Is My Dog Sick? The Main Signs Of Illness In Dogs

Is my dog sick? That’s a question our dogs (sadly) can’t answer for us. And since they’re good at hiding what’s bothering them in the early stages of sickness or disease, it can be easy to miss the signs of illness in dogs. (Until it’s too late and now you’re dealing with a hefty vet bill…or worse.)

But you know your furry friend like no one else and can sense if things are not quite right.

For example, has your dog:

• Stopped eating?
• Started sleeping more?
• Acting strange?
• Moving less than usual?

In this guide, we’ll talk about what signs of illness in dogs to look for – and how regular Activity and Sleep Tracking can help prevent your dog from falling sick in the first place. Let’s get started.

How to tell if your dog is sick?

If you’re wondering “Is my dog sick?“, the first thing to do is check if your pup is acting like their usual self. Because much like us humans, dogs tend to act differently if something is wrong with them.

For example, your dog might seem:

• Less interested in food
• Reluctant to participate during playtime
• Tired from not sleeping well enough – or sleeping too much
• Or be less active in general.

So if something feels out of the ordinary, it might be time to talk to the vet.

But how do you keep track of these kinds of behavioral changes?

After all, it’s not like you can monitor your dog 24/7. Plus, once you miss a day of tracking, it’s easy for it to become two days, then three…by when your dog’s health might’ve worsened.

But it’s exactly what vets recommend you do in order to catch on to a health issue early. Like, for example, how active your dog is on the regular.

“Keep track of your dog’s energy levels, especially how long they are able to walk.

If you notice significant declines, it could be a sign of pain, heart disease, or other illness.”

– VCA Animal Hospitals

Now you can jot down your dog’s symptoms in a journal. (Maybe as a starting point to stay accountable.)

💡Or you could go for actionable data from an Activity and Sleep Tracker that’s built for dogs and dog parents alike.

So you can see (in numbers) whether your dog’s been:

• Moving less
• Taking more naps
• Or getting less sleep than usual

All of which can help you have a more productive conversation with your vet – and catch on to a change in your dog’s behaviors much in advance. (So no need to struggle paying an expensive vet bill.)

Discover Activity Tracking

Symptoms & signs of illness in dogs

Dog sickness can occur for a whole number of reasons, ranging from the harmless (like when a dog eats grass) to serious (like rabies or cancer). Their symptoms depend on the type and cause of the illness.

The following list of signs of illness in dogs explains the most common warning signals that you have a sick dog and they may need veterinary care.

Lethargy

Pay attention to how much your dog normally moves. Any significant change in your dog’s usual level of activity could signal that something’s wrong.

Because in general, dogs in pain will typically be less active than healthy dogs – like with senior dogs, who are vulnerable to mobility-affecting conditions, like arthritis.

So if your once-active dog now seems to be in a slump, get in touch with your vet for an early checkup.

Read more:

• Dealing With A Lethargic Dog: Signs, Steps & Symptoms
• Arthritis In Dogs: How To Deal With Hip And Joint Problems In Dogs
• Senior Dogs: Helping Your Buddy Age Gracefully

Sleep disturbances

Many sick dogs will sleep more than usual, but have worse sleep quality. Pain and discomfort can get in the way of a good night’s sleep, which is key for healthy, happy dogs.

Secondly – dogs tend to be super sleepers, clocking in around 12-14 hours a day! Which actually makes it easy to miss out on a change in their sleep patterns. (I.e., whether they’re sleeping more or less – or worse.)

But with all that said, how are you supposed to track your dog’s sleep – when you’ve got to sleep yourself?

💡It’s where a Sleep Tracker built for dogs can be a lifesaver.

With one, you can now figure out:

• How much is a normal amount of sleep for your dog
• How often your dog’s sleep was disturbed
• Whether there’s been an unusual change in your dog’s sleep patterns – much in advance

Get Sleep Tracking

My dog sleeps all day – is this normal?

It’s actually 100% normal for dogs to sleep half the time. In fact, some sleep even longer! As a general rule, puppies, large dogs, and old dogs tend to need more sleep, while smaller dog breeds and work dogs typically sleep less.

In additional to sleeping, it’s common for dogs to spend another 30% of their waking hours “loafing”. Basically, chilling and doing nothing.

Read more: Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?

