How to Recognise When Your Dog Is Sick: The Subtle Signs to Watch For

Anyone who shares their home with a dog knows they have a way of making ordinary days better. From the excited greeting at the door to the quiet moments curled up on the sofa, dogs become part of the rhythm of our lives.

That's why it hurts so much when something's wrong and we miss it.

Rubi, my Cockapoo, is a master at hiding how she feels. Last year she had a mild tummy upset and I only noticed because she turned her nose up at a bit of chicken. That's it. No whining, no dramatic flopping about. Just a quiet little signal that something wasn't right.

Dogs can't tell us where it hurts. And many of them are surprisingly good at pretending everything's fine. So it's up to us to notice the small things. Here are the subtle signs I've learned to watch for.

Changes in Eating and Drinking

This is often the first clue. A dog who normally inhales their dinner and suddenly walks away is telling you something. It might be as simple as a bit of an upset stomach, or it could be a sign of dental pain, nausea or something more serious.

Keep an eye on water too. Drinking much more than usual can point to problems like diabetes or kidney issues. Drinking less can lead to dehydration quite quickly, especially in warmer weather.

Sleeping More (or Less)

Dogs are champion nappers. Rubi can sleep through a thunderstorm and still be ready for a nap afterwards. But if your dog is sleeping far more than normal, or seems reluctant to get up and move, that's worth noting.

On the flip side, restlessness at night, pacing or struggling to settle can also be a sign that something's bothering them.

Subtle Changes in Behaviour

This one is easy to overlook because it happens slowly. Maybe your dog doesn't rush to the door anymore. Maybe they've stopped jumping on the sofa. Maybe they're a bit grumpier than usual when you touch a certain spot.

Dogs often withdraw when they're in pain. If your usually sociable dog is hiding under the bed or avoiding cuddles, take note.

Watch Their Walks

You know your dog's walking style better than anyone. A slight limp, stiffness when getting up, or lagging behind on a route they usually love can all be early signs of joint pain or injury.

Rubi once refused to walk down our usual street and I couldn't work out why. Turns out she'd hurt her paw on something small. She couldn't tell me, but she showed me by changing her route.

Grooming and Coat Changes

A dull coat, excessive shedding or a sudden lack of interest in grooming themselves can all be hints that your dog isn't feeling their best. Dogs who feel unwell often stop keeping themselves tidy.

Eyes, Ears and Nose

A bit of discharge from the eyes, a head tilt, scratching at the ears or a nose that's unusually dry or runny can all be small flags. None of these alone is a diagnosis, but they're worth keeping an eye on.

Breathing and Panting

Some panting is normal, especially after a run or in hot weather. But panting at rest, breathing that seems laboured, or a cough that doesn't clear up should prompt a call to your vet.

Trust Your Gut

Here's the thing. You live with your dog. You know what's normal for them. If something feels off, even if you can't quite put your finger on it, that's valid.

I've learned that my instinct is usually right. When Rubi seemed fine but I just felt something wasn't right, a trip to the vet confirmed a minor infection. Catching it early made all the difference.

When to Call Your Vet

If you notice any of these signs lasting more than a day or two, or if your dog seems to be getting worse, pick up the phone. Vets would much rather see a dog with a small problem than a big one that's been brewing for weeks.

Trust yourself. You're not being dramatic. You're being a good dog owner.