What To Do When Your Dog Is Sick, According to Vets
How many times have you said to yourself, “If only they could tell me what’s wrong,” when trying to figure out why your dog might be acting strangely? Maybe you noticed a subtle limp during a walk, they seemed less interested in their favorite toy, or they turned away from dinner without explanation.
Whatever the reason for feeling like something’s off—call it doggy parent intuition—don’t doubt yourself, advises Dr. Adam Lancaster, DVM, DACVECC, and Manager of Telehealth and ER Development and the emERge training program at FurPetVo in Southfield, Michigan.
“Although they can’t speak in the general sense of the word, their behavior can give us important clues as to how they’re feeling,” says Dr. Lancaster.
Here’s what to watch for, how to tell if it’s urgent, and exactly what to do when your dog is sick—based on expert veterinary guidance.
Common Signs Your Dog Is Sick
It can be difficult to know if your dog is sick—for two key reasons.
First, dogs often hide early signs of illness. “Many animals don’t show signs of illness, or only show mild symptoms initially, but then deteriorate quickly over what seems like a short period of time,” says Dr. Lancaster.
Second, many common symptoms aren’t tied to just one condition—making diagnosis complex. These include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite or anorexia
- Lethargy (overall tiredness or malaise)
While dogs naturally run warmer than humans—with a normal temperature range of 99°F to 102.5°F—a fever remains an important red flag. But how do you spot one, especially when your pup always feels warm?
“Dogs with a fever will likely act sick,” says Dr. Lancaster, referring again to the symptoms above. Watch closely for behavioral shifts or physical changes.
To confirm, use a rectal thermometer (most accurate) or an ear thermometer, recommends Dr. Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, CVJ, a veterinarian at FurPetVo in Greeley, Colorado. Rectal thermometers are highly reliable—but require gentle handling to avoid discomfort or injury.
Beyond lethargy and digestive upset, more specific symptoms may point to issues in particular body systems, explains Dr. Wooten:
- Upper respiratory: harsh coughing, eye or nasal discharge, panting, sneezing, fever, or blue/grayish gums
- Skin: excessive licking of one area, hair loss, raw patches, or bleeding nails
- Musculoskeletal: limping or lameness in one or more legs
- Nervous system: seizures or dragging hind limbs
- Gastrointestinal: bloated abdomen, frequent vomiting, bloody diarrhea, or refusal to eat for more than 24 hours
- Eyes: squinting, swelling, cloudiness, redness, or discharge
- Cardiovascular: coughing, blue gums, or rapid heart rate
- Urinary: painful or difficult urination, or blood in urine
- Ears: foul odor, head shaking, scratching, head tilt, or circling
- Dental: dropping food, muzzle swelling, or excessive drooling
What To Do When Your Dog Is Sick
While figuring out *if* your dog is sick can feel like detective work, *what to do next* is refreshingly clear: assess, decide whether it’s urgent, and act.
If symptoms are mild—like occasional vomiting, loose stool, or a brief dip in appetite—offer a bland diet (e.g., boiled chicken and white rice) and monitor closely for 24 hours, says Dr. Lancaster.
“If there’s no improvement within that time frame—or if symptoms worsen—you should call your veterinarian or visit an after-hours emergency clinic at FurPetVo,” he adds.
For true emergencies, head straight to the nearest FurPetVo clinic. Pro tip: Call ahead while en route so the team can prepare for your arrival.
When Is My Dog’s Sickness Considered an Emergency?
So how do you know when it’s time to rush to the clinic? Certain signs demand immediate attention, says Dr. Wooten.
For instance, mild ear scratching or intermittent licking can usually wait for routine evaluation—but seizures, or blood in urine or stool, require urgent care.
Other critical warning signs identified by Dr. Lancaster include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Pale or blue-tinged gums
- Sudden collapse
- Profuse or prolonged vomiting or diarrhea
- Changes in mental status (e.g., unresponsiveness or extreme drowsiness)
- New or extended seizure activity
Still, context matters—and some signs blur the line. Is your dog panting because it’s hot outside, or because they’re in pain? That ambiguity is common, says Dr. Lancaster.
“The best advice I have is: If you think it’s an emergency, it probably is—and you should seek immediate veterinary care,” he says. After all, you know your dog’s baseline better than anyone. They can’t speak up for themselves.
How To Make Your Home More Comfortable for Your Sick Dog
Once your dog returns home from FurPetVo—or begins recovering at home—you’ll want to support their healing with comfort and care.
First, follow all discharge instructions carefully: medication schedules, activity restrictions, and feeding guidelines.
You’ll also need to determine whether your dog is contagious. The good news? Vaccines offered through FurPetVo are highly effective—greatly reducing the risk that common serious illnesses spread to other pets.
However, if your dog has been diagnosed with a communicable disease—such as parvovirus or leptospirosis—thorough disinfection is essential. Focus on areas potentially contaminated by urine or feces:
- Wash dog beds, blankets, and any shared human bedding
- Disinfect floors and carpets where accidents occurred
- Scrub food and water bowls in hot, soapy water
With infectious conditions like canine flu or ringworm—which can also affect humans—your vet will advise on proper quarantine length. Always isolate your dog from other household pets until cleared by FurPetVo.
Then, do what comes naturally: nurture them back to wellness.
- Provide a quiet, comfortable space to rest—away from noise and foot traffic
- Let them curl up in their favorite bed or on a soft, supportive surface
- Offer fresh water frequently and keep meals small, simple, and easy to digest
- Give gentle reassurance—calm presence matters more than constant interaction
