2: They're just lying around

If you notice that your dog is sleeping more, dragging behind on walks, uninterested in play, or not playing as much as they used to, then something might be wrong. Sometimes, it's just too hot outside to play and exercise. When the temperatures rise, dogs are naturally a little more lazy. On the other hand, if it's not hot, then this behaviour indicates that something more may be at play.

There are many things that can cause a loss of energy in a dog. Any kind of infection, whether it be viral, bacteria or fungal, can cause loss of energy. Heart disease or breathing problems of any kind can make a dog feel tired. Hormonal disorders, such as low thyroid function, can cause increased lethargy. Obesity can cause a dog to sleep more because it is exhausting to get around. Obesity can also lead to things like osteoarthritis (OA), also called degenerative joint disease, making it more painful for your dog to run and play. This can create a frustrating cycle where your dog may struggle to exercise, gain more weight and exercise even less. If your veterinarian suggests that your dog is obese, it is important to take their advice and work with them on a weight loss plan. Cancer, liver disease, kidney disease and neurological conditions such as seizures or canine cognitive dysfunction can also make a dog seem tired.

If your dog is getting up there in years, you might also think that they’re moving less due to old age. While it is true that dogs slow down as they get older, it doesn't mean they should stop moving altogether. Senior dogs (aged seven years and older) are still very capable of getting around and exercising. If your older dog doesn't seem to play like they used to, it's probably worth a call to the veterinarian to have them checked and rule out any possible ailments. As your dog ages, your veterinarian will likely want to perform additional tests to ensure your dog stays in tip-top shape.

Pain can also masquerade as loss of energy. Gastrointestinal problems that cause a painful belly can make a dog act lethargic, and if a dog is in pain from arthritic joint disease, the pain may just manifest as sleeping more.

The bottom line is that increased sleeping or apparent laziness can definitely signal a problem. If it lasts for more than a day, call your vet. It's always better to be proactive and call your vet than wonder if your dog is sick for days.

3: They're drinking a lot of water

If you notice that your dog is constantly draining the water bowl, asking to be let out more often, or having accidents in the house, then your dog might be sick. Drinking a lot from excessive thirst is called polydipsia. Some of the common causes of polydipsia include hormonal conditions such as diabetes mellitus or hyperadrenocorticism, also known as Cushing's disease, says the PDSA. Kidney disease and severe uterine infections can also cause a dog to drink more. If you notice that your dog is drinking more than normal, it's not hot outside and the behaviour lasts more than a day or two, call your vet and make an appointment.

4: Weight changes

Both weight gain and loss can be signs of various illnesses. It’s really important to regularly weigh your dog throughout their life. Most vet clinics will happily let you pop in to weigh your dog for free. It’s a good way to get them to feel comfortable at the clinic and lets you spot subtle changes in their weight before anything gets too severe. Try to weigh them 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 aren't eating or absorbing enough nutrients, or they’re burning too many calories. Cancer, diabetes, liver disease and kidney disease, as well as other diseases such as intestinal disease, all cause weight loss. If you see weight loss or start to notice that your dog's ribs or hips are sticking out more than usual, then your dog could be sick and should be examined by your veterinarian.

What about your dog’s dry nose?

Lots of people still expound the myth of the dog’s wet or dry nose! There is no truth that a dry nose means an ill dog or vice versa. In fact, the moisture of your dog’s nose may vary throughout the day. Although some diseases can affect the nose, whether it is wet or dry is not usually relevant. You can read more about noses here!

Know what’s normal for your dog

The best way to tell if something is wrong is to know how your dog behaves normally, including their eating, drinking, urinating and defecating patterns, as well as what their normal stool looks like and what their normal energy level is. When petting your dog, feel all over and look for anything out of the ordinary, like rashes, lumps and bumps. There are ways to easily test if your dog is at a normal weight, so be sure to test your dog’s weight status at home regularly.

You know your dog better than anyone, and if something makes you wonder if there is something wrong with them or they might be sick, trust your gut and enlist the help of your veterinarian.