Common Dog Health Problems – Symptoms, Causes, and When to See a Vet

Last Updated: January 27, 202 Published – January 27, 2026

Dog health problems happen to every dog at some point. I learned this when my Golden Retriever, Max, got sick suddenly at 2 AM. Knowing common dog illnesses and recognizing dog symptoms helped me know when to rush to the emergency vet and when to wait until morning. Understanding these issues can save your dog’s life.

Recognizing When Your Dog is Sick

Dogs hide pain really well. Learning to spot sick dog signs takes practice.

Behavioral Changes

Watch For

• Acting tired or sleeping more than usual
• Hiding or avoiding you
• Not wanting to play
• Grumpy or snapping when touched
• Restless and can’t get comfortable
• Not greeting you like normal

Max acted withdrawn when he had an ear infection. He didn’t run to the door when I came home.

Physical Symptoms

Common Signs

• Not eating or drinking
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Coughing or sneezing
• Limping or favouring a leg
• Scratching constantly
• Shaking head repeatedly
• Bad breath
• Cloudy or red eyes

When to Call the Vet Immediately

Emergency Situations

• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures or collapse
• Bloated, hard stomach
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Can’t urinate or defecate
• Ate something toxic
• Extreme weakness

When Max ate chocolate, I called the emergency vet right away. They saved his life.

Digestive Health Issues

Vomiting and Diarrhea

Most dogs vomit or have diarrhea occasionally.

Common Causes

• Ate something bad
• Ate too fast
• Stress or anxiety
• Food sensitivity
• Parasites
• Illness

Home Treatment (Mild Cases)

• Stop eating food for 12 hours (water only)
• Start with a bland diet (boiled chicken and rice)
• Feed small amounts frequently
• Gradually return to normal food

Warning Signs – See Vet

• Lasts more than 24 hours
• Blood in vomit or poop
• Very weak or tired
• Won’t drink water
• Severe pain

Max had diarrhea from stress when we moved. A bland diet for two days fixed it.

Constipation

Symptoms

• Straining to poop
• Small, hard stools
• Not pooping for 2+ days
• Crying when trying to go

Solutions

• Add canned pumpkin to food (1-2 tablespoons)
• Increase water intake
• More exercise
• Add fiber to the diet

See your vet if it lasts more than 2 days or if your dog seems in pain.

Bloat (Life-Threatening Emergency)

This is the scariest dog health problem I’ve learned about.

Emergency Symptoms

• Swollen, hard belly
• Trying to vomit, but nothing comes up
• Excessive drooling
• Pacing and restless
• Rapid breathing
• Pale gums

At-Risk Breeds

• Large, deep-chested dogs
• Great Danes, German Shepherds, Standard Poodles

Action – Rush to the emergency vet immediately. Minutes matter. This kills dogs fast.

Prevention – Don’t exercise right after meals. Feed smaller meals 2-3 times daily instead of one enormous meal.

Skin and Coat Problems

Common Skin Issues

Condition	Symptoms	Common Causes	Treatment
Hot spots	Red, moist, painful patches	Allergies, moisture, licking	Vet care, keep dry, prevent licking
Dry skin	Flaking, itching, dull coat	Diet, weather, and bathing too much	Fish oil supplements, less bathing
Hair loss	Bald patches, thinning	Allergies, parasites, stress, hormones	Vet diagnosis needed
Rashes	Red, irritated skin	Contact allergies, infection	Find trigger, medication if needed

Max gets dry skin in winter. Fish oil supplements really help.

Ear Infections

Symptoms 

• Shaking head constantly
• Scratching at ears
• Smell from the ears
• Discharge (brown or yellow)
• Red, swollen ear canal
• Pain when touched

Common Causes

• Moisture (swimming, baths)
• Allergies
• Ear mites
• Bacteria or yeast

Treatment

• Vet exam (they need to look inside)
• Prescription ear drops
• Clean ears regularly
• Keep ears dry

Breeds Prone to Infections

• Floppy-eared dogs (Labs, Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniels)

Max had chronic ear infections until we addressed his food allergies (see our dog nutrition guide).

Dental Disease

Most dogs over 3 have some dental disease.

Stages

1. Plaque buildup (reversible with cleaning)
2. Gingivitis (red, swollen gums)
3. Periodontal disease (infection, tooth loss)
4. Advanced disease (affects organs)

Symptoms

• Bad breath (not normal for dogs)
• Yellow or brown teeth
• Red, bleeding gum
• Difficulty eating hard food
• Pawing at the mouth
• Drooling more

Treatment

• Professional cleaning under anesthesia
• Possible tooth extractions
• Antibiotics if infected

Prevention

• Brush teeth 3-5 times weekly
• Dental chews
• Regular vet checkups

Dental disease can damage the heart and kidneys. It’s serious.

