces. Puppies are particularly vulnerable before they have received the full round of vaccinations for this disease.
  • Lyme disease: Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness transmitted to dogs through infected ticks. Dogs can be protected against this illness by using a preventive tick treatment in addition to a vaccine.
  • Ear infections: Ear infections are extremely common in dogs, particularly those with floppy ears. They are caused by bacteria or yeast that get trapped in the ear.
  • Kidney disease: Some dogs are genetically predisposed to kidney disease, and many dogs develop this disease in their senior years.

What to do if your dog is sick

If your dog is showing signs that they are sick, it is important to seek treatment for your pup. Start by making a list of any symptoms your dog is exhibiting.

Next, schedule a vet appointment or search for a Petco vet near you. Your veterinarian will be able to help diagnose your dog's illness using diagnostics to help identify the root cause of any health issues. Your vet will also recommend the right treatment plan based on your dog's specific needs. While it can be tempting to try to diagnose your dog on your own, it is always best to seek the help of a veterinarian. 

dog at vet

How to treat a sick dog at home

After a visit to the vet, your dog will probably need to spend time healing at home. If you are wondering how to treat a sick dog at home, use these tips:

  • Provide a comfortable place to rest: As your dog recovers from any illness, make sure they have a cozy, safe place to rest. Sleep is important for your healing pup, and providing a bed in a low-traffic, quiet area with little stimulation can help your dog feel comfortable. If your dog is crate trained, adding extra blankets or a new bed to their crate can help them feel secure while they rest.
  • Follow medication dosages carefully: If your vet prescribed your dog any medications, make sure you understand the dosage instructions clearly. You can also ask your vet for written instructions to make it easier to remember what medications they need and when. Consider setting up a reminder on your phone to ensure you don't forget any meds.
  • Pay attention to their eating and drinking: It is important for your dog to stay hydrated and receive ample nutrition while healing. If you are wondering what to feed a sick dog with no appetite, always consult your vet first as they may recommend a  wet food, food topper or a bland chicken and rice or pumpkin diet cooked without any extra ingredients, oils or seasoning of any kind. 
  • Spend time by their side: You are your dog's ultimate comfort. When your canine family member isn't feeling well, take time to simply rest by their side. Your presence can be soothing as your pet heals.
Spending time with dog

When to take your dog to the emergency vet

In many cases, a dog that is dealing with a normal illness can wait for a vet visit with their regular veterinarian within a day or so based on your veterinarian's guidance. However, there are certain cases where it is best to take your dog to the emergency vet in the event symptoms arise while your regular veterinarian is closed for the day. Seek out urgent care in the following situations:

  • Your dog has difficulty breathing.
  • Your dog has a seizure.
  • They are acting disoriented or having trouble standing.
  • They are panting excessively.
  • Your dog is vomiting blood.
  • They are not eating or drinking.
  • They are unable to urinate or defecate.
  • Your dog's gums are pale or blue in color.
  • Your dog has a bloated abdomen.
  • Your dog is crying or howling in pain.

Remember, this list is not exhaustive. If you are concerned that your dog is facing a serious illness or injury, seek medical attention right away.

How to prevent dog illnesses

As a dog parent, your goal is never to see your pup sick. The good news is that there are many things you can do as a responsible pet parent to prevent illness in your dog.

  • Schedule annual vet visits: A visit to the vet is one of the best ways to protect your dog against preventable illnesses. Your vet can screen your dog for common diseases, helping catch any signs of potential issues early on. In many cases, it is much easier to treat an illness in the early stages than later. Additionally, your vet can recommend preventative medications and vaccines tailored to your pet’s environment and needs.
  • Exercise your dog: Activity is vital for the overall health of your dog. Going on walks, playing games together and engaging in physical activity will help contribute to a healthy weight, which can, in turn, help prevent numerous diseases.
  • Feed them a healthy diet: A complete, age-appropriate diet can help keep your dog healthy. Talk to your vet about what nutrients your dog needs during each stage of life to contribute to their health and be sure you are feeding the appropriate amount to prevent unnecessary weight gain.
  • Spend time bonding: Your dog relies on you for everything, from the food they eat to the bed they sleep in. But more than that, your dog relies on you for companionship. Help contribute to an emotionally healthy pooch by spending ample time with your dog each day.

As a pet parent, you know your dog best. By spending time each day with your dog, you'll be able to catch any signs of illness early on, and you'll be contributing to their long-term wellbeing.

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