If only they could tell us, right? Since dogs don’t use words, they rely on body language and behavior changes to flag when something’s off. Your job is to notice the out-of-character stuff – the tiny alarms hiding in everyday habits – and act before a small problem becomes a big one.
Below are 14 critical warning signs to watch for, what they can mean, and what to do next. None of this replaces a vet, but it will help you decide when to pick up the phone.
1) Sudden Aggression
A sweet, easygoing dog who starts growling, snapping, guarding toys/food, or avoiding touch might be hurting. Pain, infections, or neurologic issues can make even friendly dogs defensive.
What to do: Don’t punish; protect space, keep kids away, and schedule a vet exam to rule out pain first.
2) Appetite Nosedive
Skipping a single meal isn’t a crisis. Going 24 hours without eating, or eating much less than normal, often is. Loss of appetite can signal infections, GI disease, dental pain, parasites, diabetes, even cancer.
What to do: If your dog refuses food for a day (or sooner if they’re a puppy, senior, or have a medical condition), call your vet.
3) Hiding or Withdrawing
A dog who used to shadow you but now ducks under beds, retreats to closets, or avoids contact is waving a red flag. Dogs usually hide for a reason: pain, fear, stress, or systemic illness.
What to do: Keep things calm, track when it happens, and book an exam – especially if it appears “out of the blue.”
4) Odd Postures (Prayer Pose, Sawhorse, Hunched Back)
“Prayer position” (rear up, front down), rigid outstretched legs (“sawhorse”), or a hunched/arched back can point to abdominal pain, GI trouble, or musculoskeletal issues.
What to do: Limit activity, skip meals until you speak with a vet, and watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or retching.
5) Lethargy or Exercise Avoidance
Puppies and young adults should have some zip. If your dog starts bowing out of play, lagging on walks, or generally seems “flat,” something may be wrong (infection, fever, pain, metabolic disease).
What to do: Take the temperature if you can (rectal, ~99.5–102.5°F normal). Call your vet if energy stays low or fever’s present.
6) Drinking More + Peeing More
House-trained dogs who suddenly ask out constantly, have accidents, or drain the water bowl may be dealing with diabetes, kidney disease, Cushing’s, or a urinary tract issue.
What to do: Note how many times they pee and any accidents. Don’t withhold water. Schedule labs and a urinalysis.
7) Swollen or Tight Abdomen
A belly that looks or feels distended isn’t just “full.” It can signal internal bleeding, hormone problems, fluid buildup, severe GI disease, or bloat (GDV), which is an emergency.
Emergency signs: Restlessness, retching without producing vomit, tight drumlike belly, rapid breathing, collapse.
What to do: If you suspect bloat or breathing difficulty, go to emergency immediately.
8) Excessive Licking or Chewing
Dogs target pain and itch with their tongues. Constantly working one paw, a joint, the belly, or flanks may mean injury, arthritis, hot spots, fleas/ticks, allergies, or even GI discomfort (especially if they start licking floors or walls).
What to do: Use a cone or soft collar to prevent damage and see your vet to identify the cause.
9) Unusual Hair Loss or Bald Patches
Shedding is normal; bald spots and clumps are not. Patchy loss can stem from skin disease, parasites, allergies, endocrine problems, stress, or nutritional deficiencies.
What to do: Skip internet shampoos. You’ll likely need skin scrapings, cytology, and sometimes bloodwork.
10) Trouble Getting Up or Lying Down
Slow, stiff, or painful transitions – especially in the morning or cold weather – point to arthritis, joint injury, or systemic weakness.
What to do: Add rugs for traction, use ramps, keep weight ideal, and ask your vet about pain control and joint support.
11) Sleeping Much More Than Usual
Adult dogs sleep a lot (around 12–14 hours/day), but a sudden increase can be a clue: infections, thyroid issues, diabetes, pain, or stress.
What to do: Track sleep over a few days and note appetite, thirst, and activity changes; share with your vet.
12) Dilated Pupils (Big, for No Clear Reason)
Large pupils that don’t match lighting or stay blown can be a pain response, anxiety, drug reaction, or neurologic issue.
What to do: Avoid bright light exposure and get a same-day appointment if it’s new, asymmetric, or paired with disorientation.
13) Gum Color Changes
Healthy gums are bubble-gum pink (except for naturally pigmented mouths).
- Pale/white: Possible blood loss or anemia (urgent).
- Bright red: Dental disease, heat stress, or inflammation.
- Ulcers/odor/bleeding: Infections, trauma, or systemic disease.
What to do: Check capillary refill (press the gum – pink should return in ~2 seconds). Pale gums or non-refill = emergency.
14) Coughing
Occasional throat-clear is fine. Persistent cough isn’t. Causes range from kennel cough (often self-limiting) to airway issues (more common in flat-faced breeds), heart disease, or pneumonia.
What to do: Isolate from other dogs if contagious cough suspected, avoid strenuous exercise, and call your vet – sooner if there’s lethargy, fever, blue gums, or breathing effort.
When to Go Now vs. Call Later
- Go now (ER): Suspected bloat, pale gums, trouble breathing, collapse, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, poison ingestion.
- Call same day: New aggression, swollen abdomen (without distress), nonstop vomiting/diarrhea, no eating >24 hours, drinking/peeing a lot more, persistent cough, dramatic behavior changes.
- Track and book soon: Increased sleep, mild stiffness, intermittent licking/itching, gradual appetite decline.
Pro tip: Keep a simple “dog journal” in your notes app—food, water, bathroom, sleep, meds, and any changes. Vets love timelines, and you’ll catch patterns faster.
Your dog’s “I don’t feel right” shows up as behavior and body changes. If you notice two or more of the clues above – or one severe sign – err on the side of calling your vet. You know your dog better than anyone; when something feels off, it usually is. Acting early is the kindest thing you can do.
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Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.