It doesn’t matter if it’s the first time you have a **dog or if you had one your whole life**, sometimes dogs behave strangely and leave you wondering [what they might be feeling](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/por-que-los-perros-eligen-a-una-persona-como-su-favorita-claves-para-entender-un-vinculo-muy-especial/) and what could be the cause of their behavior.
Even if you suspect that something is wrong, you may not be sure **if they are really sick** and if it’s necessary to visit the vet or not.
Although some illness symptoms, like **vomiting or diarrhea**, can be evident, many **behaviors linked to an illness** may go unnoticed if you don’t know what to look for.
Below, we describe some symptoms and signs that can help you figure out if your dog could be sick, and **when you should consider contacting your vet**.
## Changes in Eating Habits
Most dogs rarely say no to **food or a special treat**, especially if you put it in front of them. If your dog **is not eating with their usual enthusiasm**, you should start paying more attention. There are many things that can make a dog stop eating, such as **nausea, tooth pain, anxiety, viral infections, and stomach pain**.
Dogs with **mouth pain** may seem like they want to eat and approach their bowl, but then they move away. Dogs that stop eating due to illness **rarely look at their food**.
It’s also important to pay attention to **changes in appetite in the opposite direction**. An **increase in appetite** can be a symptom of a **worm infestation or metabolic diseases** like **diabetes or Cushing’s disease**.
## My Dog is Always Lying Down
If you notice that they **sleep more, lag behind during walks, show no interest in playing, or play less than before**, something might be wrong. Sometimes, it might just be too hot outside to play and exercise. [As temperatures rise](https://noticiasambientales.com/ciencia/el-planeta-arde-un-estudio-revelo-que-la-temperatura-media-del-planeta-superara-los-15-c-antes-de-2030/), **dogs tend to be a bit lazier by nature**. But if it’s not hot, this behavior indicates there might be something else.
There are many things that can cause **loss of energy in a dog**. Any type of infection, whether **viral, bacterial, or fungal**, can lead to a loss of energy. **Heart diseases or respiratory problems** of any kind can make a dog feel tired. **Hormonal disorders** such as low thyroid levels can cause increased lethargy.
**Obesity** can make a dog sleep more because moving around becomes exhausting. Obesity can also lead to diseases like **osteoarthritis**, also known as **degenerative joint diseases**, making it even harder for them to run or play.
This can lead to a **frustrating spiral** where, as your dog struggles to exercise, they gain more weight, making it even harder for them to exercise.
If your vet tells you they are **overweight**, it’s important to follow their advice and work with them on a weight loss plan.
**Cancer, liver diseases, kidney diseases, and neurological conditions** like seizures or cognitive dysfunction can also make a dog appear tired.
If your dog is older, keep in mind that their mobility may be reduced due to their advanced age. While it’s true that **dogs move less as they age**, it doesn’t mean they should stop moving altogether.
**Older dogs (from seven years onwards) can still move and exercise**. If your older dog doesn’t seem to play like before, **it’s worth calling the vet for a check-up to rule out any possible ailments**. As your dog ages, your vet may want to perform additional tests to ensure they remain in good health.
**Pain can also appear as a loss of energy**. **Gastrointestinal problems causing belly pain** can make a dog act lethargic, and if a dog has **pain from arthritic joint disease**, the pain can manifest simply by sleeping more.
## Drinks a Lot of Water
If you notice your dog **constantly emptying the water bowl, asking to go out more often, or having accidents in the house**, they might be sick. Drinking a lot due to excessive thirst is called **polydipsia**.
Some of the most common causes of polydipsia are **hormonal abnormalities** like **diabetes mellitus or hyperadrenocorticism**, also known as **Cushing’s disease**, as indicated by Experto Animal. **Kidney diseases and severe uterine infections** can also make a dog drink more.
## Weight Changes
Both **weight gain and weight loss** are possible signs of illness. It’s very important to **regularly weigh your dog throughout their life**. Most vets will be happy to have you stop by the clinic for a **free weight check**. It’s a good way to make your dog comfortable at the clinic and allows for the detection of **subtle changes in their weight before the situation becomes more severe**. **Try to weigh your dog at least once a month**.
**Weight loss** can be hard to detect, especially if your dog has long hair. Dogs lose weight for one of two reasons: either they **are not eating or absorbing enough nutrients**, or they **are burning too many calories**. **Cancer, diabetes, liver and kidney diseases**, as well as other disorders like **intestinal disease**, can lead to weight loss.
## What Does Your Dog’s Dry Nose Mean?
Many people still spread the **myth of a dog’s dry or wet nose**. It’s not true that a dry nose implies the dog is sick or vice versa.
In fact, **your dog’s nose moisture can vary throughout the day**. Although some diseases can affect the nose, **whether it’s wet or dry is usually not relevant**.
## Know What’s Normal for Your Dog
The best way to know if something is wrong is to **understand your dog’s normal behavior**, including their **eating, drinking, urination, defecation patterns**, as well as the **normal appearance of their feces and their normal energy level**.
When you pet them, **touch them all over and look for anything out of the ordinary**, like rashes or lumps. There are many easy ways to assess if your dog is at a normal weight, so **don’t forget to regularly check their weight status at home**.
**You know your dog better than anyone**, and if something makes you think something is wrong or that they are sick, trust your instincts and **consult your vet**.