However, vets say that unusual changes in your dog’s sleep patterns may be cause for concern¹. If you notice your dog is suddenly sleeping more throughout the day, they may be sick.

“If your dog usually sleeps for 2-3 hours in the morning and then is up for the rest of the day – but then you suddenly notice they are sleeping for 5-6 hours in the morning and into the afternoon, it’s time to call the vet.”

– PetMD

Dog throwing up

If you notice your dog vomiting, this is a clear sign your dog is sick or at least has an upset stomach. Vomiting and diarrhea are often the most common first signs of illness.

If your dog throws up once but otherwise acts normally, the issue may not be so serious. However, vomiting can also be a sign of a more serious illness.

Keep an eye on your dog and call your vet if they vomit several times within one day, vomit blood, or seem lethargic or weaker than usual.

Because vomiting in dogs can be caused by:

• Infectious diseases
• Food allergies and sensitivities
• Eating something toxic
• Bowel disease
• Metabolic diseases
• Cancer
• Parasites
• Intestinal obstruction
• Stomach bloat
• Parvovirus
• Kidney or liver failure
• Addison’s disease
• Pancreatitis²

Read more:

• Why Is My Dog Throwing Up? 8 Reasons Why & What To Do
• What Can Dogs Not Eat? 15 Foods Poisonous To Dogs
• Toxic To Dogs: Dog Parents Beware Of These Common Dog Poisons

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is another common symptom of sickness in dogs, and it refers to runny, frequent and fluid poo. Normal healthy dog poop is firm, brown and log-shaped. If you notice your dog’s stool is unusually wet or runny, your dog likely has diarrhea.

Diarrhea in dogs can have many different causes, including:

• Food intolerance
• Stress
• Spoiled foods
• Poisoning
• Allergies
• Infection
• Parasites
• Overeating
• Disease,
• and medications

Read more: Diarrhea In Dogs: Top Causes And Treatments

Loss of appetite

Most dogs look forward to meal-time and love being fed their favorite treats. Or, they’ll eat anything they can get their paws on. So if you suddenly notice your dog not eating, or gradually losing interest in food over time, this is a strong indicator your dog may be sick.

Note: It’s normal for dogs to eat less in warm weather when they may be less active due to high temperatures. Also, senior dogs don’t need as many calories as adult dogs.

If your dog isn’t finishing their daily meals like they usually do, it may be time to seek veterinary support.

What to feed a sick dog with no appetite

If your dog is sick and has little appetite, it’s best to feed them bland, easy-to-digest foods. Here are some ideas:

• Chicken and rice: Prepare this simple meal for your dog to help ease their upset stomach. Use boneless, skinless chicken breast and white rice. Do not add any oil, butter or seasonings, as this can make their upset stomach worse. Keep it simple by boiling the chicken and rice (separately) and feeding it to your dog plain, in bite sized pieces. Make sure the chicken is cooked through before serving. Plain shredded chicken is another good option for sick dogs and can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 6 months.
• Bone broth: Nutritious and delicious, bone broth is an excellent way to motivate your sick dog to eat when they’re not feeling well. Make it yourself by cooking beef marrow, chicken, or turkey leg bones in a crock-pot with a few inches of water on low heat for up to 24 hours. Remove bones and store in the fridge for a few hours, until it’s completely cooled. Then remove the hardened layer of fat on the top. When you’re ready to feed it to your dog, warm up just until it’s liquid again. It’s also a perfect way to add moisture to dry dog food.
• Pumpkin: Another great food for sick dogs, this Halloween hero is high in fiber content and supports your dog’s digestive system. Feed it to your dog peeled, cooked, and without any salt or seasoning. Canned pumpkin is also safe for dogs, as long as it’s pure pumpkin with no added ingredients. Pumpkin can give your dog many nutrients they need, plus help if they’re blocked up and can’t poo.

Changes in urination

If your dog starts peeing more often or less often than usual, or seems to have difficulty going, this can be cause for concern. It could signal a variety of illnesses, from urinary tract infections to liver or kidney disease.

Get in touch with your vet as soon as possible about urination issues, especially if your notice blood in your dog’s urine.

Drinking too much or too little water

Another sign of illness in dogs is a change in their thirst level or drinking habits. A dog that won’t drink water or drinks too much water might be unwell and dealing with a fever or kidney problems.

