Dog Health · Symptom Reference
Clear, research-backed answers to what your dog's symptoms could mean — which signs need an emergency vet, which can wait, and what treatment typically costs.
This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for concerns about your dog’s health.
Dogs can't tell you what hurts. That's what makes symptoms so stressful — a dog limping, vomiting, or acting lethargic could be minor, or it could be the start of something serious. The difference is often the pattern, timing, and accompanying signs.
This guide organises the most common dog symptoms into clear clusters. Each section explains the likely causes, the red flags that mean you need a vet now, and the realistic cost of treatment if it escalates. Use it as a reference — but always follow up with your veterinarian for anything that concerns you.
One important note: many symptom investigations start with a vet visit you weren't expecting. That's where pet insurance earns its keep. We'll flag the cost exposure for each symptom cluster so you can plan ahead.
Featured guide
Your dog was fine an hour ago. Now they're holding up a leg and won't put weight on it. Here's how to assess how serious it is, what's likely causing it, and what to do next.
Mobility & Injury
Mobility issues are among the most common — and most expensive — reasons dogs visit the vet. From a thorn in the paw to a torn ligament, the range is enormous.
Dog Limping Suddenly
Sudden onset limping vs gradual — causes, when it's an emergency, and diagnosis costs.
ACL / CCL Injury
One of the most common injuries in active dogs. Signs, diagnosis, and surgical costs.
Hip Dysplasia Signs
Wobbling, reluctance to jump, or bunny-hopping gait can point to hip dysplasia.
Arthritis in Dogs
Stiffness after rest, reluctance on stairs — recognising early arthritis and managing it.
Paw Pad Injuries
Cuts, burns, cracks, and foreign objects — when to treat at home versus see a vet.
Spinal / Disc Issues
Back pain, sudden paralysis, and dragging legs — disc disease is a common emergency.
💡 Mobility issues are the leading cause of dog ACL surgery, which averages $3,500–$6,500 per leg. See the full cost breakdown →
Digestive Issues
Most digestive upsets are mild and self-resolving. A few — like bloat or foreign body ingestion — are life-threatening emergencies that require immediate care.
Vomiting: When to Worry
Single episode vs repeated vomiting — how to tell minor GI upset from something serious.
Diarrhoea in Dogs
Common triggers, hydration risks, and the signs that mean you need to call the vet today.
Bloat (GDV) — Emergency
A distended stomach and unproductive retching is a life-threatening emergency. Act immediately.
Foreign Body Ingestion
Dogs eat things they shouldn't. Signs of obstruction, what vets do, and what it costs.
Loss of Appetite
Skipping one meal is normal. Extended anorexia can signal pain, dental issues, or illness.
Blood in Stool or Vomit
Bright red blood vs dark tarry stools have different causes. Neither should be ignored.
Skin & Coat
Skin issues are the most common reason for vet visits. Allergies, infections, parasites, and tumours all present through the skin — and look deceptively similar.
Dog Allergies & Itching
Environmental, food, and contact allergies — identification, management, and allergy testing costs.
Fleas, Ticks & Mites
Parasite identification, risks (Lyme disease, mange), and treatment options.
Hair Loss (Alopecia)
Patchy vs diffuse hair loss — hormonal causes, ringworm, and stress-related shedding.
Lumps & Bumps
Most lumps are benign. How to tell a lipoma from something that needs urgent biopsy.
Skin Infections (Pyoderma)
Bacterial skin infections causing hot spots, pustules, and raw patches.
Hot Spots
Moist dermatitis that spreads fast — how to manage hot spots before the vet visit.
Respiratory
Respiratory symptoms can range from kennel cough (minor) to congestive heart failure (serious). Breathing difficulty is always an emergency.
Kennel Cough
The honking cough, how long it lasts, when to treat, and vaccination to prevent it.
Breathing Difficulty
Laboured breathing or blue-tinged gums is always an emergency. Call your vet immediately.
Nasal Discharge
Clear vs coloured discharge — viral, bacterial, fungal, or structural causes.
Heart Disease Signs
Coughing at night, exercise intolerance, and pot belly in older dogs can signal heart disease.
Emergency Symptoms
If your dog shows any of these signs, stop reading and go to an emergency vet clinic now. Minutes matter.
Collapse or Loss of Consciousness
Sudden collapse, inability to stand, or loss of consciousness — emergency. Go now.
Suspected Poisoning
Chocolate, xylitol, grapes, rat poison — call your vet or animal poison control immediately.
Bloat / GDV
Distended abdomen with unproductive retching. This is a surgical emergency with minutes to spare.
Uncontrolled Bleeding
Deep wounds, internal bleeding signs (pale gums, weakness) — go to emergency immediately.
Seizures
A first-time seizure, multiple seizures, or a seizure lasting over 5 minutes needs emergency care.
Laboured Breathing
Gasping, blue gums, or extreme breathing distress — respiratory emergency, act immediately.
Neurological Signs
Neurological symptoms are often frightening and confusing. Knowing which are emergencies and which can be managed helps you respond quickly.
Epilepsy & Seizures
First seizure vs epilepsy — diagnosis, medication options, and long-term management.
Vestibular Disease
Sudden head tilt, falling, and rolling. Terrifying but often resolves within days.
Disorientation / Dementia
Cognitive dysfunction in older dogs — pacing, confusion, and sleep cycle changes.
Sudden Blindness
SARD and other causes of rapid vision loss — signs, diagnosis, and what to expect.
Written by
Sarah Mitchell
Pet Health Writer
Sarah Mitchell is a pet health writer who focuses on helping dog owners understand symptoms, veterinary care, and treatment options using reputable veterinary references and educational resources.
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Your dog was fine an hour ago. Now they're holding up a leg and won't put weight on it. Here's how to assess how serious it is, what's likely causing it, and what to do next.
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