Easy Tricks to Know When Your Dog Isn’t Well: A Real-Life Experience

When I brought my Labrador Retriever, Bruno, home, I thought I was prepared for anything — accidents on the floor, torn shoes, even howling at night. But I wasn’t quite prepared for the anxiety that came when he first got sick. Dogs, like children, can’t tell us how they’re feeling in words, so it’s up to us to pay attention to their silent cues.

I want to share my real-life experience so you can learn some easy tricks to tell when your dog might not be feeling well.

Bruno was a happy, playful pup who loved his food and would jump up for a bite to eat at any time of day. One morning, though, I noticed that he wasn’t his usual good self. When I opened his family’s bag, he wouldn’t even lift his head. That was my first sign that something was wrong. A change in appetite is one of the biggest signs that your dog is unwell.

I tried to tempt him with his favorite boiled chicken, but he turned his back on it. This worried me, as Bruno was a greedy little pup who never refused to eat. I decided to observe him for a while before panicking.

The second clue I noticed was his energy level. Bruno, who usually circled around me, was now lying quietly in the corner, barely wagging his tail. A dramatic drop in energy is a very important red flag for any dog ​​owner.

The third sign came right after that. When I checked on him, I noticed that his eyes seemed dull, without that bright sparkle they usually had. Puppies’ eyes are sharp, and when they look tired or half-closed, it’s time to pay attention.

I gently checked his nose—usually cool and wet, now it was dry and slightly warm. I also noted his breathing. It was a little faster than usual. Another simple trick I used was to check his gums. A healthy puppy’s gums should be pink. When I lifted Bruno’s lip, I saw that his gums were a pale white—another sign that he might be dehydrated or weak.

At this point, I decided it was best to call my vet. Puppies can fall quickly if something is seriously wrong, and it’s best to be safe.

While waiting for the appointment, I checked Bruno’s body language. His tail was tucked down instead of wagging, and he avoided eye contact, which was very unusual for him. He also kept licking his lips, which I later learned is a subtle sign of nausea in dogs.

When the vet saw him, he praised me for spotting these early warning signs. Bruno had a mild stomach infection, probably something he ate in the garden, but because I acted quickly, he recovered quickly.

That day, I learned a lot about easy ways to identify illness in dogs, and I’d like to share these tips so you can help your dog:

✅ Check appetite – Refusing to eat is a big warning sign.

✅ Monitor energy levels – A puppy who suddenly becomes lethargic or withdrawn could be sick.

✅ Look at the eyes and nose - Sunken eyes or a dry nose could mean a fever or dehydration.

✅ Feel their gums - Pale gums are a serious sign.

✅ Check their breathing - Fast or labored breathing needs a vet's attention.

✅ Look at their posture - A hunched back, limp, or stiff neck means pain.

✅ Watch their bathroom habits - Diarrhea, vomiting, or trouble urinating are always cause for concern.

Beyond that, trust your instincts. You know your dog's personality better than anyone. If something feels "off," don't ignore that gut feeling.

One of the best things I learned was to keep a dog health journal. I started writing down when Bruno ate, drank, peed, pooped, and how he played each day. It only took a couple of minutes, but it helped me notice patterns. When things change, I can see it quickly.

Another lesson was learning about dog vaccines and deworming. Sometimes a dog gets sick because of worms or because he misses an important vaccination. Your vet can guide you on a proper schedule.

With Bruno’s illness, my bond with him grew even stronger. I realized that the goal of taking care of his health wasn’t just to feed him good food, but to really pay attention to the little changes he was making. Bruno was bouncing back within a few days, chasing tennis balls and chewing on my shoelaces as if nothing had happened, and that felt like the best reward of all.

Since then, whenever Bruno does something a little different, I remind myself of these simple checks. It doesn’t happen often, but once, months later, he got an ear infection, and I caught it early because he kept shaking his head and scratching. Early detection made it quicker and easier to treat.

So if you’re bringing home a puppy, remember these simple tricks:

✔ Watch how much they eat.

✔ Watch how much they move.

✔ Look at their eyes, nose, and gums.

✔ Trust your instincts.

Above all, don’t be afraid to call the vet. Dogs are delicate, and prompt treatment can make all the difference.

Today, Bruno is a healthy adult dog, but I still keep an eye on him the same way, because those habits never go out of style. Your dog relies on you to be their voice, to feel their pain, and to help them feel safe.

There is no greater feeling than seeing your dog happy, tail wagging after recovering from an illness. It makes all the worry and effort worth it.

So trust your eyes, trust your heart, and look for these simple signs. With a little attention and a lot of love, you can help your dog stay healthy and strong, just like I did with Bruno.