Introduction
It’s normal for dogs to get sick from time to time. However, as a dog owner it’s important to know the signs of serious illness that require veterinary attention. This article provides an overview of common dog illnesses and guidance on when you should take your dog to the vet.
Dogs can develop respiratory illnesses like kennel cough or canine influenza, gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea, skin problems like hot spots or allergic reactions, dental disease like gum infections, and more. Even behavior changes can signal an underlying medical issue.
While many mild illnesses can be monitored at home, there are certain red flags that warrant an urgent vet visit. These include difficulty breathing, uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea, inability to eat or drink, seizures, collapse, and non-healing wounds. Prolonged lethargy, coughing, or other concerning symptoms also merit veterinary examination.
Catching and treating illnesses early can help prevent complications and relieve your dog’s discomfort. Establishing a relationship with a trusted vet allows you to seek timely advice when concerns arise. Keeping up with preventative care like vaccines and dental cleanings is also key to your dog’s health.
This article explores common canine illnesses in more detail, outlining symptoms, treatment, and most importantly, when to seek veterinary care. As a dog owner, arming yourself with knowledge enables you to make informed decisions about your pet’s wellbeing.
Signs of Serious Illness
Some signs that indicate your dog may have a serious illness requiring emergency veterinary care include lethargy, weakness, collapse, shaking, and more. Lethargy or lack of energy in your normally active dog is a red flag. If your dog seems too weak to stand or has collapsed, this indicates an emergency. Shaking or tremors, especially in the head, legs or whole body, can signal a potentially life-threatening issue like poisoning, low blood sugar, or seizures. Other serious signs are loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and crying or whining from pain. Pay close attention if your dog exhibits any of these signs and be prepared to visit the emergency vet immediately.
According to the emergency veterinarians at Northeast Vet, difficulty breathing, extreme coughing, and gagging can also be signs of serious illness or distress requiring quick vet attention (source). Labored, rapid, shallow or otherwise abnormal breathing could indicate pneumonia, fluid in the lungs, an obstruction, or other critical issue. Likewise, a new, chronic, or worsening cough may signal heart or lung problems. Gagging or choking can mean a foreign object is lodged in your dog’s throat or something else is blocking their airway.
Respiratory Issues
Respiratory issues in dogs can cause coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, breathing difficulties, and more. Some common respiratory illnesses in dogs include:
Kennel Cough – This highly contagious bacterial or viral infection causes inflammation in a dog’s trachea and bronchial tubes, leading to a harsh, honking cough. Kennel cough is spread through the air or contact with contaminated surfaces. Treatment involves rest, antibiotics if bacterial, and cough suppressants. Most dogs recover within a few weeks (source).
Canine Influenza (Dog Flu) – This is a highly contagious viral respiratory infection that causes fever, lethargy, appetite loss, and coughing. Most dogs recover with rest and supportive care, but secondary bacterial infections can occur. Vaccination can help prevent infection (source).
Pneumonia – Respiratory bacterial or viral infections can progress to pneumonia, which causes breathing difficulties, fever, and congestion. Pneumonia requires veterinary treatment with antibiotics, cough suppressants, and sometimes oxygen therapy. Underlying diseases like heart failure can predispose dogs to pneumonia.
Chronic Bronchitis – Long-term inflammation of the bronchi leads to persistent coughing and difficulty breathing. It can be caused by allergies, irritation, infections, or underlying lung disease. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and resolving underlying causes.
Any unusual respiratory signs in dogs warrant an exam since prompt treatment of infections reduces complications. Preventing exposure to contagious dogs and staying current on vaccines helps reduce respiratory illnesses.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Gastrointestinal issues are very common in dogs. Some of the most concerning symptoms to watch for include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and bloat.
Vomiting can signal a variety of underlying issues, from eating something disagreeable to a serious condition like pancreatitis or kidney disease. It’s important to note the frequency, color, and any foreign objects in the vomit. Seek veterinary care if your dog is vomiting more than 2-3 times in 24 hours or if the vomit contains blood or appears black and tarry.
Diarrhea is not uncommon in dogs, but be on the lookout for bloody stool, black or tarry stool, mucus in the stool, or diarrhea that persists more than 24-48 hours. These require prompt veterinary attention as they can indicate parvovirus, parasites, allergies, infections, or other intestinal disorders (Merck Veterinary Manual).
Loss of appetite in dogs can result from nausea, dental problems, infections, or other issues. It is concerning if your dog goes more than 24 hours without eating. Loss of appetite paired with lethargy requires an urgent vet visit.
Bloat is a life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists. Symptoms include a swollen, hard stomach and signs of distress like retching, restlessness, and rapid shallow breathing. Bloat requires immediate veterinary treatment (Bond Vet).
Skin Issues
Some of the most common skin issues in dogs include:
- Rashes – These can be caused by allergies, infections, autoimmune diseases, parasite bites, and other conditions. Signs include redness, bumps, irritation, and itchiness. Some types of rashes include contact dermatitis, pyoderma, malassezia dermatitis, and flea allergy dermatitis [1].
- Itching – Excessive itching or scratching can be caused by allergies, skin infections, external parasites, dry skin, metabolic diseases, immune disorders, and other issues. Hot spots, hair loss, and wounds can result from persistent scratching [2].
