When you own a pet, it is a lot like being a parent. You have a creature that you love more than words describe in your care, but they cannot always tell you if they are sick or hurting. Dogs are often notorious for hiding symptoms of illness or injury until the problem is very severe, but here are some warning signs that may mean something is wrong.

Constant coughing

The occasional cough is normal, but if your dog is coughing all the time it needs to be investigated. It could be as simple as something caught in his throat but may also be a sign of more serious disease. Even if your dog seems fine otherwise, it’s best to get your coughing dog seen by a vet right away.

Loss of appetite

Most dogs live to eat, but if your big eater is suddenly poking at his food, it’s time to go to the vet. Loss of appetite can be a sign that something is seriously wrong. Even if your dog is a picky eater and suddenly has a change of appetite beyond normal, these things should be investigated for your pets long term wellbeing.

Drinking lots of water

If your dog is constantly at the water bowl no matter how many times you fill it up, it’s time for an evaluation at the vet. Drinking excess amounts of water can be a sign of some serious diseases, such as diabetes. Your vet can take a blood sample to check for common diseases that could be causing this problem.

If you catch these diseases early, the outcome for the pet is often much better than if you wait until more symptoms appear.

Sudden changes in behavior

Is your normally well-behaved dog suddenly growling at everyone? Is your hyper-active retriever suddenly calm and just a little too easy to walk? Sudden changes in behavior can mean more than simply a dog getting older.

Irritability can be a sign that your pet is in pain somewhere, even if he’s not showing it in any other way. A calm dog who is normally energetic could actually be sick. The only way to know for sure is to get your pet evaluated by a professional, and then go from there.

Heavy panting

Unless you have just played a rousing game of fetch or it’s very hot out, heavy panting can be a sign of other problems. If there is no obvious reason for it, chances are that heavy panting is a sign of distress in your pet.

It’s best to be cautious and get your pet checked by a vet, especially if it is accompanied by other signs your pet is sick or hurt, such as limping, drooling, or acting dizzy.

Our pets can’t tell us what’s wrong with their words, but they can indicate problems through their behavior. If you notice one of these signs in your pet, it’s time to see a vet to make sure everything is okay.