How to Know If Your Dog Is Sick

Key points:

• Changes in movement, posture or willingness to jump can sometimes indicate pain or discomfort.
• Appetite and water intake are useful things to monitor, particularly when they change suddenly.
• Lethargy, hiding, vocalising or unexpected aggression can all signal that something isn’t right.
• Look for changes from your dog’s normal behaviour rather than relying on one symptom alone.
• Avoid giving medication without first speaking to your vet.
• If changes persist, worsen or appear alongside other symptoms, it’s best to have your dog checked by a vet.

Dogs can be surprisingly good at masking discomfort or pain, which means it isn’t always obvious when something is wrong. Paying close attention to changes in movement, appetite and behaviour can help you recognise common sick dog symptoms early.

Read on to learn how to tell if your dog is sick, the changes to look out for and what to do if something doesn’t seem right.

How to tell if your dog is sick

Sick dog symptoms can often be spotted through careful observation. Changes may show up in how your dog moves, eats or behaves, or as a combination of different signs your dog is sick.

Changes in body language and movement

How your dog holds and moves their body can say a lot about how they're feeling, even before other symptoms appear. Limping or favouring a leg, even if it comes and goes, can point to anything from a sore muscle to joint pain.

If they have discomfort around the abdomen, spine or hips, they may appear hunched or hold their body lower than usual. They may also tuck their tail or hold it differently from their normal position.

Another sign can be reluctance to jump onto furniture or use stairs, particularly if this hasn’t been an issue before. This may be linked to an injury, joint stiffness or arthritis, depending on your dog’s age and health.

Every dog carries themselves a little differently, so it’s less about matching a checklist and more about noticing what has changed from their usual baseline. If you’re wondering how to know if something is wrong with your dog, sudden changes such as trembling, fearfulness or unusual posture are worth paying attention to.

Changes in eating and drinking

A shift in appetite can be an early sign that something isn't right, especially in a dog that is normally motivated by food. Changes can include:

• Eating less than usual or leaving food they would normally finish

• Eating more slowly, particularly if they seem hesitant or uncomfortable while chewing

• Skipping meals altogether

• Drinking noticeably more or less water than usual

A single missed meal may not always indicate a problem, but a pattern of reduced appetite, particularly alongside other changes, is worth monitoring closely.

Changes in normal behaviour

Behavioural shifts can be some of the clearest signs your dog is sick, particularly when they’re noticeably different from your dog's usual personality. Look out for:

• Vocalising more than usual, including whining, whimpering or yelping, especially when touched or moving

• Excessive licking at one area, such as the paws or a joint

• Lethargy or reduced interest in play

• Hiding away or wanting less interaction than usual

• Sudden aggression or reactivity, particularly in a dog that isn't normally aggressive

None of these signs alone necessarily means something serious is wrong, but a noticeable change in your dog's behaviour is worth taking seriously, especially when several symptoms appear together.

What to do if you notice these signs

If you've noticed any of the changes above, speaking with your vet is the safest next step, particularly if symptoms persist, worsen or your dog seems uncomfortable. A vet can assess what’s happening and advise you on the right next steps.

In the meantime:

• Give your dog space, particularly if they're reactive or sore when touched

• Let them rest rather than encouraging strenuous exercise

• Avoid giving medication, including something previously prescribed, unless your vet advises you to

• Make a note of when symptoms started and any other changes you’ve noticed

• Book a vet check if you’re concerned about their wellbeing

Trying to self-diagnose persistent symptoms can delay appropriate treatment. Keeping track of changes and having your dog assessed can help your vet get a clearer picture of what’s going on.

Noticed a change in the way your dog is moving, eating or behaving? Book a check-up with your local Petstock Vet to get to the bottom of it.