As a loving dog owner, you’re tuned into your pet’s every move. You know when they’re happy, when they want a treat, and when they’re ready for a walk.
But what if some of the behaviors you see every day, the ones you’ve always considered “just how they are,” are actually subtle cries for help?
The truth is, dogs are masters at hiding pain and illness. It’s a survival instinct from their wild ancestors. By the time they show obvious symptoms, a health issue may have become a serious problem.
That’s why understanding the early warning signs can be the difference between a minor concern and a major medical crisis.
This comprehensive guide will reveal 10 common, seemingly normal behaviors that could be red flags for an underlying health condition.
By the end, you’ll be a more vigilant pet parent, able to spot potential issues before they become life-threatening.
1. Excessive Licking of Paws
You might think your dog is just keeping themselves clean, but chronic paw licking is one of the most common signs of a problem.
- What it looks like: Your dog constantly licks, chews, or gnaws at their paws, often to the point of irritation, redness, or hair loss.
- What it could mean: This behavior is most often a sign of allergies—either to food or environmental triggers like pollen, mold, or dust mites. The allergen causes an intense itch that the dog tries to soothe by licking. It can also indicate a bacterial or yeast infection, a fungal issue, or even a foreign object (like a small burr or splinter) lodged between their toes.
Don’t dismiss it as a quirky habit. Persistent licking can lead to painful infections and is a strong signal that your dog’s body is reacting to something.
2. The Reluctance to Jump or Climb
Does your once-agile dog now hesitate before jumping onto the couch or climbing the stairs? You might think they’re just getting lazy or old.
- What it looks like: Your dog circles a couch or bed, whines, and seems to struggle to get up. They may refuse to use the stairs or fall behind you on walks.
- What it could mean: This is a classic sign of joint pain or arthritis. While common in older dogs, it can begin much earlier due to conditions like hip or elbow dysplasia. This reluctance isn’t laziness; it’s a way for your dog to avoid a painful movement. Catching this early can allow you to start treatment with joint supplements, physical therapy, or medication, which can dramatically improve their quality of life.
3. Changes in Thirst and Urination
This is one of the most critical warning signs that dog owners often overlook. Because water and urination are daily events, it’s easy to miss a change in frequency or volume.
- What it looks like: Your dog is drinking from their bowl much more often, asks to go outside to pee multiple times during the night, or has accidents in the house when they’re normally house-trained.
- What it could mean: These are primary indicators of serious medical conditions, including diabetes mellitus and kidney disease. Both require immediate veterinary intervention. Increased thirst and urination can also be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder stones, which are painful and can lead to more severe problems if left untreated.
4. A Change in Appetite
A dog who is a picky eater one day may not be a cause for concern, but a persistent lack of appetite is always a red flag.
- What it looks like: Your dog leaves food in their bowl, turns their nose up at treats they usually love, or takes a long time to eat.
- What it could mean: A decreased appetite can be a symptom of countless health issues, from something as simple as a toothache to something as complex as cancer or organ failure. It’s a sign that your dog feels unwell and is a primary reason to schedule a vet visit.
5. The “Zoomies” That Have Suddenly Stopped
The sudden burst of frenetic energy—known as the zoomies—is a normal part of a dog’s life. But if your dog has lost their desire for playtime, it may be more than just a passing mood.
- What it looks like: Your dog is unusually lethargic, sleeps more than usual, and shows no interest in their favorite toys or activities like a game of fetch.
- What it could mean: This change in energy level is a sign of an underlying illness. It can point to heart disease, anemia, or even something as subtle as pain. A dog in pain will often reduce its activity to avoid aggravating the discomfort.
6. Unpleasant Breath and Drooling
A dog’s breath isn’t exactly minty fresh, but if the odor becomes foul, it’s a strong indication of a problem.
- What it looks like: Your dog’s breath smells rotten or unusually strong. You may also notice excessive drooling.
- What it could mean: Bad breath is almost always a sign of dental disease. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis and abscesses, which are incredibly painful. Left untreated, the bacteria from these infections can travel through the bloodstream to a dog’s heart, kidneys, and liver, causing serious long-term damage.
7. Head Pressing
This is a behavior that is far from normal and should always be considered a medical emergency.
- What it looks like: Your dog compulsively presses its head against a solid object, such as a wall, a piece of furniture, or your leg. They may also pace and seem disoriented.
- What it could mean: Head pressing is a classic sign of a neurological disorder or toxin exposure. It can indicate a brain tumor, severe liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy), a stroke, or brain inflammation. If you see your dog doing this, seek immediate veterinary care.
8. Pacing, Hiding, or Restlessness
If your dog can’t get comfortable and seems anxious or agitated for no reason, don’t write it off as an odd quirk.
- What it looks like: Your dog paces back and forth, trembles, and can’t find a place to settle down. They may hide in a secluded corner or under furniture.
- What it could mean: This can be a sign of pain or discomfort. It’s a dog’s way of expressing that something is wrong. Restlessness can also be a symptom of a serious gastrointestinal issue like bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), which is a life-threatening condition that requires emergency surgery.
9. Obsessive Chewing or Licking
We’ve already talked about paw licking, but an obsessive focus on a specific body part can be a sign of a localized problem.
- What it looks like: Your dog repeatedly licks a specific spot, like their tail, leg, or side. It may lead to a “hot spot” or an area of red, inflamed skin.
- What it could mean: This can be a sign of chronic pain. The licking is a way for your dog to cope with discomfort from arthritis, hip dysplasia, or a pulled muscle. It’s a self-soothing behavior that indicates an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
10. Shaking or Trembling
If your dog is shivering but not cold, or trembling for no apparent reason, pay close attention.
- What it looks like: Uncontrollable shaking or trembling, not caused by cold or fear.
- What it could mean: This can be a symptom of a wide range of issues, from something as simple as an upset stomach to something as severe as neurological disease or kidney failure. Shaking is also a sign of poison ingestion, especially in smaller dogs who are more sensitive to toxins.
Final Thoughts: Be Your Dog’s Advocate
Your dog’s health isn’t something to take for granted. By learning to recognize these seemingly “normal” behaviors as potential warning signs, you can act as your dog’s advocate. You know them better than anyone else. If you notice a persistent change in their behavior, no matter how small, trust your gut. A visit to the vet can provide the peace of mind you need or catch a serious health problem at its earliest, most treatable stage.