Is My Puppy Sick: Signs and Symptoms Every Owner Should Know
By
Anastasiia Petrovska Updated on |Reviewed by
Karen PiwinskiBringing home a new puppy fills your house with joy! But having a new companion also comes with responsibility, especially when it concerns your pet’s health. A puppy’s immune system is still developing, making them more vulnerable to disease than an adult dog.
Key Takeaways
- An immature immune system makes puppies more susceptible to various diseases
- Increased sleepiness and changes in appetite are often the first indicators that something is wrong
- Vomiting and diarrhea should never be considered normal in puppies and require immediate veterinary care
- Regular health checks and vaccinations are essential for preventing common diseases.
Recognizing the early signs that your puppy is sick can make all the difference in getting them the care they need. In this article, you’ll find the top 10 reliable indicators that the puppy is sick.
Common Signs That Your Puppy Is Sick
Understanding how to tell if your puppy is sick starts with learning what symptoms of sickness in puppies are. Here are the most common signs for dog parents to watch out for:
1. Lethargy
Puppies usually act like bundles of curiosity, energy, and playfulness. When your previously active puppy suddenly becomes quiet, it's often one of the signs your puppy is sick.
If a puppy doesn’t react when handled as they used to before, they may be feeling unwell. It’s true that puppies need a significant amount of sleep to develop properly. However, a sick puppy will be weak and lethargic even after some rest, unlike a tired puppy who becomes active again after a nap.
2. Changes in sleep schedule
Puppies tend to sleep more than adult dogs. But excessive sleeping combined with a lack of interest in other activities can be a serious health issue. Veterinarians note that the main indicators of sickness in puppies include:
- Increased sleepingness
- Reluctance to leave their sleeping area.
If your puppy is sleepier than usual and shows no enthusiasm for activities that they typically enjoy, seek veterinary care.
Puppies can become very sick quickly, so it’s important to know the signs and take them to the vet as soon as possible for the best outcome.
3. Persistent whining
A healthy puppy that suddenly becomes more vocal may be trying to communicate that something is wrong.
Since young pups can’t verbally express discomfort yet, persistent vocalizations can signal:
- Pain
- Distress
- Illness.
Dog owners should pay attention to when the whining or whimpering happens (during eating, movement, or at rest). This can help the vet identify the underlying cause of the problem.
4. Withdrawal
Healthy puppies are typically very socially active and love to interact with family members.
But when your companion starts distancing themselves, it may be a sign that a puppy is getting sick. They may also hide without a special reason and avoid playtime. Withdrawal from common social interactions is a big red flag that requires professional assessment.
5. Vomiting or diarrhea
These are among the most common signs that a puppy is sick. Vomiting and diarrhea can range from mild to severe cases. Diarrhea, occasional vomiting, or an upset stomach can happen. But repeated episodes of gastrointestinal issues should be alarming.
Vomiting and diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours require immediate veterinary care. Especially when they’re accompanied by the following:
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite.
Remember: Puppies tend to become dehydrated quite fast. Thus, timely treatment is crucial.
6. Changes in appetite
A healthy puppy has a good appetite and eats consistently during the day. When they show reduced interest in meals or stop eating, it's a warning sign.
Showing a decreased interest in eating as well as losing weight is concerning. In this case, the puppy should be taken to the vet clinic right away. Similarly, a rapid increase in appetite without any changes in regular activity can be a sign of a sick puppy.
7. Straining to defecate
Straining or difficulty passing stools can be among the signs that a puppy is sick. Contact your veterinarian in case you see the following:
- Your puppy is assuming the position, but producing little to no stool
- Passing dry, hard feces
- Showing signs of pain or discomfort during defecation.
These symptoms can be caused by a number of problems, including constipation or intestinal blockage. Thus, they shouldn't be ignored, as they can turn into medical emergencies.
8. Increased thirst
Staying hydrated is important. But excessive water consumption is also among the common symptoms of a sick puppy. Drinking more water than usual may be a sign of:
- Hyperthermia
- Infections
- Internal parasites
- Bladder stones
- Kidney disease
- Metabolic problems.
All of these common illnesses require professional diagnosis and proper treatment.
- Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
Healthy puppies should gain weight as they grow. Monitoring a puppy’s weight during the first weeks of life ensures they receive proper nourishment. It also means they become strong enough to fight off diseases.
Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of:
- Intestinal parasites
- Infection
- Metabolic disorders
- Cancer
- Malabsorption.
On the other hand, rapid weight gain without clear reasons may suggest certain puppy health issues.
10. Excessive drooling
Drooling is normal for certain breeds. But new and excessive salivation can indicate certain health problems. These include:
- Nausea
- Oral pain
- Intoxication
- Dental issues.
If you keep asking, “Is my puppy sick or is it normal?” when your puppy drools more than usual, consult a vet. Especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty swallowing.
Monitoring puppy health has never been easy. But thanks to mobile apps, having a wellness check-up at home became possible. The Woofz app has recently introduced a new Wellness module. It allows dog owners to perform weekly check-ups and track their dog's health.
It’s a convenient tool that helps you monitor changes in the following spheres:
- Behavior
- Appetite
- Energy levels
- Water intake
- Nutrition and more.
Thanks to such wellness check-ups, it’s easier to spot any concerns early and share more detailed information with a vet.
How Do I Know If My Puppy Is Sick: When It's Time to See a Vet
Knowing when to look for professional help is crucial for your puppy's health. When you note any signs of puppy illness, a physical exam is needed. There are specific puppy illnesses, like canine influenza and parvovirus, that can become severe quickly.
Contact your vet immediately if you observe the following:
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
- Difficulty breathing
- High fever
- Seizures
- Loss of coordination
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours
- Lethargy (especially when combined with other symptoms)
- Signs that your dog is in pain (for example, aggression when touching the belly or yepping)
- Pup's gums seem pale
- Potential injection of toxic substances or foreign objects.
Remember: Not all symptoms of a sick puppy require medical care. But it's always better to know the warning signs to stay aware and cautious. Don’t hesitate to contact a vet in case of any doubts. A young puppy’s health can deteriorate quickly. Thus, prompt action can sometimes become lifesaving.
Wrap Up
Wondering, “How do I know if my puppy is sick?” is an essential component of a pet parent’s responsibility. Learning what the signs of an unhealthy puppy are allows you to protect a puppy's health.
Remember: Puppies will get sick sometimes, as their immune system isn’t fully developed yet. But with home monitoring, regular vet visits, and vaccination, you can note the issues early. Ensure your puppy grows into a healthy, happy dog!