Dog Symptoms A-to-Quick-Reference: Likely Causes and the Right Next Step

Find the symptom, read the urgency, act. Urgency levels: 🚨 EMERGENCY (now) · ⏰ 24 HOURS (vet today/tomorrow) · 👀 WATCH (2–3 days, vet if not improving). Combine with our temperature guide and the full sick-dog triage page.

Symptom	Urgency	Likely causes	What to do
Repeated retching, nothing coming up	🚨 EMERGENCY	Bloat/GDV (twisted stomach) in deep-chested breeds	🚨 Hours matter. ER now, especially large deep-chested dogs.
Hard, swollen, tight belly	🚨 EMERGENCY	Bloat/GDV, internal bleeding, ascites	🚨 ER immediately.
Seizure / convulsions	🚨 EMERGENCY	Epilepsy, toxins, heatstroke, low blood sugar, brain disease	🚨 Clear area, time the seizure, ER after any first seizure or if over 5 min.
Pale / white / blue gums	🚨 EMERGENCY	Blood loss, shock, anemia, heart/lung failure	🚨 ER now.
Labored breathing at rest	🚨 EMERGENCY	Heart failure, heatstroke, airway obstruction (flat-faced breeds), pneumonia	🚨 ER now; keep calm and cool.
Straining to urinate, little or nothing	🚨 EMERGENCY	Urethral blockage (stones) — most critical in males, bladder rupture risk	🚨 Same-day ER.
Suspected toxin eaten (chocolate, grapes, xylitol, meds)	🚨 EMERGENCY	See our food A–Z verdicts	🚨 Call vet / ASPCA APCC (888) 426-4435 immediately; bring packaging.
Vomiting several times a day	⏰ 24 HOURS	Dietary indiscretion, viral gastroenteritis, blockage, pancreatitis	⏰ Vet today; no food 8–12 h, water in sips; watch for red flags.
Diarrhea with normal energy	👀 WATCH	Diet change, stress, mild infection, parasites	👀 Bland diet 1–2 days, hydrate; vet if >48 h, blood appears, or energy drops.
Not eating (bright dog)	⏰ 24 HOURS	Upset stomach, dental pain, stress, early disease	⏰ Vet if >24 h (12 h for puppies); offer bland food; check gums/teeth.
Lethargy, hiding	⏰ 24 HOURS	Fever, pain, anemia, early many things	⏰ Take temperature (see vitals page); vet same day if ≥39.3°C or persists.
Excessive thirst + frequent urination	⏰ 24 HOURS	Diabetes, kidney disease, Cushing's, urinary infection	⏰ Vet visit with a urine sample; measure daily water intake to report.
Limping without visible wound	👀 WATCH	Soft-tissue sprain, cruciate tear, patella luxation, IVDD (long-backed breeds)	👀 Rest 48 h, no stairs/jumping; vet if not improving, non-weight-bearing, or crying.
Constant scratching / licking / red skin	👀 WATCH	Fleas, allergies (food/environment), infection, mange	👀 Check flea prevention current; vet if skin broken, spreading, or smelly.
Head shaking, smelly ears, dark discharge	👀 WATCH	Otitis (yeast/bacteria), ear mites, foreign body	👀 Vet visit for swab + correct drops; don't self-clean deep.
Bad breath + dropping food	⏰ 24 HOURS	Periodontal disease, broken tooth, oral growth	⏰ Dental exam; see our adult-care page for prevention.