Joint and Mobility Issues

Arthritis

Max developed arthritis at age 10. It’s common in older dogs.

Signs

• Stiff after resting
• Slow getting up
• Limping
• Reluctance to climb stairs
• Less playful
• Grumpy when touched

Management

• Joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin)
• Weight control (extra pounds stress joints)
• Gentle, regular exercise
• Anti-inflammatory medication from the vet
• Orthopedic bed
• Ramps for the car and furniture

Swimming is a perfect low-impact exercise for arthritic dogs.

Hip Dysplasia

What It Is: The hip joint doesn’t form correctly. Genetic problem.

Common In: Large breeds (German Shepherds, Labs, Golden Retriever)

Symptoms

• “Bunny hopping” when running
• Difficulty getting up
• Decreased activity
• Muscle loss in the back legs

Management

• Weight control (crucial)
• Controlled exercise
• Joint supplements
• Pain medication
• Surgery in severe cases

Allergies in Dogs

Max has allergies. Took forever to figure out.

Food Allergies

Common Allergens

• Beef
• Chicken
• Dairy
• Wheat
• Eggs

Symptoms

• Itchy skin
• Ear infections
• Digestive upset
• Licking paws constantly

Diagnosis

• Elimination diet (8-12 weeks)
• Feed only one protein and one carb
• Slowly add foods back

Max can’t eat chicken or beef. He eats salmon-based food now.

Environmental Allergies

Triggers

• Pollen
• Dust
• Mold
• Grass

Symptoms

• Seasonal itching
• Red, watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Paw licking

Treatment

• Antihistamines
• Frequent baths
• Wipe paws after walks
• Prescription medication if severe

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

What It Is: Severe allergic reaction to flea bites

Symptoms

• Intense itching
• Hair loss (especially near the tail)
• Red, inflamed skin
• Scabs

Treatment

• Strict flea prevention (year-round)
• Medication for itching
• Antibiotics if infected

Even one flea bite can cause problems for allergic dogs.

Urinary Tract Issues

UTI Symptoms

• Frequent urination (small amounts)
• Straining to pee
• Blood in urine
• Accidents in the house
• Licking the private area

Bladder Stones

• Similar symptoms to UTI
• Diagnosed with X-rays or an ultrasound
• May need surgery or a special diet

Incontinence (Older Dogs)

• Leaking urine while sleeping
• Often treatable with medication

See your vet for any urinary symptoms. Untreated UTIs can cause kidney damage.

Eye Problems

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

• Red, watery eyes
• Discharge
• Squinting
• Treatable with drops

Cataracts

• Cloudy lens
• Common in older dogs
• Can lead to blindness
• Surgery available

Glaucoma

• Increased eye pressure
• Painful emergency
• Can cause permanent blindness

Cherry Eye

• Red mass in the corner of eye
• Swollen tear gland
• Needs surgery

Any eye problem needs vet attention. Vision is precious.

Respiratory Issues

Kennel Cough

• Harsh, honking cough
• Very contagious
• Usually mild
• Vaccine available

Pneumonia

• Deep cough
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Needs antibiotics

Brachycephalic Breeds (Flat-Faced Dogs)

• Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers struggle to breathe
• Worse in the heat
• May need surgery

See a vet for any breathing difficulties.

Emergency Warning Signs

Call Emergency Vet Immediately

Breathing

• Gasping or struggling to breathe
• Blue or pale gums
• Choking

Neurological

• Seizures
• Collapse
• Can’t stand or walk
• Extreme disorientation

Digestive

• Bloated, hard belly
• Continuous vomiting
• Bloody diarrhea

Bleeding/Trauma

• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Hit by a car
• Severe injury

Urinary

• Can’t urinate despite trying
• Bloody urine with weakness

Poisoning

• Ate chocolate, grapes, xylitol, antifreeze, rat poison, medications
• Any toxic substance

Heat/Cold

• Heatstroke (excessive panting, vomiting, collapse)
• Hypothermia (severe shivering, weakness)

When in doubt, call. Vets would rather you check than wait too long.

Prevention is Best Medicine

Many dog health problems are preventable.

