Symptoms
Symptoms are entry points. Start here if you've noticed something but aren't sure what to call it. Each entry clarifies what the observation can reflect, without diagnosing.
Abdominal distension
Owners may observe abdominal distension in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Abdominal pain
Signs of discomfort in the belly area, which may include restlessness, a tense posture, or reluctance to be touched.
Back pain or sensitivity
Flinching, tensing, or vocalising when the back is touched, or reluctance to bend and twist normally.
Bad breath
A persistent unpleasant odour from the mouth that has developed or worsened over time.
Behavioural changes
Owners may observe behavioural changes in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Blood in urine
Urine that appears pink, red, or brown in colour, or the presence of blood spots or drops at the end of urination.
Bloody diarrhoea
Owners may observe bloody diarrhoea in their pet.
Bumping into objects or furniture
Owners may observe their dog walking into furniture, door frames, or objects that have always been in the same location, or hesitating at transitions between rooms, particularly in dim lighting or unfamiliar environments.
Bunny hopping gait
A movement pattern where both hind legs move together in a hopping motion rather than alternating normally.
Change in bark
Owners may observe change in bark in their pet.
Changed bark or voice
A noticeable alteration in the sound, pitch, or strength of the bark compared to previous vocalisation.
Changes in social interaction
Altered patterns of engagement with people or other animals, including increased withdrawal or unusual attachment.
Chronic diarrhoea
Persistent loose or watery stools lasting weeks or longer, sometimes alternating with periods of normal consistency.
Chronic gingivitis
Owners may observe chronic gingivitis in their pet.
Chronic vomiting
Recurring episodes of vomiting over weeks or months that persist beyond isolated dietary incidents.
Cloudy or hazy eyes
Owners may notice a whitish, bluish, or milky appearance within one or both of their dog's eyes, sometimes developing gradually over weeks to months or appearing to change relatively quickly depending on the underlying cause.
Cold intolerance
Seeking warmth more than usual, reluctance to go outside in cooler weather, or visible shivering indoors.
Corneal cloudiness
Owners may observe corneal cloudiness in their pet.
Coughing
A forceful expulsion of air from the lungs that may sound dry, wet, or honking depending on the cause.
Crusting on nose and ears
Owners may observe crusting on nose and ears in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Crusty lesions on ear tips
Owners may observe crusty lesions on ear tips in their pet.
Crusty or scabby skin
Areas of dried, flaky crusting on the skin surface, sometimes with yellowish or brownish scabs that may lift to reveal moist or reddened skin beneath.
Crusty skin lesions
Owners may observe crusty skin lesions in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Destructive behaviour when alone
Damaging furniture, doors, or household items specifically during periods of separation from the owner.
Difficulty eating
Owners may observe difficulty eating in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Difficulty eating
Owners may observe difficulty eating in their pet.
Difficulty feeling ribs
An inability to easily feel the ribs through the body wall when applying gentle pressure with flat hands.
Difficulty rising
Noticeable effort or struggle when transitioning from lying or sitting to a standing position.
Difficulty swallowing
Owners may observe difficulty swallowing in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Disorientation after seizure
A period of confusion, unsteadiness, or altered behaviour following a seizure episode, lasting minutes to hours.
Disorientation or confusion
Appearing lost in familiar surroundings, staring at walls, or failing to recognise familiar people or routes.
Distended abdomen
Owners may observe distended abdomen in their pet.
Distended abdomen
A visibly swollen or tight-looking belly that may feel firm or drum-like to the touch.
Dragging hind paws
Scuffing or dragging of the rear feet during walking, sometimes wearing down toenails unevenly.
Drooling
Owners may observe drooling in their pet.
Drooling
Excessive saliva production or visible drool that is new, increased, or occurs outside of mealtime contexts.
Ear discharge or odour
Visible discharge from one or both ears, which may be dark, waxy, yellowish, or bloody, often accompanied by an unusual or unpleasant smell.
Enlarged eye
Owners may observe enlarged eye in their pet.
Excessive licking of hindquarters
Owners may observe excessive licking of hindquarters in their pet.
Excessive licking of surfaces
Repetitive licking of floors, walls, or objects beyond normal exploratory behaviour, often in prolonged sessions.
Excessive panting
Panting that occurs at rest, indoors, or at times when temperature and exertion do not explain it.
Excessive paw licking
Persistent licking or chewing of the paws, often causing staining, moisture, or redness between the toes.
Excessive tearing
Owners may observe excessive tearing in their pet.
Excessive vocalisation
Barking, howling, meowing, or crying at a frequency or intensity beyond established patterns for the individual.
Exercise intolerance
Owners may observe exercise intolerance in their pet.
Exercise intolerance
Owners may observe exercise intolerance in their pet.
Exercise intolerance
Tiring more quickly than usual during walks or play, or reluctance to engage in previously tolerated activity.
Eye discharge
Owners may observe eye discharge in their pet.
Eye discharge or watery eyes
Excessive tearing, watery discharge, or accumulation of mucoid or purulent material around the eyes, sometimes with reddened or swollen conjunctiva.
Eye redness
Owners may observe eye redness in their pet.
Eye squinting
Owners may observe eye squinting in their pet.
Facial sensitivity
Owners may observe facial sensitivity in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Facial swelling
Owners may observe facial swelling in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Facial swelling
Owners may observe facial swelling in their pet.
Fainting or collapse
A sudden loss of consciousness or muscle tone, sometimes preceded by wobbling, lasting seconds to minutes.
Fever
Owners may observe fever in their pet.
Fever
Owners may observe fever in their pet.
