Here is an A-Z of dog health symptoms you need to be aware of. This is not an exhaustive list, so monitor your dog’s behaviour, and if in doubt, always consult a vet if you suspect your dog is suffering.
Abdominal Pain
Pain and/or swelling in the abdomen can be a sign of bloat and gastric dilation.
Bad Breath
Bad breath can be caused by a build-up of plaque, but it is sometimes indicative of a more serious health problem. See these Dog Teeth Cleaning Treats to help eliminate bad breath.
Constipation
Constipation may be a sign you need to change your dog’s diet, but it’s worth getting them checked for hernias.
Diarrhoea
Persistent diarrhoea should be cause for concern and might be the result of a gut infection.
Ears — Discharge
Yellow or orange discharge can indicate ear infection in your dog or this may be a symptom of mites.
Fever
An infection is the most likely cause in dogs exhibiting symptoms of fever.
Gas
Flatulence is normal in all dogs and not necessarily a health symptom. Excessive gas, however, could signify a change of diet is required, or it could be a symptom of health issues like inflammatory bowel disease or even parasites.
Head Shaking
Head shaking in dogs can be a sign of a yeast or bacterial ear infection. It can also be due to itchiness caused by skin allergies or irritation.
Itching
The most common causes of itching in dogs are allergies and parasites. Bacterial and yeast infections will also make your dog itch and excessively scratch.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a symptom of health issues in the liver, so you want to contact a vet immediately if your dog is showing signs of jaundice.
Limping
There are many reasons your dog may be limping, it could be the result of injuries like fractures or sprains. Underlying health issues might be causing inflammation and joint pain.
Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers in dogs are most commonly a symptom of dental disease.
Nose Bleeding
Nose bleeding and nose discharge can be a sign of infection in your dog, but may also be a symptom of allergies.
Panting
It is very normal for dogs to pant, but heavy panting can be a sign of severe overheating or heatstroke. It can also be a sign that your dog has ingested something poisonous or a symptom of an underlying health condition.
Regurgitation
Regurgitation is another potential sign of accidental poisoning and could indicate a foreign body has entered its system if your dog has eaten or swallowed something it shouldn’t have. Regurgitation may point to more serious health issues like infection or cancer.
Shedding
Shedding is completely normal, and the amount of hair a dog loses will depend on the breed. Excessive shedding, however, can be a sign of stress or potentially more serious health issues in your dog. Stay on top of grooming so you’ll notice any changes.
Trembling
Trembling is a clue that your dog is in pain or unwell. Nausea will also cause your dog to tremble or shiver. More serious diseases like kidney or liver disease may also present with trembling.
Urinary Incontinence
Bladder infections can cause sudden incontinence in your dog. It may highlight underlying nerve issues in your dog’s health.
Vomiting
Like regurgitation, sometimes vomiting happens simply as a result of your dog eating too much or too quickly. But severe or persistent vomiting could indicate a multitude of health issues, so you should seek medical care right away.
Weight Gain
Poor diet is generally the cause of weight gain in dogs, but there are times when weight gain is a symptom of health issues. Obesity is a health problem in itself, but also increases your pet’s risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