Read more: 5 Reasons Your Dog Won’t Drink Water & What To Do

Weight loss or weight gain

Unexplained weight gain or weight loss is another sign of illness in dogs. You can use a body condition score for dogs (and a dog BMI calculator) to see if your canine friend’s weight is within the healthy range.

If your dog starts to look skinnier than usual, or if they’ve put on a few pounds recently, talk to your vet to find the underlying cause.

Read more:

• Body Condition Score & BMI Calculator for Dogs
• Dog Losing Weight: 10 Reasons & Catching It Early
• What Makes Dogs Fat? Getting An Overweight Dog Back In Shape
• How To Lose Weight With Your Dog

Check Your Dog’s BMI

Behavioral changes

Sudden behavioral changes in your dog – such as aggression, biting, or being extra protective of parts of their body – are also a cause for concern.

• For example, biting and aggression can be symptoms of rabies in dogs.
• Or a grass awn wound may cause your dog to suddenly act differently due to pain where it got in.

In any case, if your dog is suddenly not acting like themselves, speak to your vet.

Trouble walking

If you’re noticing your dog having difficulties walking, getting up, or getting around, it could be:

• Joint problems
• Hip dysplasia
• Arthritis
• A broken bone
• Infections
• Or another illness

In some cases, your buddy might just need a bit of rest to return to normal. (Especially if they seem lame or stiff.) But if the issues persist or you spot other symptoms, see your vet.

Read more: Arthritis In Dogs: How To Deal With Hip And Joint Problems In Dogs

“It can be easy to miss out on changes in your dog’s or cat’s regular activity – or just if they’re on the move more or less than usual.

So we’ve set up Activity Degradation alerts for when your pet’s active minutes drop significantly.

They can help you intervene in a situation where your pet might be struggling with an infection or even just pain.”

– Sebastian Raab, Product Manager at Tractive & occasional pet-sitter

Keep Your Dog Healthy

Difficulty breathing

Dogs who are experiencing labored breathing might also experience coughing, wheezing, gagging, or shortness of breath. These symptoms are not normal for dogs and could be a sign of:

• Canine influenza (dog flu)
• Heart failure
• Canine infectious respiratory disease
• Heartworm disease

Read more: Can Dogs Have Sleep Apnea? Helping Our Furry Friends Get A Good Night’s Sleep

⚠️ Visit your vet right away if your dog has any respiratory problems, or seems to be struggling to get air.

Sneezing or runny nose

Similarly, sneezing, a runny nose or watery eyes also indicate sickness in dogs. Dogs can catch colds just like us (even Covid-19) so be on the lookout for cold-like symptoms in your furry friends.

Pale or discolored gums

Healthy dog gums should be bubblegum pink, or a similar color. Get familiar with your dog’s gum color when they’re healthy so you can spot when something’s off.

• Pale gums are one of the top signs of illness in dogs and can indicate many illnesses such as dehydration, bloating, or even cancer.
• Purple, yellow, blue or bright red discoloration of dog gums also mean that your dog is probably not feeling well and that you should speak to a vet.

Read more: Dog Dental Care: How To Get Your Dog The Best Smile Ever

Fever

Sick dogs can also come down with a fever. Use a digital thermometer to check your dog’s temperature. The normal temperature for a dog’s body is between 101 and 102.5ºF³.

Fever in dogs can be caused by:

• Poisoning
• Bacterial, viral or fungal infection
• Ear infection
• Infected bite or wound
• Tooth or mouth infections
• Urinary tract infection
• Immune system disorders
• Cancer

If your dog’s temperature exceeds 103°F, try to cool them down using a fan, or by applying a towel or cloth soaked in cool water. Continue monitoring their temperature.

If their temperature goes up or passes 106°F, take your dog to an emergency veterinary clinic or animal hospital.

⚠️ Never give your dog human medications – these can be poisonous for them.

Itching, gnawing or hair loss

Another sign of illness in dogs is itching, biting, or gnawing at a certain part of their body. Dogs who itch or gnaw excessively may have fleas, infections or canine allergies.

You should go see your vet about itching in dogs especially if it is accompanied by hair loss, redness, swelling, discharge or an abnormal odor.

Most common dog diseases: Symptoms & treatment

As you can see, there are many possible ways our dogs, like us, can get sick. But luckily, you can prevent your dog from catching a sickness by staying on top of their vaccinations.

Below is a chart of some of the most common dog illnesses, some of their symptoms and possible treatments.

