As a dog mom myself, I know how stressful it can be when your pup isn't acting like themselves, and you're unsure what’s wrong or when to seek help.

Dogs, like people, can experience discomfort and pain, but they rely on us to figure out what's going on and take action. It's crucial to stay aware of any changes in their behavior or health.

By recognizing these warning signs, you’ll be better prepared to take quick, proactive steps that might even save your dog’s life.

1. Any Noticeable Changes in Eating, Drinking, And Sleeping Habits

Just like people, dogs in pain can find it hard to perform simple daily activities.

Paying attention to changes in your dog’s eating, drinking, and sleeping habits can provide important clues about how they’re feeling.

A dog in pain might sleep more than usual as their body tries to heal, or their sleep routine could become irregular and disturbed.

They might also lose their appetite or have trouble chewing or swallowing food. Additionally, you could notice an increase or decrease in how much water they drink.

All these changes can be indicators of a serious underlying health issue that might need professional care.

2. Unusually Antisocial And Aggressive Behavior

Odd behavior in your dog can be a signal that something’s wrong. They might become withdrawn, hide more often, or stop greeting you with their usual excitement.

Some dogs even become more aggressive when they’re dealing with pain. Any noticeable change in how your dog usually acts can be a red flag that they're struggling with something and can’t tell you.

3. Labored Or Altered Breathing, And Panting

Breathing difficulties in dogs are just as concerning as they are in humans. A healthy dog normally takes up to 30 breaths per minute, and during heavy panting, up to 200 breaths per minute.[1]

Healthy breathing should always look effortless.

If your dog is facing health problems, you may notice warning signs like noisy or shallow breaths, flaring nostrils, exaggerated chest movement, or breathing with their mouth open.

Heavy panting when they haven't been exercising is also a red flag that something could be wrong.

4. Pale Gums Or Any Discoloration 

Your dog’s gum color is another useful indicator of their health. While the exact color varies from dog to dog, healthy gums are usually bubblegum pink or salmon-colored.[2] It’s a good idea to check their gums when they’re healthy, so you have a reference.

Pale gums can be a sign that something is seriously wrong, such as dehydration or even a more critical condition like cancer.

But paleness isn’t the only concern. Any discoloration, whether red, purple, or yellow, should be a warning sign. Use a dog gum color chart to help track your pet’s health.

5. Signs Of Agitation And Being More Vocal

Dogs often become more vocal when they’re in pain or discomfort.

If your dog starts growling, barking, howling, or yelping more than usual, this could be their way of telling you something’s not right, especially if they don't typically behave this way.

6. Mobility Issues And Lethargy 

Lethargy is often misunderstood as simple tiredness, but it’s more than that. It means your dog is less excited about the activities they usually love.

You might notice them being less active, hesitant to climb stairs, moving more slowly, or showing stiffness or mobility issues.

Lethargy can be a symptom of many different health problems, so it’s important to call your vet if your dog seems lethargic for more than a day.

7. Excessive Grooming

Excessive grooming can be another sign of an underlying issue, whether it’s physical or emotional. If your dog is constantly licking themselves, it might be an attempt to ease pain.

Licking releases endorphins, which act as the body’s natural painkillers.

There are many reasons for excessive grooming, from obvious ones like cuts and wounds to internal pain caused by health issues.

8. Shaking Or Trembling 

Shaking and trembling can sometimes be mistaken for signs of fear or cold. While that may be true in some cases, these can also be symptoms of a more serious problem, like poisoning, kidney disease, arthritis, or neurological issues.

9. Temperature Under 99° Or Over 104°

A dog's normal body temperature ranges between 101° and 102.5° (38 °C and 39.2 °C) [3]. If your dog’s temperature falls below 99° or rises above 104°, it’s time to get them to the vet right away.

Read more: Dog Temperature Chart: Does My Dog Have A Fever?

10. Changes In The Dog’s Posture 

A slouched or hunched posture in dogs can be a sign of discomfort, pain, or illness. One posture to watch for is the "praying position." In this stance, the dog's front legs and head are lowered to the ground, while the rear end is lifted.

Dr. Anna Foreman, a vet at Everypaw Pet Insurance, explained to Mirror that, "The prayer position is something we see in dogs who have abdominal pain, whether this be acute (such as involved in a gastric dilation or foreign body obstruction) or chronic (associated with masses in the abdomen or ongoing inflammatory processes)."

11. Excessive Drooling Or Salivation 

Some dogs naturally drool more than others, but it's important to notice if your dog is drooling more than normal.

Excessive drooling can be an early sign of several health issues, such as heatstroke or dental problems. Heatstroke, in particular, is a serious condition that needs immediate medical attention.

12. Urinating More Than Usual 

If your dog starts waking you up at night to go outside or has accidents indoors, it’s not them misbehaving but potentially a sign of a health issue.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney disease, and Cushing's disease are just a few serious conditions that could cause frequent urination.

If this behavior continues for more than 48 hours, I highly recommend taking your dog to the vet for a checkup.

References:

[1] Bevs, & Bevs. (2015). Normal vitals for a dog | BEVS. BEVS | Burlington Emergency & Veterinary Specialists.

[2] Vets Now. (2021, April 14). What Do Pale Gums in Dogs Mean? | Dog Gum Colour Chart.

[3] Taking Your Pet's Temperature | VCA Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). VCA.