Dogs can’t talk, but they sure do communicate—if you know what to look for. As a responsible pet parent, it’s your job to notice when something’s off. What might seem like a minor issue—a little coughing, some limping, or refusing food—could actually be a warning sign of something serious.
In this article, we’ll explore the Top 10 signs your dog needs to see a vet immediately, plus what these symptoms could mean, and when it’s okay to monitor at home vs. rushing to the clinic.
Even the healthiest-looking dog can develop a sudden health issue that, if ignored, could become life-threatening.
Let’s help you become more confident and prepared when your dog shows signs that something’s wrong.
1. Sudden Changes in Eating or Drinking Habits
What to Watch:
- Refusing food for more than 24 hours
- Drinking excessively or not at all
- Sudden weight loss or gain
What It Might Mean:
- Loss of appetite could signal dental issues, infections, kidney disease, or even cancer.
- Excessive drinking might be a sign of diabetes, Cushing’s disease, or kidney problems.
When to Call the Vet:
- Your dog skips two or more meals
- You notice significant thirst and frequent urination
2. Vomiting or Diarrhea (Especially Repeated)
What to Watch:
- Vomiting more than once in 24 hours
- Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days
- Blood in vomit or stool
What It Might Mean:
- Parasites, infections, food allergies, toxic ingestion, or gastrointestinal disease
When to Call the Vet:
- If vomiting/diarrhea is accompanied by lethargy, fever, or dehydration
- If your dog is a puppy or a senior (they dehydrate faster)
Tip: Keep a sample of the vomit or stool to show your vet.
3. Breathing Issues: Coughing, Wheezing, or Labored Breathing
What to Watch:
- Persistent coughing
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing while resting
- Gagging or honking sounds (common with kennel cough)
What It Might Mean:
- Kennel cough, collapsed trachea, heart disease, pneumonia, or allergies
When to Call the Vet:
- Any difficulty breathing should be treated as an emergency
- Blue gums or tongue is a sign of oxygen deprivation—go to the vet immediately