Unlike humans, dogs don’t have the luxury of verbally communicating when something is wrong, so it’s up to their owners—you know: you—to take extra care to make sure everything is a-okay. The last thing any pet parent wants is for their little furry one to be in pain. But if you don’t learn how to read the tell-tale signs—of if you have a sick dog or not—there’s a good chance you’re inadvertently condemning your pup to suffer in silence.
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Everything that your dog does—from how much they drink to how clingy they are to how they tilt their head when they’re on a walk—could be an indication of something more serious, which is why it’s important to note any behavioural and physical changes in your canine, no matter how small. Herein, we’ve rounded up some of the most commonly overlooked signs and symptoms of serious problems, so that your dog never has to play medical charades with you again. So put your scrubs on and get ready to play doggie doctor.
1 Their breath smells.
Dog breath isn’t exactly known for smelling minty fresh—but if your pooch is suffering from consistently bad breath, then it could mean that something more serious is at play. Experts say this halitosis could be a symptom of everything from kidney disease to liver problems, and it’s worth consulting with a veterinarian to determine the underlying issue. The best (and most likely) scenario is that it’s just a plaque build-up—something your vet can quickly take care of with a thorough oral cleaning—but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
2 They’re thirstier than usual.
Many human diseases can also show up in canines. A common one? Diabetes. And dogs, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), with this chronic condition experience symptoms similar to humans, including insatiable thirst.
3 They’re peeing in the house.
Instead of scolding your dog every time they pee in the house, consult a veterinarian, and rule out any medical causes for this new, unsavoury behaviour. If your dog was previously trained to only go to the bathroom outside and is now having frequent accidents in the house, it could mean that a medical condition (like a urinary infection, bladder stones, kidney disease, or even diabetes) is preventing them from holding it in.
4 They’re sneezing a lot.
Your dog’s occasional sneezes are nothing to worry about. (In fact, they’re generally pretty adorable.) But if your pup is sneezing uncontrollably with a runny nose to boot, they might be suffering from any number of infections, including kennel cough, distemper virus, and, in extreme cases, dog flu. Some of these (like the flu) are short-term and won’t cause any major damage, but others (like distemper virus) can lead to death if left unmanaged.
5 They won’t leave your side.
“Any changes in your dog’s normal behaviour can indicate a problem,” explains Jeff Travis, DVM, a veterinarian at Kyle Animal Clinic in Texas. These changes could be a sign that your dog is not feeling well and is seeking comfort from you, so don’t overlook any sudden clinginess (as flattering as it may be).
6 They’re not hungry.
A dog—not hungry? That’s when you know things are serious. Of course, dogs get nervous about eating in unfamiliar surroundings (like on vacation or at day-care), but if you’re at home and your pooch is turning down their usual kibble, then the warning alarms should be going off.
Since your dog isn’t exactly able to explain what’s going on, there are many not-so-pleasant reasons for a dog rejecting food (like gingivitis, liver problems, kidney failure, and cancer) that you need to rule out with a licensed professional. If the doctor determines that your dog is clear of any serious illnesses, then the AKC recommends serving up some shredded chicken, rice, and sweet potato balls for maximum health benefits and minimal resistance.
7 They don’t want to go on walks anymore.
A leash-loving pup isn’t going to start hating their walks all of a sudden unless something else is going on. Any number of illnesses can knock the energy out of your dog and make them more lethargic, so all energy level changes should be monitored (and you should always keep an eye out for other symptoms).
8 They’re unusually snappy with you.
Don’t take it personally if your docile dog starts growling at you out the blue. More often than not, a dog will only become aggressive with people when they are in pain and don’t want to be touched, even if those people are their family. If you notice this unusual aggression and anger persisting for more than a few days, take your dog to their doctor—they could be suffering in silence.
9 Their coat looks greasy.
“A healthy coat should be shiny and smooth, not brittle or coarse, and healthy skin should be supple and clear, not greasy, flaky, or bumpy,” writes Cheryl Yuill, DVM, Msc, CVH, a veterinarian and animal expert. “Illness or stress, especially if it is chronic or long-standing, will affect the appearance of your pet’s coat, particularly its luster and texture, and many dogs will shed excessively when they are under stress.” If you notice extra fur around the house or your dog’s coat starts to look extra greasy, Dr. Yuill warns to watch out for things like hormonal imbalances, parasites, and arthritis.
10 They’re hiding from you.
It is a well-known fact among pet owners that dogs will hide from their humans when they are close to death. One school of thought surrounding this idea is that canines hide instinctively for protection, though no one is 100 percent sure as to the true rationale. If your dog is getting harder and harder to find around the house, bring them to the vet to find out whether their health is deteriorating—especially if they’re on the older side.
