Dogs are generally expressive beings, especially when it comes to returning the love they receive. But when something is wrong with their health, they aren’t good at conveying it. In fact, some health problems can develop with subtle or barely noticeable changes long before a dog appears obviously unwell.
In this blog, we have listed some easy-to-miss warning signs dog parents should keep an eye on and what they could possibly mean. Watching out for these small changes can give you the opportunity to speak with your veterinarian before the problem becomes more difficult or costly to manage.
7 Hidden Signs of Illness in Dogs
1. Skin & coat changes
A healthy dog’s skin and coat can vary by age, breed and season, so minor changes are easy to dismiss. However, certain skin and coat changes in dogs can sometimes point to an underlying problem.
What are the signs to watch out for?
- Excessive scratching, licking, or chewing
- Dry skin or dandruff
- Red, flaky, crusty, or thickened skin
- Greasy coat or unusual skin odor
- Recurrent hot spots or sores
- Bald patches or thinning hair
What are the possible causes?
- Flea & tick infestations
- Environmental or food allergies
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Hormonal conditions, like hypothyroidism
If your dog is diagnosed with any of the underlying issues, your veterinarian may an appropriate treatment based on the cause. This may include a flea and tick treatment, antihistamines, or other treatments, or skin and coat supplements for dogs based on the cause.
2. Behavioral changes
Dogs can act differently when they’re feeling unwell, and it’s easy to overlook it with our often-busy schedules. These changes can be attributed to aging, stress, or “just having an off day,” especially when the dog is still eating and moving around normally.
What are the signs to watch out for?
- Becoming unusually clingy
- Becoming unusually withdrawn
- Increased irritability or vocalization
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Reluctance to interact or play
What are the possible causes?
- Anxiety or stress
- Hormonal or metabolic disorders
- Pain or discomfort
- Illness or infection
Pay attention to changes that are persistent or noticeably different from your dog’s usual personality and consult your veterinarian. A vet may recommend a dog anxiety supplement if stress is the cause. For other causes, treatment can be prescribed depending on diagnosis.
3. Hearing or vision issues
Dogs can gradually lose hearing or vision without you immediately realizing it. Because these changes often happen progressively, you may not notice any obvious signs that your dog cannot hear or see properly.
What are the signs to watch out for?
- Head tilting or frequent ear scratching
- Cloudiness or other changes in eyes
- Hesitating on stairs or in unfamiliar places
- Startling when approached from behind
- Difficulty finding toys or treats
- Not responding to familiar sounds
What are the possible causes?
- Eye issues like cataracts or glaucoma
- Ear infections or inflammation
- Age-related changes
- Injuries or certain inherited conditions
Following a good care routine using vet-recommended dog ear and eye solutions can help prevent certain problems, but sudden vision or hearing changes deserve prompt veterinary attention, particularly when accompanied by pain, disorientation, or injuries.
4. Changes in appetite
A skipped meal doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. Dogs can have occasional fluctuations in appetite due to changes in routine or activity. But a persistent or significant change from your dog’s normal eating habits is worth pondering over.
What are the signs to watch out for?
- Eating more or less than usual
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Changes in energy levels
- Unexplained weight changes
What are the possible causes?
- Dental pain or disease
- Kidney or liver disease
- Stress or anxiety
- Hormonal disorders
- Gastrointestinal issues
It’s normal for dogs to eat more or less every once in a while, especially when their favorite meal is served or the meal includes something they do not prefer. But a sustained change in appetite, when accompanied by weakness, vomiting, or other changes should not be disregarded.
5. Changes in thirst or urination
Water intake and bathroom habits are easy to overlook because regularly monitoring exactly how much the dog drinks or how often they urinate is difficult. Changes in either can provide valuable clues about a dog’s health.
What are the signs to watch out for?
- Drinking more or less than usual
- Urinating more or less frequently
- Unusual changes in the urine odor
- Straining to urinate
- Changes in weight or appetite
What are the possible causes?
- Kidney or liver disease
- Diabetes or other hormonal diseases
- Bladder stones
- Dehydration
- Urinary tract infections
Changes in diet or activity levelsor certain medications may temporarily affect a dog’s thirst or frequency of urination. But persistent changes shouldnot be ignored, as they may be a sign of a progressing underlying disease.
6. Lethargy or sluggishness
Dogs can naturally have lazy days occasionally. Sometimes, reduced activity can be attributed to old age or simply becoming less active without a reason. When a dog who is generally energetic becomes less interested in walks or play, it’s important to take note.
What are the signs to watch out for?
- Sleeping more than usual
- Reluctance to walk or play
- Difficulty getting up or climbing stairs
- Decreased interest in people or surroundings
- Trembling or signs of discomfort
- Weakness and reduced stamina
What are the possible causes?
- Joint pain or arthritis
- Stress or anxiety
- Heart or respiratory illnesses
- Anemia
- Metabolic disorders
If your dog is less active than usual and there are noticeable factors like joint pain, stress, or anxiety, it signs something is wrong with your dog. A veterinarian may also recommend diagnostic tests for cardiac, respiratory, or metabolic issues to address the sluggishness.
7. Persistent bad breath
Bad breath in dogs may be mistaken for oral hygiene lapses, especially when you’re not following a good oral care routine. But persistent or unusually foul breath can be the earliest clue of an underlying health issue in dogs.
What are the signs to watch out for?
- Plaque and tartar buildup
- Difficulty chewing
- Dropping food while eating
- Swelling around the gums or mouth
- Pawing at the mouth
- Using one side of the mouth to chew
What are the possible causes?
- Periodontal diseases
- Kidney disease
- Gastrointestinal disease
- Something stuck in the mouth
- Damaged or loose teeth
Don’t wait for your dog to stop eating at all before taking dental problems seriously. Dogs can continue eating despite significant dental pain and discomfort. Maintain good oral hygiene routine using effective dental care products for dogs and check their teeth regularly for any alarming signs.
Final Thoughts
Not every small change requires veterinary attention, but a significant or ongoing change in your dog’s normal behavior, appetite, drinking, urination, energy, skin, coat, eyes, ears, or breathing shouldn’t be neglected, as they can act as early signs of illness in dogs. Early veterinary evaluation can help distinguish between a harmless change and a symptom of an underlying condition, helping you save your dog’s life.