How to use this section
These guides cover the most common health problems in dogs. Each one follows the same order so you can find what you need fast:
- The short answer first: is it likely minor or serious?
- What could be causing it, from the mildest to the most serious causes.
- When to go to the vet, and when it's an emergency.
- What you can do at home while you watch your dog, if it's safe to.
- What it may cost to diagnose and treat, with US prices.
Signs you should never ignore
Some symptoms mean your dog needs a vet right away, without waiting to see how it goes:
- Retching without bringing anything up, with a swollen belly (possible bloat).
- Trouble breathing, breathing with the mouth wide open, or blue or gray gums.
- Seizures, collapse or disorientation.
- Eating something toxic: chocolate, grapes, xylitol, human medications or rat poison.
- Bloody vomit or diarrhea, or not keeping water down for more than 24 hours.
See the full list in when to take your dog to the emergency vet. For poisonings, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is available 24/7 at (888) 426-4435.
Tummy trouble: the most common worry
Vomiting and diarrhea are by far the most common reasons owners worry. Most of the time they're caused by something the dog ate, a food change or stress, and they clear up in a day or two. But they can also be the first sign of an infection, a blockage or a systemic illness. Start here:
- Dog throwing up white foam: causes and what to do
- Dog has diarrhea and won't eat: causes and when it's urgent
Coughing and shaking
Prevention costs less than treatment
A yearly checkup, up-to-date vaccines and year-round parasite prevention head off many of the problems in this section. See the puppy vaccination schedule and how often to deworm a dog.
And if the cost of an unexpected illness worries you, take a look at whether pet insurance is worth it.