Dogs might not be as expressive as we would want them to be.
But they have the means to display their pain and wants.
It is up to us to read their signs and understand what they want us to know.
Signs are very subtle and hence require a deep understanding.
To make things easier for you, we bring to you a well researched list of signs to watch out for in your canids.
1. Excessive Licking of Paws or Body
What It Means: If your dog is constantly licking their paws, legs, or other body parts, they may be experiencing discomfort, pain, or anxiety. Licking can be a way to soothe sore spots, allergies, or even stress.
When to Worry: If the licking leads to raw skin, redness, or hair loss, it may indicate allergies, skin infections, or an underlying injury. If the behavior becomes compulsive, a vet visit is necessary to rule out medical or psychological causes.
2. Unusual Whining or Whimpering
What It Means: Dogs whimper when they are in pain, anxious, or seeking attention. A sudden increase in whining could mean your dog is experiencing discomfort or emotional distress.
When to Worry: If the whining is persistent, occurs when your dog moves or is touched, or is accompanied by lethargy, loss of appetite, or limping, it’s time for a vet check-up.
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3. Loss of Appetite or Refusal to Eat
What It Means: A sudden refusal to eat can indicate illness, dental pain, digestive issues, or emotional stress. Some dogs may skip a meal occasionally, but persistent loss of appetite is a concern.
When to Worry: If your dog refuses food for more than 24 hours, shows weight loss, vomiting, or unusual lethargy, consult a vet immediately to rule out serious conditions like infections, kidney disease, or stomach problems.
4. Restlessness and Pacing
What It Means: If your dog is pacing, unable to settle, or acting restless, they may be experiencing pain, anxiety, or discomfort. This can be a sign of digestive distress, joint pain, or emotional stress.
When to Worry: If the pacing is combined with panting, drooling, or signs of distress, your dog may be suffering from a serious condition such as bloat (which can be fatal) or neurological issues. Seek immediate veterinary care if symptoms persist.
5. Sudden Aggression or Irritability
What It Means: If a usually friendly dog becomes irritable, snaps, or growls unexpectedly, they could be in pain or feeling unwell. Dogs may also act aggressively if they have an underlying neurological issue.
When to Worry: If aggression is accompanied by lethargy, limping, swelling, or a noticeable injury, medical attention is needed. If there’s no clear cause, a thorough vet examination can help identify hidden health problems.
6. Hiding or Avoiding Interaction
What It Means: Dogs that hide under furniture, avoid eye contact, or withdraw from social interaction are often in distress. This behavior can indicate pain, fear, or illness.
When to Worry: If your dog suddenly becomes reclusive and avoids activities they once enjoyed, it could signal a serious health issue. Watch for additional signs like shivering, drooling, or difficulty moving.
7. Changes in Bathroom Habits
What It Means: If your house-trained dog starts having accidents indoors, straining to urinate, or experiencing diarrhea, it could be a sign of illness, stress, or a urinary tract infection.
When to Worry: Frequent urination, blood in urine, or difficulty passing stool requires immediate veterinary attention, as these can be signs of kidney disease, bladder stones, or infections.
8. Excessive Panting Without Exercise
What It Means: While panting is normal after exercise or in warm weather, excessive panting at rest can indicate heatstroke, pain, anxiety, or respiratory issues.
When to Worry: If panting is paired with drooling, weakness, or difficulty breathing, it may indicate an emergency like heatstroke or heart problems. Seek immediate veterinary care.
9. Shaking or Trembling
What It Means: Trembling can be due to cold, fear, or excitement, but persistent shaking can indicate pain, poisoning, or neurological problems.
When to Worry: If your dog trembles for no apparent reason, especially if they also appear weak, disoriented, or refuse food, an urgent vet visit is needed to rule out toxins, infections, or nerve disorders.
10. Excessive Drooling
What It Means: Some breeds drool more than others, but sudden, excessive drooling can indicate dental disease, nausea, or poisoning.
When to Worry: If drooling is accompanied by pawing at the mouth, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing, take your dog to the vet immediately, as they may have ingested something toxic.
11. Lethargy or Lack of Energy
What It Means: If your normally active dog becomes unusually tired, avoids playtime, or sleeps excessively, they may be sick or in pain.
When to Worry: Lethargy lasting more than a day, especially with vomiting, fever, or loss of appetite, could signal infections, organ disease, or other serious conditions requiring immediate attention.
12. Sudden Weight Loss or Gain
What It Means: Unexplained weight loss can indicate parasites, metabolic disorders, or serious illness. Rapid weight gain may be due to fluid retention, thyroid problems, or diet changes.
When to Worry: If your dog’s weight changes drastically within a short period without diet or activity changes, schedule a vet check-up to rule out underlying medical conditions.
13. Holding Up a Paw or Limping
What It Means: If your dog avoids putting weight on a paw, they may have a sprain, cut, arthritis, or even a broken bone.
When to Worry: If limping persists for more than a day, worsens, or is accompanied by swelling, tenderness, or yelping in pain, seek veterinary care to prevent further injury.
14. Frequent Head Shaking or Scratching Ears
What It Means: If your dog constantly shakes their head or scratches their ears, they might have an ear infection, ear mites, or allergies.
When to Worry: A foul odor, redness, swelling, or dark discharge from the ears means it’s time for a vet visit, as untreated infections can cause hearing loss.
15. Sudden Clinginess or Seeking Constant Comfort
What It Means: If your independent dog suddenly won’t leave your side, they may be feeling unwell, anxious, or in pain. Dogs often seek reassurance when something is wrong.
When to Worry: If clingy behavior is paired with whining, restlessness, or other distress signals, it’s best to check for any medical or emotional issues that need attention.
Nobody can understand out dogs more than us.
Hence it is of utmost importance that we look out for these subtle signs in our fur babies.