- Hair Loss – Partial or complete hair loss (alopecia) has several potential causes like ringworm, hormonal disorders, autoimmune disease, stress or anxiety, poor nutrition, and more. It can occur in patches or affect the whole body [3].
- Wounds – Scrapes, bites, cuts, punctures, burns, pressure sores, surgical incisions, and more can cause skin wounds. Signs include bleeding, swelling, redness, pain, and discharge. Prompt treatment is key to prevent infection.
Contact your vet promptly if your dog shows signs of a persistent or worsening skin condition. Early treatment can prevent complications and relieve discomfort.
Eye and Ear Issues
Ear infections are common in dogs and can lead to eye issues if left untreated. Discharge coming from the ears, redness, swelling, head shaking or tilting, and scratching at the ears are all signs of a potential ear infection (The Pharm Pet Co). These infections are often caused by bacteria or yeast and can spread from the ears to the tissue around the eyes.
Some signs your dog may have an eye issue related to an ear infection include eye discharge, redness, swelling, squinting, pawing at their eyes, sensitivity to light, and crusty eyes in the morning. Left untreated, ear infections can damage the nerves connecting the ears and eyes leading to conditions like Horner’s Syndrome, which causes drooping eyelids and small pupils (Veterinary Vision Center).
If you notice any of these eye or ear symptoms in your dog, it’s important to schedule a veterinarian appointment right away. Treatment usually includes cleaning and flushing the ears, medication, and possibly surgery for more serious infections. Catching and treating an ear infection quickly can help prevent further damage and eye complications in dogs.
Dental Issues
Bad breath and mouth pain are common symptoms of dental disease in dogs. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, affects over 80% of dogs by age 3. It occurs when plaque builds up on the teeth and leads to infection and inflammation of the gums and tooth roots. Eventually, this can cause tooth loss. According to the Hillcrest Animal Hospital, signs of periodontal disease include:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Loose or missing teeth
- Blood on chew toys or in water bowl
- Excessive drooling
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Pawing at the mouth
- Difficulty eating or chewing
- Discolored teeth
Periodontal disease is painful and decreases a dog’s quality of life. Proper dental care like brushing, dental treats, and professional cleanings can prevent plaque buildup. If your dog shows signs of dental issues, schedule a vet exam for assessment and treatment. Left unchecked, advanced dental disease can lead to tooth loss, infections, and damage to internal organs.
Behavior Changes
Sick dogs often exhibit behavioral changes that aren’t part of their normal routine. According to Top 10 Signs Your Dog May Be Sick (and What You Can Do), some common behavioral changes to watch for include aggression, anxiety, and restlessness.
Dogs that are usually friendly may suddenly become short-tempered, irritable, or aggressive when ill. This is likely due to the dog feeling discomfort or pain. Dogs in pain tend to have less patience and tolerance. Aggressive behaviors like growling, snapping, or biting should not be ignored in a dog that is normally even-tempered.
Anxious or restless behavior can also signal sickness. A sick dog may seem unable to get comfortable, pacing or moving from place to place frequently. They may whine, tremble, or pant excessively. Separation anxiety and clinginess often increase when a dog feels unwell. These anxiety and stress signals suggest the dog is not at ease and needs medical attention.
If your dog shows unusual aggression, anxiety, restlessness, or other behavioral changes, it’s important to get them assessed by a veterinarian. Behavior issues can be a sign of pain, infection, or other medical problems requiring treatment.
When to Go to the Vet
There are certain symptoms that require an immediate visit to the veterinarian. These signs indicate your dog may have a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that needs urgent medical care. According to the AKC, you should call the vet clinic right away if your dog shows any of the following symptoms:
- Repeated vomiting or vomiting blood (https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/should-i-call-my-dogs-vet/)
- Sudden collapse or inability to stand up
- Severe bleeding or hemorrhagic diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Seizures or convulsions
- Unconsciousness or unable to wake up
Take note of other concerning signs like lethargy, lack of appetite, sudden weakness, pale gums, coughing, gagging, retching, and distress. Monitor your dog closely and don’t wait – go to emergency vet services right away if any of these symptoms appear. Timely treatment can help save your dog’s life.
Prevention
There are several ways to help prevent your dog from getting sick. This includes proper diet, exercise, hygiene, and keeping up with vaccinations. According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), vaccinating appropriately based on your dog’s lifestyle and environment is one of the best ways to prevent disease. The AAHA recommends following your veterinarian’s advice on which vaccines your dog needs based on factors like their age, breed, health status, and geographic location [1].
Providing your dog with a nutritious diet is also important for supporting their immune system. Feed your dog high-quality commercial dog food and avoid overfeeding treats and table scraps. Make sure your dog maintains a healthy weight through proper diet and regular exercise. Exercise helps keep your dog’s immune system strong. Stick to a daily exercise routine appropriate for your dog’s age, breed, and health status.
Practicing good hygiene like washing your hands before and after handling your dog, cleaning their food bowls regularly, and keeping their living areas clean, can also help prevent the spread of disease. You should also avoid taking your dog to public places like dog parks if they have signs of illness or disease [2]. Keeping your dog up to date on preventive care is key to avoiding many common dog illnesses.