Symptoms in Dogs: Recognizing Causes and Acting Correctly

Dogs, just like people, can suddenly become ill or show conspicuous Behavioral changes. Not every Symptom is threatening – but some require immediate veterinary help. As a responsibler dog owner, it is important to be able to classify Symptoms correctly.
This article gives you a comprehensive overview of the most common signs of illness in dogs, explains possible causes, and shows you when a visit to the vet is necessary.

Table of contents

What exactly is a Symptom in dogs?

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A Symptom is an externally observable sign of a physical or mental disorder. Initially, it says nothing about the exact cause or severity of the disease.

Examples of Symptoms in dogs:

  • Trembling (can be caused by Pain, anxiety, or neurological issues)
  • Diarrhea (possible causes: infection, change of food, stress)
  • Cough (infection, heart problem, foreign body)

Important: A single Symptom can have many causes – therefore, a veterinary examination is often essential to make an accurate diagnosis.

For preliminary information, ask our Symptom Checker

How does a Symptom Checker work?
Go to Symptom Checker
  • Checklist: 10 warning signs in dogs (PDF)
  • Symptom-Check-Tool: Test now on petsvetcheck.de
  • Veterinary Emergency Service Finder (external link)

Common Symptoms in dogs and their causes

Here you will find an overview of the most common Symptoms – with typical causes and links to further articles.

  1. Vomiting in dogs
  1. Diarrhea
  1. Cough
  1. Trembling
  • Harmless causes: Excitement, cold
  • Serious causes: Pain, neurological diseases, poisoning
    ➡ Symptom analysis: Why is my dog ​​trembling?
  1. Lameness
  1. Itching/Skin changes
  1. Apathy/apathy
  • Indication of: Fever, infection, Pain, organ disease
  • Accompanying signs: Loss of appetite, withdrawal, no reaction to being spoken to
  1. Loss of appetite
  1. Fever
  • Symptoms: Panting, dry nose, fatigue, hot ears
  • Tip: Rectal temperature measurement (Normal: 38.0–39.0 °C)
  1. Abdominal distension

Other causes: Gases, fluid accumulation, organ enlargement
➡ Recognize an Emergency: Gastric torsion in dogs – Symptoms and reaction

When is a Symptom an Emergency?

Some signs require immediate veterinary help – regardless of the day of the week or time of day.

Go to the vet immediately if:

  • Shortness of breath or blue-colored tongue
  • Persistent Vomiting/Diarrhea (>24 hours, especially in puppies)
  • Unconsciousness, Convulsions
  • Suspicion of poisoning (e.g. chocolate, medication)
  • Severe Pain (Whining, refusal to move)
  • Blood in Vomit or stool
  • Sudden Paralysis or inability to get up

Note: Better to go to the vet unnecessarily once than once too late.

How to observe Symptoms correctly

Your observation is very helpful for veterinary diagnostics.

Checklist for documentation:

  • When did the Symptom first appear?
  • What food or medication was given beforehand?
  • How has the behavior changed?
  • Does the Symptom only occur in certain situations?

Tip: Take short cell phone videos or photos (e.g. for Lameness or Skin lesions).

This is how the vet proceeds with the diagnosis

Depending on the Symptom, various examinations are used:

  1. General examination: Pulse, temperature, mucous membranes, circulation
  2. Laboratory diagnostics: Blood count, organ values, stool examination, rapid tests
  3. Imaging: X-ray, ultrasound, possibly endoscopy
  4. Functional diagnostics: e.g. neurological tests for Lameness or Trembling

➡ Good preparation saves time and can be life-saving!

What you can do at home – and what not

Allowed (after consultation or with mild symptoms):

  • Fasting day for mild Vomiting/Diarrhea (sufficient water!)
  • Chamomile tea for mild stomach problems
  • Cooling for Swelling or insect bites

Not allowed:

  • Human medicines such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc. (life-threatening!)
  • Adopting diagnoses or therapies from internet forums
  • “Waiting” for worsening Symptoms

➡ Emergency pharmacy for dogs – what belongs in it?

