Sick Dog Symptoms

Diarrhoea
If your dog has persistent constipation or diarrhoea that lasts for longer than 48 hours or there are any differences in the poo such as the presence of blood or mucus, it is recommended to visit your vet and, if possible, take a fresh stool sample with you.

Repeated vomiting, gagging, sneezing or coughing
Persistent sickness or choking when eating is a concern. Vomiting can be a sign of a developing allergy or a more serious infection, particularly in older dogs. Kennel cough can also be a serious contagious illness.

Refusal to eat for over 24 hours
For a range of reasons your dog’s eating patterns may occasionally become irregular. But if your dog refuses food for a day or more, consult your vet.

Excessive thirst or urination
Unusually excessive thirst and frequent urination is a common sign of illness.Red or swollen gums
Reddened or swollen gums, particularly when associated with bad breath, are an indication of gum disease. When severe, dogs may lose teeth, drop food from their mouths and suffer weight loss due to difficulty eating.

Difficulty urinating
Look out for yelping when urinating, a hunched back or blood in the urine.

Runny eyes or nose
Sneezing, panting, runny eyes and nose or other flu-like symptoms may be signs of respiratory problems, as are gasping or shortness of breath.

Itchy, flaking skin
Skin condition is a good general indicator of health. Skin should be smooth and pink or black. Persistent itching, sores, lumps and signs of dermatitis could indicate an allergic reaction to flea bites. Flea bites are just one of the many examples of insects that could cause these types of allergies and could also transmit some diseases.

Progressive changes in weight
You should be concerned if your dog appears to lose weight progressively over two to four weeks, or shows a slow but steady weight loss over a longer period. Unexpected weight gain can also indicate a problem.