As a dog owner, it’s easy to get caught up in the joy and companionship that our dogs bring to our lives.
However, while we may love them unconditionally, sometimes we overlook subtle signs that something is wrong with their health or behavior.
Dogs can’t speak our language, so they rely on body language, behaviors, and sometimes subtle shifts in their routine to communicate when they’re unwell or in pain.
Unfortunately, canine body language isn’t as easy to understand!
As a dog owner, I’ve learned that paying attention to some signals can make all the difference.
From unusual eating habits to subtle behavioral changes, these clues might be your dog’s way of telling you that something’s not quite right:
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1. Changes in Appetite: Could Indicate Gastrointestinal Problems or Anxiety
Dogs love food, so any noticeable change in their eating habits can be a warning sign that something’s wrong.
Whether they’re eating less, refusing food, or eating more than usual, it’s important not to overlook these changes. A sudden decrease in appetite can point to gastrointestinal issues, dental pain, or even stress.
On the other hand, an increase in food consumption could indicate problems like thyroid imbalances or diabetes.
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2. Sudden Weight Gain or Loss: Could Indicate Metabolic Disorders
While slight fluctuations in your dog’s weight can be normal, sudden or significant weight changes are often a cause for concern.
Weight gain can sometimes be due to a change in diet or lack of exercise, but it can also signal metabolic disorders like hypothyroidism. Similarly, rapid weight loss could be a sign of serious conditions such as diabetes, canine cancer, or gastrointestinal disease.
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3. Unexplained Lethargy: Could Signal an Underlying Medical Issue
One of the most common warning signs that pet parents tend to ignore is lethargy. We often chalk it up to our dogs having an “off day” or simply being tired from playtime.
However, if your normally active dog seems unusually sluggish, this could be a red flag. Dogs can become lethargic due to a variety of reasons, including infections, heart problems, or even serious conditions like cancer.
While some lethargy is normal after a busy day, consistent or unexplained lethargy warrants a trip to the vet.
In my experience, when my dog started showing signs of excessive tiredness, I initially brushed it off. But when it persisted for a few days, I knew something wasn’t right. After a vet visit, I learned that my dog had a minor infection that required treatment. Had I ignored the signs, it could have turned into something more severe.
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4. Excessive Licking or Scratching: Could Indicate Allergies or Skin Problems
It’s not uncommon for dogs to lick or scratch themselves now and then, but excessive licking or scratching is another signal that something might be wrong.
Allergies are a common cause, whether due to food, pollen, or flea bites. But beyond allergies, persistent licking or scratching can point to skin infections, mites, or even pain in specific areas.
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5. Bad Breath: Could Be a Symptom of Dental Disease or Organ Issues
We often joke about “doggy breath,” but foul-smelling breath is not something to ignore. Persistent bad breath in dogs can be a sign of dental disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications like tooth loss or infections that spread to other organs.
In some cases, bad breath can even indicate kidney or liver problems.
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6. Excessive Panting: Could Signal Pain or Respiratory Problems
Dogs pant naturally to cool down, especially after exercise or on hot days, but excessive panting, especially when your dog hasn’t been active, can be a sign of something more serious.
It can indicate pain, anxiety, or respiratory issues. If your dog is panting heavily for no apparent reason, it’s worth getting them checked out.
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7. Sudden Behavioral Changes: Could Point to Pain, Anxiety, or Neurological Issues
If your dog suddenly starts behaving differently—becoming more aggressive, anxious, or showing bad behavior—it’s worth investigating.
Behavioral changes like aggressive behavior can sometimes be a sign of physical pain, anxiety, or even neurological conditions.
Dogs may act out or hide when they’re uncomfortable, so it’s important to recognize when these changes occur.
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8. Stiffness or Limping: Could Be a Sign of Joint Issues or Injury
If your dog starts showing signs of stiffness, limping, or reluctance to move, these are clear indications that something might be wrong.
While pet owners often attribute these symptoms to aging, they can also be signs of joint issues like arthritis or even a recent injury. Ignoring these signs can lead to worsening pain and mobility issues for your dog.
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9. Changes in Bathroom Habits: Could Be a Sign of Kidney or Bladder Issues
We might not like to think about our dogs’ bathroom habits too much—no one likes to do so! But monitoring them is key to catching potential health issues early.
If your dog starts urinating more frequently, has trouble going to the bathroom, or shows signs of discomfort while doing so, it could be a sign of bladder or kidney issues. Diarrhea or constipation can also indicate gastrointestinal problems or stress.
I learned this the hard way with my older dog, who began having accidents in the house after being house-trained for years.
I initially thought it was a behavioral issue, but a vet visit revealed that he was dealing with a urinary tract infection.
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10. Red or Cloudy Eyes: Could Be a Sign of Eye Infection or Vision Problems
Though not as common as the other signs, red or cloudy eyes are alarming signs that you should keep an eye out for.
If you notice redness, cloudiness, excessive tearing, or discharge, these can be signs of eye infections, allergies, or more serious issues like glaucoma or cataracts. Left untreated, some of these conditions can lead to permanent vision loss.
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11. Changes in Sleeping Patterns
If your dog starts sleeping significantly more or less than usual, it could be a sign of underlying health issues. Excessive sleepiness might indicate hypothyroidism or other metabolic disorders, while restlessness or insomnia could be linked to pain, anxiety, or neurological problems.
12. Unusual Vocalizations
An increase in whining, whimpering, or other vocalizations can be a dog’s way of expressing discomfort or pain. If your dog becomes more vocal without an apparent reason, it’s essential to observe for other signs of distress or consult your veterinarian
13. Frequent Head Shaking or Ear Scratching
Regular head shaking or scratching at the ears may indicate ear infections, mites, or other auditory issues. These conditions can cause significant discomfort and, if untreated, may lead to more severe complications.
14. Excessive Paw Licking or Chewing
While the occasional paw lick is normal, constant licking or chewing can indicate allergies, anxiety, or hidden injuries. It’s also a common sign of boredom or stress, and if left unaddressed, can lead to sores, infections, or more serious compulsive behaviors.
Final Words
Being a dog owner comes with a lot of responsibility, and that includes paying attention to the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) signs that our dogs are unwell.
By learning to recognize these warning signs early, you can catch a lot of health concerns before they become severe conditions.
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Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud parent of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is passionate about understanding cats and different cat breeds.