Preparation for the vet visit

  • Bring vaccination card & medication list
  • Describe Symptoms as precisely as possible
  • If possible: Bring stool or urine sample
  • Call in advance in case of Emergencies – preparation saves time

Have regional emergency service numbers ready (veterinary association, emergency service app).

Further topics

  • Diarrhea in dogs – first aid and causes
  • Vomiting in dogs – when is it dangerous?
  • Symptom-Check: Which disease is behind it?
  • Skin problems in dogs – parasites, fungus & co.
  • Dog has Fever – measure and act correctly
  • Lameness in dogs – diagnostics and treatment
  • Dental problems in dogs – recognize & prevent

Conclusion: Recognize Symptoms early – save lives

Most Symptoms in dogs are initially non-specific – they can be harmless or threatening. The key is to recognize them early, interpret them correctly and seek veterinary help if necessary.
This article serves as a guide – but does not replace a diagnosis by a veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. When is a Symptom in dogs an Emergency?

A Symptom is an Emergency if it occurs suddenly, is very pronounced, or could be life-threatening. Typical Emergencies include shortness of breath, Convulsions, bloody Vomiting or Diarrhea, Paralysis, a severely Abdominal distension (suspected gastric torsion), unconsciousness, or suspected poisoning. In such cases, a veterinary clinic or emergency service should be contacted immediately.

  1. What are common Symptoms in dogs that indicate a disease?

The most common Symptoms include Vomiting, Diarrhea, Cough, loss of appetite, Apathy, Fever, Lameness, Itching, altered breathing rate, and sudden Trembling. Non-specific Behavioral changes such as withdrawal, Restlessness, or Whining can also be signs of a disease.

  1. My dog ​​is trembling – is that dangerous?

Trembling can be harmless (e.g. in the cold or when excited), but it can also indicate serious problems – such as Pain, Fever, poisoning, or neurological diseases. If the Trembling occurs suddenly or is accompanied by other Symptoms, the dog should be examined by a veterinarian.

  1. How do I recognize Fever in dogs?

Fever can only be reliably measured rectally with a thermometer. The normal body temperature in dogs is between 38.0 and 39.0 °C. Values ​​above 39.5 °C are considered Fever. Accompanying Symptoms can be fatigue, Panting, hot ears, loss of appetite, or Trembling.

  1. What to do if my dog ​​is Vomiting?

One-time Vomiting is often harmless. Repeated Vomiting, especially in connection with Apathy, Fever, Pain, or blood, requires veterinary clarification. In milder cases, a break from food (fasting for 12–24 hours) can help – but never in puppies without consultation.

  1. When is Diarrhea dangerous in dogs?

Diarrhea is dangerous if it lasts longer than 24 hours, is bloody, is accompanied by Vomiting, Fever, or dehydration – or occurs in young, old, or chronically ill dogs. An examination including stool analysis is then urgently required.

  1. How should I prepare for the vet visit if my dog ​​shows Symptoms?

Document the Symptoms exactly: since when, how often, in what context. If necessary, bring stool samples, videos (e.g. of Cough, Lameness) and a list of current medications. Find out about emergency services or clinic hours in advance, especially in the case of acute complaints.

  1. Which medications can I give my dog ​​for Pain?

None! Pain relievers from human medicine such as ibuprofen, paracetamol or ASS are toxic to dogs and can lead to liver or kidney damage, stomach bleeding or even Death. Pain relievers may only be prescribed by a veterinarian.

  1. How can I observe and document Symptoms in dogs at home?

Keep a Symptom diary: Note the date, time, frequency, food intake, medication, changes in stool or urine, and behavior. Photos and short videos are particularly helpful for the veterinarian. If necessary, use a prepared PDF form or an app.

  1. What can I do myself if my dog ​​shows mild Symptoms of illness?

For mild Symptoms such as mild Diarrhea or Restlessness, you can temporarily give a bland diet, allow rest and observe the dog. Make sure he drinks enough water. If the condition remains unchanged or worsens, consult a veterinary practice.