Animals are resilient; dogs are no exception to this rule. Your loyal companion will work hard to make you happy and will stick by your side at all times. He’ll also do everything he can to make sure you don’t see his pain. Your dog will show signs he’s hurting or not feeling well, but by the time you see those symptoms he will already be sick or in more pain than you can see.
So what can you do? Make sure you are conscious of your dog’s behavior patterns and temperament and be on the lookout for changes. Your dog is relying on you to take action when things go wrong. Keep your eyes peeled for these important changes.
Behavioral Changes
Most dogs are not aggressive unless provoked. Is your pup pretty laid back, or is he always active and happy to see you? Behavioral changes are a sure sign something is wrong. Your dog may not run to greet you, or he might actively attempt to hide from you. Avoiding groups of people he‘s normally excited to see is also a red flag.
For some dogs, the opposite behavior may actually occur instead. Watch for behavior like sticking by your side more than usual, especially if he normally prefers to chill by himself. Just like a clingy child, a sick pup may want to be closer to you because he feels vulnerable or less independent. Pay attention to this change.
Sleeping Patterns
Is your dog suddenly sleeping a lot more than usual? Dogs sleep more when they are in pain. Sometimes it’s because their bodies are tired (a product of natural healing), but other times, it’s a result of being in pain. If he’s not even showing interest in his toys or regular activities, it may be a sign of something health-related.
Changes in Eating Habits
Dogs will either eat and drink more or less depending on how they’re feeling. Increased activity often leads to increased intake; similarly, if you have a furry couch potato, he may eat less because he needs less. This is normal, but your dog might eat and drink less if they are in pain, too. Sometimes, the sheer effort is too much or they come to associate eating with an upset their stomach.
Dogs who eat or drink excessively and abnormally may have other illnesses brewing. One example is canine reflux; it can cause dogs to eat in an attempt to reduce pain. By taking in food, they fill the stomach and reduce the amount of acid in the stomach.
So, how can you know the difference? Look for sudden changes, not long-term shifts. Refusing their go-to dog treat is a sure sign of a problem.
Excessive Grooming
Dogs in pain will spend a lot of time grooming. They do this to soothe themselves, just like we do when we rub or massage an area we find painful. Your dog may do this even if there isn’t a visible wound. For example, over-grooming the groin can sometimes be a sign of a canine urinary tract infection or digestive issues.
Check to see if the area your dog is grooming feels warm or cold to the touch. Infections can cause redness, warmth, and swelling. Cold skin that doesn’t match the rest of the body (and isn’t an absolute extremity, like the tips of his ears) may be a sign of canine circulatory issues.
Rapid or Shallow Breathing
Dogs don’t pant a lot unless they have been running around, and even then the panting is short-lived. Keep an eye on your dog’s breathing pattern and make a note of any changes. Breathing patterns that get faster or slower can be a sign your dog is having trouble breathing, or it may show canine anxiety, especially if you see a lot of lip-licking or whining at the same time. If there’s no immediate cause for the panting or strange breathing, seek immediate veterinary attention.
Your Dog Is Having Bathroom Problems
Your dog is well-trained and housebroken and only urinates outside, right? Dogs who aren’t feeling well often pee or defecate in odd places. This is sometimes a reaction to stress, but it could also be because of an underlying medical condition, like Diabetes. Inappropriate urination or defecation is also common in the presence of urinary tract infections and certain canine bladder or kidney issues.
Vomiting or Diarrhea
Dogs will vomit or have occasional bouts with diarrhea, but it’s usually just once or twice after some excitement or getting into something they shouldn’t have. Vomiting more than a couple of times in the same day is a sign something more is wrong, especially when paired with other symptoms, like fatigue or lethargy.
You also need to keep an eye on the type of vomit or diarrhea you’re seeing. You should never see blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds. Your dog may have swallowed something or he might have a virus or parasite. You should seek immediate attention for your dog if he is throwing up or pooping blood.
Coughing
Dogs rarely cough unless something is irritating their throat and lungs. Keep a careful eye on your pup if she coughs excessively throughout the day or night. This symptom is often a sign of heart or lung disease, and may also be associated with severe heartworm infection. Your dog could also have a viral infection known as kennel cough; it’s a nuisance in adult dogs, but can blossom into pneumonia, making older and younger dogs very ill.
Mobility Issues
Dogs may slow down as they get older. This is just a normal part of the aging process, but sudden or severe changes in mobility may be a sign that something else is afoot. Dogs are susceptible to tick-borne diseases, like Lyme disease, and can develop joint pain or arthritis as a side effect. Your dog might have hip or spine pain or any of several other joint issues. Pain and stiffness is not only uncomfortable for your dog, but may leave him unable to get up to go out, resulting in accidents in the house or even on themselves.
Balance Issues
Dogs do not generally have balance issues. A dog that falls over, stumbles, or otherwise cannot maintain their balance may be injured, ill, or having a stroke. This, too, can also be a sign of tick-related paralysis. Because the risk for serious, often-fatal illnesses is so high with this symptom, it’s imperative to see your vet immediately.
Avoiding Touch
What dog doesn’t love a scratch behind the ear or a good belly rub? A dog that’s in pain, that’s who. Take note if your dog moves away or shows signs of tension when you rub or touch certain areas of their body. This is another red flag. Have your vet check the area out to rule out injuries, cuts, or diseases like canine arthritis.
Strong Odors
We’re not talking about regular doggy breath here; we’re talking about an extreme odor coming from the mouth or ears. Abnormally strong smells can be a sign your dog has an oral health problem, an infection, or even a gastrointestinal disorder. Otic ear infections are extremely common in dogs, especially for breeds with ears that flop over, and dental is an eventuality for all pet parents.
Take some time to jot down a few notes about your dog’s favorite things, his favorite treats, and his regular habits every so often. All dogs change with time, especially as they age, but sudden changes that progress quickly are a sign your dog may need medical attention. When in doubt, call your vet. A thorough exam or a simple blood work panel will help you and your dog get right to the root of the problem.