Dog Disease Symptoms

Understand Your Dog's Risk Factors

• Learn about health risk factors for your dog's breed (or predominant breed if mixed.) For instance, if your dog is a Doberman pinscher, be aware that von Willebrand bleeding disorder is common in the breed, causing occasional bleeding---even from slight scratches. A beagle who develops a limp may just have a pulled muscle, but in a Rottweiler the same condition can indicate bone cancer, which is is common in large, but not small, dog breeds.
  Similarly, vaginal bleeding in an unspayed female dog often indicates pyometra, a life-threatening uterine infection. A spayed female dog with vaginal bleeding can't have pyometra because she has no ovaries. It is more likely to be a vaginal infection, which is more common in spayed females. If she is a Doberman, it could be a symptom of von Willebrand disease.

Changes in Appetite and Elimination

• Any changes in your dog's regular habits can be a sign of disease. Many dogs lose their appetite when they are not feeling well. Missing a single meal is no cause for alarm, but if your dog refuses to eat for a day or more he should be evaluated.
  Excessive thirst and urination is a classic first sign of kidney disease, as well as several other illnesses. Changes in stool and excreting habits also warrant a veterinarian visit---and take a stool sample with you. Mild or intermittent diarrhea is often caused by parasites, food allergy or intolerance, or bacterial overload. Yellow stool can indicate liver disease. Bloody, acute and smelly diarrhea, especially in puppies, may be viral, such as parvovirus or distemper. These require emergency attention because they can quickly kill untreated dogs.
  Vomiting and diarrhea can indicate anything from parasites to poisoning to a bowel obstruction. If diarrhea, vomiting or both occur along with lethargy and loss of appetite, see a vet immediately.

Behavioral Changes

• Dogs who are depressed, lethargic and unwilling to move, play or exercise are either in pain or feeling sick. Ill dogs often pant excessively and lick the floor.
  Uncharacteristic aggression or fear are other signs of a dog in pain. These can also signal brain tumors or fungal infections of the brain. The behavioral changes may be subtle or intermittent but should not be ignored.
  Owners of bloat-prone, deep-chested dogs (see Resources) need to understand the symptoms of the condition. Pacing, dry-heaving, walking in circles and acting distressed are classic symptoms, especially if the dog's abdomen is distended. This is a critical emergency, and bloating dogs die quickly and in great pain without immediate intervention.

Changes in Appearance and Gait

• A dog's skin and coat can be affected by many diseases and conditions. Dull fur or hair loss is common with glandular or hormonal abnormalities. Itchy, irritated skin can indicate anything from skin mites to allergies.
  A limp is an obvious sign of pain. Causes can include muscle strains, joint disease, cancer or Lyme disease. Any change in gait---how the dog walks and moves---should be evaluated. Some abnormal gaits, such as walking sideways or stumbling, are signs of neurological disorders.

Emergency Symptoms

• If a dog's gums are pale and don't change color when you press a fingertip against them, may be bleeding internally. A very dehydrated dog will have dry or sticky gums. Another test for dehydration is to gently pinch up skin between the shoulder blades. If it doesn't snap back immediately, the dog is dehydrated.
  These symptoms, especially in conjunction with any other unusual signs, warrant an immediate vet visit.