How do I tell what sickness my dog has

I’ll always remember the panic in my friend’s voice when her rescue Greyhound, Leo, stopped eating his dinner in Philadelphia last month. “He just lies there staring at the wall,” she said, which is so unlike his usual zoomies around the living room. Dogs can’t tell us they feel bad, but their bodies send signals—changes in behavior, appetite, or energy that speak louder than words. Their senses work overtime when sick: a stuffy nose might make their favorite kibble smell unappealing, while joint pain could turn a favorite couch climb into a slow, careful shuffle. Start by keeping a “sickness journal”: note when symptoms started, what he’s eating (or not), and any unusual habits. This helps vets diagnose faster. And don’t forget—like in Pennsylvania, 48 states require rabies vaccines by law, which protect against diseases that often start with “just not feeling right.” Leo? Turns out he had a mild stomach bug; after two days of bland rice and rest, he was back to stealing couch cushions.

Not all doggy discomfort is created equal. A little sneezing after a walk in the rain is normal, but persistent coughing with mucus? That’s a red flag. Last winter in Seattle, my neighbor almost brushed off her Corgi’s low energy as “winter blues” until the vet found a respiratory infection. Here’s how to tell the difference: normal recovery takes 24-48 hours with rest, while serious issues stick around. Never guess—note details like temperature (normal is 99.5-102.5°F) and whether symptoms worsen at night. And whatever you do, skip the human meds. Aspirin can cause stomach ulcers in dogs, and even a small dose of cold medicine can be toxic. Remember: if Leo snaps at you when you check his ears? He’s not being “bad”—sickness makes them irritable. Punishing him would only add stress, which slows healing. Animal behaviorists agree: calm reassurance works better than frustration, even on tough days.

Apartment living means balancing your sick dog’s needs with neighborly respect. That tiny Maltese in my Brooklyn building whimpered at night when recovering from an infection, so his owner left a polite note under doors explaining the temporary noise—no complaints came after that. Accidents happen, even with house-trained dogs, so stock up on enzyme cleaners (they break down odors better than regular soap, which matters for apartment leases in cities like Boston). When taking your sick pup out for bathroom breaks, keep walks short and stick to quiet times. Always grab the poop bags—failing to clean up in Chicago or LA can mean fines, even when your dog is under the weather. And if other dog owners approach? A friendly “he’s not feeling well today” keeps playdates at bay—no need to share germs, and it’s good community manners. By day five, Leo was back to greeting the mailman like old friends, proof that watching closely and acting kindly makes all the difference.