Unfortunately your dog - just like you - can fall ill, and recognising your dog is unwell and seeking early veterinary attention is important. Learning to interpret the danger signs, and knowing what action to take, can help you decide the best course of action in the event your dog does start feeling under the weather. Don’t rely on books or the internet, as information can be misleading, always consult your veterinary practice if you are concerned about your dog. As animals can’t tell us how they feel we must try and notice subtle signs of illness, this is particularly important for older dogs, who should have a regular vet check up (every 3-6 months).

An example of some problems to look out for (list not exhaustive, contact your vet if you have any concerns):

• General lethargy, depression, listlessness and sleeping more
  If for any reason your dog isn't his or her normal, healthy, active self, it's worth taking a closer look. Generally looking unwell, without any specific complaints, is a common sign of illness and warrants a trip to the vets.
• Reduction in appetite or complete refusal to eat
  Although there can be innocent reasons for not eating as much, including very hot weather, it can also indicate underlying disease. It is particularly important to consult your vet if your senior or geriatric dog eats less than usual, or if a reduced appetite is accompanied by lethargy, vomiting/diarrhoea, weight loss or any other signs of illness.
• Increase in appetite
  An increase in appetite can indicate conditions in dogs such as diabetes or other hormonal problems.
• Weight loss
  If your dog loses weight then this can indicate an underlying disease and he/she should be checked over by a vet. This is particularly important if other signs of disease are noted such as decrease or increase in appetite, vomiting/diarrhoea or depression/lethargy.
• Vomiting
  Vomiting after eating soiled food or raiding the bin cis not unexpected but if the sickness is persistent, your dog vomits blood, has trouble swallowing, is gagging or retching, this is a concern and you should arrange an appointment with your vet. Vomiting can be a sign of many different illnesses including intestinal problems, kidney and liver disease for example. Vomiting accompanied by lethargy, depression, diarrhoea or loss of appetite indicates an underlying problem and veterinary attention should be sought.
• Diarrhoea
  If your dog has persistent diarrhoea , or the diarrhoea is accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss or the faeces are black in colour or contain fresh blood or mucous visit your vet. If possible, take a stool sample with you.
• Progressive weight gain
  Watch out for signs of excessive weight gain and obesity, which can lead to mobility problems and other diseases. You should be able to just feel your dog’s ribs. Click here for further information on how to check your dog’s body condition. Contact your vet for advice if you feel your dog is overweight. If you feel your dog’s tummy has enlarged, contact you vet as this may indicate fluid within the abdomen or hormonal problems.
• Excessive thirst or urination
  An increase in drinking and/or urinating can be a sign of disease such as diabetes or kidney problems. If you notice the water bowl is frequently empty and on a walk your dog takes along time to urinate, or urinates more frequently than expected, contact your vet.
• Difficulty urinating
  If you notice your dog straining to urinate, or squatting (or cocking his leg) to urinate and remaining in this position without producing urine (or producing only a small amount), crying when trying to urinate, or the urine is blood tinged then contact your vet.
• Difficulty defecating
  As well as problems with urination, if you notice your dog straining in a posture to pass faeces, the faeces are very firm/hard or your dog has not passed faeces for several days then organise a check up.
• Change in behaviour
  If your dog’s behaviour changes and he/she becomes withdrawn and less interactive with the family, this could indicate a problem. Equally if your normally friendly dog resents being picked up or shows any other odd behaviour (e.g. twitching, aggression) then consult your vet. Seizures are a veterinary emergency so go to the vets as soon as possible (contact your vet for advice on the best method of transporting a seizuring dog). If any odd behaviour is intermittent; try and video an episode to show your vet.
• Skin complaints - hair loss, itching, redness
  Skin condition is a good general indicator of health. Skin should be smooth, and pink or black and coat should be smooth and shiny. Scratching excessively, scabs on the skin and/or pulling out fur can indicate skin disease. Scratching accompanied by small black dots in the coat could suggest fleas. A poor hair coat with any scurf or dullness may indicate an underlying illness. Any brownish discharge or redness in the ears, or head shaking, should be investigated by your vet.
• Red or swollen gums
  Reddened or swollen gums, plaque (brown material) on the teeth, particularly when associated with bad breath, are an indication of oral disease. This can be very painful and result in tooth loss. Affected dogs may also have a reduction in appetite, weight loss, eat on only one side of their mouth or drop food while eating.
• Rapid or difficult breathing, coughing
  If you notice your dog panting excessively, gasping, breathing very quickly, coughing or making noise when he/she breaths in or out then contact your vet as this may indicate a problem within the chest or a common condition such as kennel cough.
• Runny eyes or nose
  Sneezing, runny eyes and nose can indicate a condition affecting the upper respiratory tract. Equally a persistent mucoid discharge, bleeding from the nose, or a change in colour of the nasal planum (the normally black area at the end of the nose) could indicate a problem. If your dog’s eyes look sore or he/she is blinking excessively with redness around the eyes give your vet a ring.
• Lameness/stiffness
  If your dog is limping or slow getting up or lying down, or has trouble going up and down the stairs, this may indicate a bone or joint problem so let your vet know.

If you notice any other signs of illness then contact your vet for further advice.