Dogs can’t explain what hurts, so small changes often hold important clues. A pup who usually spins with excitement at mealtime, races to the door, or begs for belly rubs might suddenly seem quiet, picky, or withdrawn. Subtle shifts in appetite, energy, bathroom habits, or behavior can signal that something deeper is going on. Understanding what to watch for makes it easier to catch problems early and get your dog the care they need.
Tummy Troubles: Vomiting, Diarrhea, and Nausea
Occasional vomiting or a single loose stool can happen, especially if your dog snags a scrap of human food or sneaks into the trash. Mild stomach upset may come with drooling, lip licking, or restlessness, then resolve on its own while your dog otherwise acts normally. If your dog seems bright, hydrated, and quickly returns to regular eating, gentle monitoring is usually enough.
The situation changes when vomiting or diarrhea happens repeatedly in a short period, contains blood, or is paired with lethargy, pain, or a refusal to eat or drink. Dry heaving, bloated belly, or trying to vomit with nothing coming up can signal a serious emergency. Call your vet promptly if your dog vomits multiple times in 24 hours, has ongoing diarrhea, or seems weak, distressed, or unusually quiet.
Appetite, Thirst, and Bathroom Changes
Most dogs are pretty predictable around food and water, so noticeable changes deserve attention. Skipping one meal might not be alarming, but refusing food for more than a day, especially if paired with weight loss or low energy, can indicate illness, dental pain, or another underlying problem. Likewise, sudden weight gain or loss without a clear reason is a red flag that warrants a veterinary check.
Shifts in drinking and bathroom habits often point to health issues, too. Drinking much more or far less than usual may be linked to kidney disease, diabetes, hormone problems, or fever. Straining to urinate, having accidents, producing very little urine, or passing urine with blood all require prompt vet care. Inability to urinate at all is an emergency and should be treated as urgent.
Breathing, Coughing, and Other Respiratory Red Flags
A mild, occasional cough can develop after excitement or exposure to other dogs, but persistent coughing deserves a closer look. Wheezing, gagging, or hacking that doesn’t improve may point to kennel cough, infection, allergies, or other respiratory conditions. Nasal discharge, noisy breathing, or obvious effort with each breath can mean the airways or lungs are struggling.
If your dog seems frightened, is breathing hard even at rest, or you notice blue-tinged gums or tongue, treat that as an emergency. Labored breathing, open-mouth breathing in a relaxed dog, or heavy heaving of the chest and belly calls for immediate veterinary attention. When in doubt, respiratory distress is always a “call the vet now” situation, not something to wait out at home.
Behavior Changes, Pain, and Low Energy
Because dogs can’t describe their discomfort, pain often shows up as behavior changes. A usually friendly pup might start growling when touched in a certain area, avoid stairs, or hide instead of greeting family. Others become extra clingy, anxious, or restless. A dog that suddenly refuses to play, lags behind on walks, or spends most of the day sleeping may simply feel unwell.
Vocal changes can also be a clue. Whining, yelping when picked up, or sudden irritability may signal pain. While a quiet afternoon after a busy day is normal, ongoing lethargy—especially paired with poor appetite, vomiting, or bathroom changes—should never be ignored. If your dog “just isn’t themselves” for more than a day or two, or if you see several concerning signs together, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Mobility, Eyes, Skin, and Other Physical Signs
Limping, stiffness, or difficulty rising can result from arthritis, sprains, joint issues, or tick-borne diseases. A single mild limp that improves with rest might be monitored briefly, but ongoing difficulty walking, sudden inability to stand, or dragging back legs should be seen by a vet. Never force a dog to walk if they’re struggling; calling the clinic for safe transport tips is always a good idea.
Eyes, skin, and coat also tell part of the story. Red eyes, squinting, pawing at the face, cloudy eyes, or one eye held shut can point to infection, injury, or increased pressure and need prompt attention. Persistent scratching, hair loss, redness, or a strong odor may indicate allergies, parasites, or skin infections. Pale gums, bruising, or a hard, swollen belly are especially worrying and should be treated as urgent warning signs.
When It’s an Emergency: Don’t Wait to Call
Some situations call for immediate veterinary or emergency care rather than a “wait and see” approach. Seek urgent help if you notice any of the following: trouble breathing, collapse or loss of consciousness, seizures, a hard or severely bloated abdomen, inability to urinate, repeated vomiting or diarrhea, or severe bleeding. Sudden severe pain, extreme weakness, or your dog seeming “out of it” also fall into the emergency category.
In less severe cases—such as mild lethargy, soft stool, or a small change in appetite—calling your vet’s office for advice is still wise. They can help you decide whether a same-day visit, scheduled appointment, or home monitoring makes sense. Keeping notes on symptoms, timing, and any changes in behavior helps your vet piece together what might be going on and choose the best next steps.
Partnering With Your Vet to Protect Your Dog’s Health
You know your dog’s normal habits better than anyone, so your instincts matter. When something feels off, whether it’s a small personality shift or a more obvious symptom, it’s always better to ask than to ignore potential warning signs.
Early care often leads to easier treatment and better outcomes. By watching for changes, keeping up with regular checkups, and reaching out when concerns pop up, you give your dog the best chance at staying comfortable and healthy. That attention and advocacy are a powerful part of loving them well.