*Preventable through vaccinations, deworming and/or preventative medications.

Other ways you can prevent illness in your dog

Besides monitoring your dog’s condition and behavior closely, here are a couple of steps you can take to prevent your dog from falling sick.

• Wash your hands: It sounds basic, but good hand-washing is essential for preventing the spread of sickness and disease among all your family members, including your dogs.
• Regular vet checks: Take your dog to the vet at least once a year for a general checkup. Head over as soon as possible if you notice any unusual symptoms or signs of illness.
• Vaccinate (and keep up to date): Make sure your dog has all the necessary vaccinations based on their environment and lifestyle.
• Use flea, tick and parasite prevention: Give your dog vet-recommended medications to protect them against pests and pest-borne illness. Other animals can also carry diseases that can be passed on your dog in case they’re bitten.

• Watch what your dog eats: Dogs often get sick from eating spoiled food, contaminated water or other substances that are toxic to dogs. Don’t let your dog eat anything that could make them sick.
• Clean up: Regularly clean or tidy up your dog’s environment, such as floors, bedding and toys, to keep it free of harmful objects (like glass, grass awns or splinters), bacteria or parasites.
• Cook meat thoroughly: Raw meat can carry food-borne illnesses, so make sure any meat your dog consumes is cooked thoroughly.⁴

And most importantly…

• Monitor changes in your dog’s behavior – like their activity and sleep. Which, if you’ve invested in a Tractive device, means you now have actionable data at hand for spotting a change more quickly. (And preventing your dog’s health from worsening down the line.)

Track Your Dog’s Health

Catch on to the signs of illness in dogs like a pro

Depending on their symptoms and illness, there are many possible ways to treat a sick dog. However, only a certified vet can give you a proper diagnosis of your dog’s condition, so it’s essential to speak to your vet at the first signs of illness.

After talking to you and physically examining your dog, your vet will be able to give you more information about all possible treatment options.

Whatever treatment path you choose, it’s a personal choice to be made by you with the help of your vet, taking into consideration your dog’s unique situation.

But with all that said:

💡The most effective way to treat disease in dogs is to prevent it.

And on the bright side, many canine diseases are preventable with vaccines and medications. So it’s best to:

• Give your dog the recommended preventatives while they’re still young. Your vet can tell you which vaccines and medications are a good idea, based on where you live and your dog’s lifestyle.
• Stay on top of your dog’s hygiene, diet, hydration, and activity. Little things go a long way and good habits build up towards better health with time.
• Monitor your dog’s behavior to catch on to a change earlier. Your dog isn’t likely to complain about their symptoms. But with observable behaviors like their activity and sleep, you can catch on to a change that much quicker – and get them to a vet that much earlier.

Stay on top of your dog’s wellness

See how they’re doing at a glance with Wellness Score. Set goals. Compare with dogs like yours. Monitor sleep. Detect issues and keep them healthy.

Discover Tractive GPS

With these steps, plus lots of love and care, you’ll be more likely to keep your dog safe and healthy for years to come.

For more information about warning signs that your dog may be sick, check out this video by the Continental Kennel Club:

And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a friend or a loved one – and let’s help build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together.

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Your furry friend’s health and wellbeing means as much as to us as it does to you. So we’ve made it a priority to only share medically-relevant content on our blog.

This post was checked, double-checked, and medically verified by Georgia-based vet, Dr. Dwight Alleyne.

Dr. Dwight Alleyne, DVM

Dwight Alleyne was born and raised in Long Island, New York where his love of animals began. His career for animals began working for a well-known no-kill animal shelter on Long Island.

He worked his way up the career ladder working as a kennel technician, veterinary assistant, and then becoming a licensed veterinary technician at the shelter.

His passion for veterinary medicine led to him applying to and being accepted at Cornell University Veterinary where he graduated from in 2006. After completing a small animal rotating internship at Purdue University, he eventually made his way to Georgia where he has been practicing ever since.

Dr. Alleyne has practiced at several small animal clinics throughout Georgia. He has a keen interest in soft tissue surgery and has extensive experience in performing ultrasounds including echocardiograms.

When he is not practicing medicine, Dr. Alleyne enjoys writing and editing pet health articles and providing pet advice through telehealth.

Dr. Alleyne also has his own blog called “The Animal Doctor Blog.” Check it out on: www.anmldrblog.com.