AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.
Your dog is an important member of your family, but unlike human family members, a dog cannot complain if they鈥檙e in pain or feeling under the weather. It鈥檚 hard to determine if a dog鈥檚 limp is an injury, or if sudden loss of appetite is a symptom of a serious illness. How do you know when to reach out for medical help or seek emergency care?
Learn the warning signs that mean you should take your dog to the vet:
Change in Eating Habits
Skipping a meal isn鈥檛 unusual for a dog, especially on hot summer days or if they鈥檙e in a new environment. However, any more than this could be a red flag that your dog is unwell. Two days without eating is a sign that you should contact your veterinarian.
If your dog is unusually hungry, begging for food excessively, or attempting to eat everything they can get their paws on, this may mean a medical issue (though not necessarily an emergency), and you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
However, each dog must be evaluated in context, and things like the age, breed and medical history of a dog should always be considered. For example, a 2-year-old healthy Rhodesian Ridgeback missing a meal may be less concerning than a 10-year-old diabetic Maltese. Always call your vet if you鈥檙e unsure.
Excessive Thirst
When your dog drinks more water than usual it could be normal, depending on the weather and recent exercise or activity. But it could be a possible sign of kidney disease or diabetes if the excessive thirst and drinking seem to persist for longer than a day. Call your veterinarian promptly if you find yourself filling the more than usual, and it鈥檚 not due to warmer weather or a change in your dog鈥檚 urination frequency.
Eye Appearance
Red or cloudy eyes or unusual eye discharge could indicate an eye infection or injury. If your dog is squinting or pawing at their eyes, this can also be cause for concern. These symptoms shouldn鈥檛 be ignored as diseases of the eyes can progress quickly. A basic rule to note is if one eye is affected, it may be an infection or injury. If both eyes are affected, consider a systemic issue, such as allergies or other health issues.
Vomiting
Most dogs experience vomiting on occasion. Like humans, our dogs vomit to rid themselves of something that doesn鈥檛 agree with their system. You should call the vet immediately if your dog is frequently vomiting or vomits blood.
Typically, it鈥檚 less concerning for a dog to vomit two or three times in ten minutes and then be fine, rather than a dog that vomits three times over eight hours. Severe or prolonged vomiting could also cause dehydration, and you should seek treatment early.
If vomiting is combined with lethargy, poor appetite, and diarrhea, it may be an emergency and requires contacting your veterinarian right away.
听
Change in Stool
Healthy dog stool is firm and moist. If your dog has dry, hard stools or difficulty defecating, it may be a sign of dietary problems, dehydration, or other illness. Other changes to notice include worms, blood, or mucus present in the stool, diarrhea for more than 24 hours, or straining during a bowel movement. Also, dark tarry stools may indicate blood in the stool, and your veterinarian should be notified right away. Changes in your dog鈥檚 stool should always be discussed with your veterinarian.
Lethargy
If your dog is more tired and sluggish than usual, it could be a sign that something isn鈥檛 right. Perhaps your dog is disinterested in playing or going for a walk and less responsive to commands. While it may simply be sore muscles or fatigue due to warm temperatures, you should call your veterinarian if it persists beyond two days.
Sudden Weight Loss
Sudden weight loss in any size dog is cause for concern and a reason to take them to the veterinarian. Even in overweight dogs, quick and unexpected weight loss could be an indication of a serious health condition. While it may be hard to gauge, you should alert your vet if you notice a 10% weight loss.
Scooting
While rear-end scooting on the floor may resemble a silly dog trick, it could be a symptom of worms, an anal gland problem, bowel movement issues, or even a urinary tract infection. If your dog suddenly starts scooting or increases this behavior, you should contact your veterinarian.
Emergency Symptoms
Seek immediate medical attention from your veterinarian or an emergency vet clinic if your dog shows any of the following symptoms:
- Open wounds, possible broken bones, or injury due to trauma or incident, such as a fall or being hit by a vehicle, even if they appear to be acting OK
- Stopped breathing or unconsciousness
- Seizure
- Sudden collapse or difficulty breathing
- Bleeding from mouth, nose, or eyes
- Possible poisoning from consuming something toxic
- Repeated vomiting for over an hour or vomiting blood
- Retching and trying to vomit with no food coming up (a symptom of bloat)
- Extreme pain, displayed by whining or shaking
- Hard and swollen abdomen
- Inability to pass urine
- Labored breathing
- Inability to deliver puppies (over two hours between puppies)
- Ingestion of toxins such as chocolate, poisonous plants, sugar-free products with xylitol, grapes or raisins, rat poison
- Inability to stand, wobbliness or dragging of limbs
- Sudden disorientation
- Pale color to gums 鈥� it鈥檚 very important for owners to check gums regularly for abnormalities
Discuss this list with your veterinarian as there may be further additions or clarification that is particular to your dog and breed. Remember, you best know your dog鈥檚 habits, behaviors, and routine. Trust your instincts and call your veterinarian if you have concerns.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.