How to Prevent Issues

• Regular vet checkups (see our dog preventive care guide)
• Proper nutrition (check our dog nutrition guide)
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Daily exercise
• Dental care
• Parasite prevention
• Keep vaccinations current

Early Detection Saves Lives

• Weekly home checks
• Notice behaviour changes
• Don’t ignore symptoms
• Build a relationship with your vet

Key Takeaways

• Dog health problems are common – knowing symptoms helps you act fast
• Behavioural changes often signal illness before physical symptoms appear
• Dog symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea are usually mild, but watch for warning signs
• Bloat is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate vet care
• Skin problems, ear infections, and allergies often relate to diet
• Common dog illnesses like arthritis are manageable with proper care
•  Dental disease affects the whole body, not just teeth
•  Know sick dog signs and emergency symptoms requiring immediate help
•  Prevention through regular vet care prevents many problems
•  When unsure, always call your vet – better safe than sorry

Questions You Might Have

How do I know if my dog is sick or just tired?

Sick dog signs go beyond normal tiredness. Look for multiple symptoms together:

Just Tired: Sleeps after exercise, still eats normally, still eager to see you, normal bathroom habits

Sick: Won’t eat, hiding, no interest in favourite things, sleeping excessively (more than usual), bathroom changes, vomiting or diarrhea

Max is normally eager about everything. When he didn’t greet me at the door and wouldn’t eat dinner, I knew something was wrong. Trust changes from normal behaviour.

When unsure, take your dog’s temperature (normal is 101-102.5°F). Call your vet with symptoms.

What are the most common dog health problems?

Most common dog health problems I’ve seen or researched:

1. Ear infections (especially floppy-eared breeds)
2. Skin allergies and hot spots
3. Dental disease (affects 80% of dogs over 3)
4. Arthritis in older dogs
5. Digestive upset (vomiting, diarrhea)
6. Obesity (leads to other problems)
7. Urinary tract infections
8. Eye infections

Max has dealt with ear infections, allergies, and arthritis. All is manageable with proper care.

Prevention through nutrition, exercise, and regular vet checkups prevents many of these.

When should I take my dog to the vet vs. waiting?

Go to the vet immediately

• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures or collapse
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea (bloody, continuous)
• Can’t urinate or defecate
• Ate something toxic
• Bloated, hard stomach
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Eye injury
• Agony

Call Vet Same Day

• Vomiting/diarrhea lasting over 24 hours
• Not eating for 24+ hours
• Limping badly
• Seems in pain
• Unusual behavior

Monitor and call if it worsens

• Mild vomiting (once or twice)
• Single diarrhea episode
• Slight decrease in appetite
• Minor cough or sneeze

When Max vomited once, I monitored him. When he vomited three times in two hours, I called the vet.

Can I treat my dog at home, or do I need a vet?

Home Treatment Okay

• Mild, single-episode vomiting or diarrhea
• Minor scratches (clean and monitor)
• Mild upset stomach (bland diet)

Always Need Vet

• Any emergency symptoms
• Symptoms lasting more than 24-48 hours
• Fever
• Pain
• Behavioral changes
• Anything unusual or concerning

I tried treating Max’s ear infection at home. Wasted a week before seeing the vet. Now I call earlier.

Never Give Human Medications without vet approval. Many are toxic to dogs (Tylenol, ibuprofen).

How can I prevent dog health problems?

Best Prevention Strategies

Regular Vet Care

• Annual checkups for adults
• Twice yearly for seniors
• Keep vaccinations current
• Parasite prevention year-round

Nutrition

• High-quality food, appropriate forage
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Fresh water is always available
• See our dog nutrition guide

Daily Care

• Regular exercise
• Brush teeth 3-5 times weekly
• Check ears, eyes, and skin regularly
• Groom regularly

Safety

• Keep toxins out of reach
• Supervise around water
• Safe toys only
• Proper restraint in a car

Max’s health improved dramatically when I prioritized prevention. It’s cheaper and easier than treating problems. Check our dog preventive care guide for complete information.

My Final Words

Learning about dog health problems honed me as an owner. I catch issues early now. I know when to worry and when to wait. Max has had ear infections, allergies, arthritis, and that scary chocolate incident. Each taught me something valuable. Trust your gut. You know your dog. If something seems wrong, it probably is.

Don’t wait. Keep your vet’s number handy (regular and emergency). Build a relationship with them. Ask questions. Your dog depends on you to recognize when they need help. Learn these common dog illnesses and dog symptoms. It could save your dog’s life.

For complete information on keeping your dog healthy, check our complete dog health guide.

Medical Disclaimer: I’m not a vet. What I share comes from my own experience with my dog, lots of reading, and talking to veterinary professionals. Always talk to your vet about your dog’s health issues.

Reference

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
“Common Dog Health Problems”
https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
“Dog Health Resources”
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/

American Kennel Club (AKC)
“Dog Health Information”
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/