Dog symptoms: is it serious?
Find the symptom, see the red flags that mean “go to the vet now”, the usual causes, and what you can safely do while you watch and wait.
Symptom
Bad Breath
Most dog bad breath comes from plaque and gum disease, and a strong or lingering smell is a reason for a dental exam ra…
Symptom
Blood in stool
A few streaks of bright red blood on an otherwise normal stool in a bright, eating dog often come from the lower digest…
Symptom
Constipation
Constipation means your dog is straining to pass stool, or passing small, dry, hard stool, or none at all. Mild cases o…
Symptom
Coughing
An occasional cough, such as after water goes down the wrong way, is usually harmless, and uncomplicated kennel cough t…
Symptom
Diarrhea
Mild diarrhea in an otherwise bright, eating dog often improves on its own within a couple of days. See your vet if loo…
Symptom
Excessive thirst
Dogs drink more after exercise, in hot weather and on dry food, but a clear, lasting increase is worth a vet visit, bec…
Symptom
Eye Discharge
A small amount of clear or slightly reddish-brown crust in the corners of the eyes, especially in the morning, is usual…
Symptom
Hair Loss
Hair loss in dogs (alopecia) is a sign, not a diagnosis. Fleas, mites, allergies, skin infections and hormone problems…
Symptom
Head Shaking
Repeated head shaking almost always means something is bothering an ear, most often an infection, allergies, mites or a…
Symptom
Itching
Occasional scratching is normal, but frequent scratching, licking or chewing means something is bothering your dog's sk…
Symptom
Lethargy
Lethargy means your dog is unusually quiet, slow or uninterested in things they normally enjoy, with no obvious reason…
Symptom
Limping
A limp from a bruise, a thorn in the paw or a minor knock can ease quickly, so start by keeping your dog quiet for abou…
Symptom
Not eating
One skipped meal in an otherwise bright dog is usually not an emergency, and stress, a new food or stale kibble are com…
Symptom
Panting
Panting is how dogs cool down, so panting after exercise, play or in warm weather is normal and eases with rest, shade…
Symptom
Reverse Sneezing
Reverse sneezing is a burst of loud, snorting inhales caused by irritation at the back of the nose and throat. It looks…
Symptom
Scooting
Scooting, where a dog drags their bottom along the floor, usually means the area around the anus is itchy or sore. The…
Symptom
Seizures
A seizure is a burst of abnormal brain activity that can cause collapse, stiffening, paddling legs, drooling and loss o…
Symptom
Shaking
Shaking is often harmless: cold, excitement, fear or a wet coat can all set it off, and it stops when the trigger does.…
Symptom
Swollen Belly
A swollen, tight or drum-like belly can be bloat (GDV), a life-threatening emergency in which the stomach fills with ga…
Symptom
Vomiting
One episode of vomiting in a dog who is bright, drinking and acting like their usual self is common, and acute vomiting…
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy