Dog Acting Restless: 21 Warning Signs You Should Know

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When it comes to your dog’s health, some symptoms should never be brushed off.

A symptom is any sign that may point to an underlying disease—and it could be your first clue that something serious is going on. Below are 21 symptoms that every dog owner should take seriously, especially if you've ever said, "My dog is acting weird and restless."

21 Dog Symptoms That Can’t Be Ignored

1. Stiffness, Limping, or Trouble Getting Up

If your dog seems stiff, limps, or struggles to rise, it could be more than just a minor injury. These signs may point to chronic issues like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, or arthritis (also known as osteoarthritis).

For dogs at risk of joint disease, vets often recommend veterinarian-grade joint supplements like Glyde Mobility Chews. These all-natural supplements are safe for long-term use and can help manage symptoms early and throughout the progression of arthritis.

2. Pacing, Restlessness, and Unproductive Retching

Is your dog acting restless or pacing without reason? This behavior can signal pain or distress—and may be a warning sign of bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists.

If your dog tries to vomit but nothing comes up, that’s another red flag. Bloat is most common in large or deep-chested breeds and requires immediate emergency care. Call your vet or head to the nearest veterinary ER—this is not something you can treat at home.

3. Collapse or Fainting

Sudden collapse or fainting (called syncope) is a serious emergency. Some dogs may lose consciousness briefly, while others remain down until helped. Even if your dog seems fine moments later, don’t ignore it—collapse is often linked to serious health issues. Contact your veterinarian right away.

4. Loss of Appetite

If your dog refuses food or seems uninterested in eating, it could be a sign of illness. Known as anorexia in veterinary terms, this symptom can stem from many causes—including pain from arthritis.

A loss of appetite lasting more than 24 hours can be dangerous, especially for puppies under 6 months old. Don’t wait—consult your vet to find out what’s going on.

5. Unexplained Weight Loss

Weight loss becomes a concern when your dog loses more than 10% of their normal body weight without a clear reason. This usually means your dog is burning more calories than they’re consuming, which can be caused by a range of health problems.

If you notice your dog slimming down unexpectedly, it’s time for a vet visit to rule out serious conditions.

6. Breathing Problems

Labored breathing—known as dyspnea—can happen when your dog struggles to inhale, exhale, or both. This may mean they’re not getting enough oxygen, especially if they have fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema) or chest cavity (pleural effusion).

Breathing trouble can also be linked to heart failure, which prevents proper blood flow to vital tissues. If your dog is coughing or seems short of breath, seek veterinary care immediately—this is a medical emergency.

7. Red or Irritated Eyes

A “red eye” is a general sign of inflammation or infection and can affect various parts of the eye—including the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, or even the eye socket. It may also be caused by glaucoma, which increases pressure inside the eye.

Whether it’s one eye or both, redness can signal serious conditions that may lead to vision loss. Don’t wait—have your dog’s eyes checked by a vet.

8. Jaundice (Yellowing of Skin or Eyes)

Jaundice, also called icterus, causes a yellow tint in your dog’s skin, gums, or eyes. It’s triggered by high levels of bilirubin, a substance released when red blood cells break down.

This symptom is always abnormal and can be linked to liver disease, blood disorders, or other serious conditions. If you notice yellowing, contact your vet right away.

9. Trouble Urinating

Signs of urinary trouble include straining, frequent attempts to urinate, or pain during urination. Your dog may cry out, lick excessively at their genital area, or turn to look at it.

Some causes—like urinary blockages—can be fatal within 36 hours if untreated. Don’t delay a vet visit if you notice these symptoms.

10. Excessive Drinking and Urination

If your dog is suddenly drinking and urinating more than usual, it could be an early sign of kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid issues, or even a uterine infection (pyometra).

Dogs typically drink about 20–40 milliliters per pound of body weight per day. If your pet is going well beyond that, schedule a veterinary exam.

11. Fever

A fever is your dog’s natural response to infection, caused by a reset in the brain’s temperature control center. Normal temperature for dogs ranges from 100.5°F to 102.5°F.

If your dog feels hot or you’ve measured a high temperature, call your vet. Fever can be a sign of bacterial or viral infection that needs treatment.

12. Seizures

A seizure is a sudden burst of abnormal brain activity. It can range from mild twitching or a blank stare to full-body convulsions, including paddling limbs, vocalizing, and loss of bladder control.

Seizures are symptoms of underlying neurological issues like epilepsy, toxins, or brain tumors. If your dog has a seizure, contact your vet for evaluation—even if it’s brief.

13. Unexplained Bruising or Bleeding

If your dog bruises easily or bleeds without injury, it may be due to a clotting disorder (coagulopathy). This can affect the skin, gums, internal organs, and more.

Depending on the severity, bleeding can be mild or life-threatening. Any unusual bruising or bleeding should be checked by a vet immediately.

14. Persistent Cough

Coughing helps clear the airways, but when it becomes frequent or intense, it could signal bronchitis, pneumonia, heartworm, lung tumors, or heart failure.

Even mild coughing can be a sign of something serious. If your dog has a persistent cough, get them evaluated by a veterinarian.

15. Bloated or Swollen Abdomen

A distended abdomen isn’t just about weight gain—it can be caused by fluid buildup, organ enlargement, or gas accumulation (bloat).

This pressure can make breathing difficult and reduce appetite. Abdominal swelling may point to life-threatening conditions, so don’t ignore it—get your dog checked promptly.

16. Bloody Diarrhea

Blood in your dog’s stool can appear in two forms:

• Melena: Black, tarry feces indicating digested blood from higher up in the digestive tract
• Hematochezia: Bright red blood from the colon or rectum

Both are serious and should be evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Bloody diarrhea can signal anything from infections to gastrointestinal bleeding.

17. Bloody Urine

Known as hematuria, blood in the urine may be visible or only detectable under a microscope. Common causes include urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or even cancer.

If you notice red or pink discoloration in your dog’s urine, schedule a vet visit promptly.

18. Bite Wounds

Even small puncture wounds from a bite can cause serious internal damage. The teeth can penetrate deep into tissues, leading to infection or trauma that isn’t visible on the surface.

Whether the bite came from another dog or animal, all bite wounds should be examined by a vet, especially if they’re near vital areas like the neck or abdomen.

19. Vomiting Blood

Blood in vomit may appear as:

• Bright red (fresh bleeding)
• Brown, coffee-ground texture (partially digested blood)

This symptom can be caused by anything from minor irritation to life-threatening conditions like ulcers or poisoning. Don’t wait—get your dog checked immediately.

20. Lethargy or Weakness

If your dog seems unusually tired, slow to respond, or uninterested in normal activities, they may be experiencing lethargy. This is a general symptom that can be linked to many health issues—from arthritis to serious systemic illness.

Lethargy lasting more than 24 hours should be taken seriously and evaluated by a vet.

21. Pale Gums

Healthy gums are typically pink. If your dog’s gums appear pale, white, or gray, it could be a sign of blood loss, anemia, or shock—all of which are potentially life-threatening.

Check your dog’s gums regularly, and if they look pale, seek emergency veterinary care.

We hope this guide helps you recognize the most important symptoms that could signal serious health issues in your dog. When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian.

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