Firm swelling on a limb
A hard, non-painful or mildly tender lump or swelling developing on the leg, often near a joint, that may gradually increase in size over weeks to months.
Footpad abnormalities
Owners may observe footpad abnormalities in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Forgetting litter box location
Eliminating near but not inside the litter box, or appearing unable to locate it in familiar surroundings.
Frequent ear infections
Recurring ear inflammation with discharge, odour, or head shaking that returns after treatment or persists seasonally.
Frequent unproductive litter tray visits
Owners may observe frequent unproductive litter tray visits in their pet.
Frequent urination
Owners may observe frequent urination in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Gagging when eating or drinking
Choking, retching, or coughing that occurs specifically during or after swallowing food or water.
Goose-honk cough
Owners may observe goose-honk cough in their pet.
Gradual lens opacity
Owners may observe gradual lens opacity in their pet.
Green vaginal discharge
Owners may observe green vaginal discharge in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Hair loss or coat changes
Thinning fur, bald patches, or changes in coat texture and quality that develop over weeks to months.
Hard, dry stools
Faeces that appear unusually hard, dry, crumbly, or pebble-like compared to normal consistency, sometimes smaller in size or passed in fragments.
Harsh dry cough
Owners may observe harsh dry cough in their pet.
Head shaking
Repeated, vigorous shaking of the head, often accompanied by flapping of the ears, that occurs more frequently than normal grooming behaviour.
Head tilt
Owners may observe head tilt in their pet.
Head tilt
Owners may notice their dog holding their head persistently tilted to one side, sometimes subtly and sometimes at a pronounced angle, which can appear suddenly or develop gradually.
Heavy breathing after mild exercise
Laboured or prolonged panting following light activity such as short walks or gentle play.
Hiding behaviour
Owners may observe hiding behaviour in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Hiding or seeking escape
Retreating to enclosed spaces, attempting to flee the home, or seeking shelter during distressing situations.
Hind leg paralysis in cats
Sudden inability to move one or both hind legs, sometimes accompanied by cold paws or vocalisation.
Hind leg weakness
Reduced strength or stability in the back legs, visible as wobbling, knuckling, or difficulty supporting weight.
Hindlimb weakness
Owners may observe hindlimb weakness in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Hip pain
Owners may observe hip pain in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
House soiling
Owners may observe house soiling in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Hunched posture
Standing or lying with an arched back and tucked abdomen, suggesting internal discomfort or guarding behaviour.
Inappropriate urination
Urinating outside the litter box in locations not previously used, distinct from territorial marking behaviour.
Increased appetite
Eating noticeably more than usual or showing persistent hunger despite consuming regular meal portions.
Increased salivation
Owners may observe increased salivation in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Increased thirst
Drinking noticeably more water than usual, which may be gradual or sudden depending on the underlying cause.
Increased thirst and urination
Owners may observe increased thirst and urination in their pet.
Increased urination
Producing larger volumes of urine or needing to urinate more frequently than established patterns.
Infrequent or absent bowel movements
Noticeably fewer bowel movements than usual, or no faeces produced for one or more days, which may be detected through litter tray monitoring or reduced outdoor deposits.
Intermittent vomiting
Episodes of vomiting that occur irregularly over days or weeks rather than as a single acute event.
Itchy skin
Persistent scratching, rubbing, or chewing at the skin that occurs beyond normal grooming behaviour.
Jaundice
Owners may observe jaundice in their pet.
Jaundice
Owners may observe jaundice in their pet.
Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
A yellowish discolouration of the whites of the eyes, the inner ear flaps, the gums, or the skin, most visible in lightly pigmented areas and indicating elevated bilirubin levels.
Jaw chattering
Owners may observe jaw chattering in their pet.
Jaw chattering
Owners may observe jaw chattering in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Joint swelling
Owners may observe joint swelling in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Knuckling
Owners may observe knuckling in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Laboured breathing
Owners may observe laboured breathing in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Laboured breathing
Owners may observe laboured breathing in their pet.
Lethargy or reduced activity
A noticeable decrease in energy, willingness to engage in play, walks, or activities previously enjoyed.
Limb swelling
Owners may observe limb swelling in their pet.
Limping or lameness
Visible favouring of one or more legs during movement, which may be constant or appear only after activity.
Loss of balance
Owners may observe loss of balance in their pet.
Loss of balance or falling to one side
Owners may see their dog stumbling, leaning heavily to one side, or falling over unexpectedly, sometimes struggling to stand or walk in a straight line, which can appear alarming when it occurs suddenly.
Loss of coordination in hind legs
Unsteady or crossing movement of the back legs, affecting balance and the ability to walk in a straight line.
Loss of house training
Urinating or defecating indoors despite previously reliable toilet habits, unrelated to access or physical limitation.
Mammary gland enlargement
Owners may observe mammary gland enlargement in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Missing testicle in scrotum
Owners may observe missing testicle in scrotum in their pet.
Mouth ulcers
Owners may observe mouth ulcers in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Muscle stiffness
Owners may observe muscle stiffness in their pet.
Muscle wasting
Owners may observe muscle wasting in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Nasal discharge
Visible discharge from one or both nostrils that may be clear, cloudy, yellowish, greenish, or occasionally blood-tinged.
Nasal discharge
Owners may observe nasal discharge in their pet.
Nasal discharge
Owners may observe nasal discharge in their pet.
Nesting behaviour
Owners may observe nesting behaviour in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Night waking or restlessness
Waking, pacing, or vocalising during nighttime hours when previously sleeping through the night.
Noisy breathing
Audible breathing sounds at rest or during mild activity, including stridor, stertor, or rasping noises.
Noisy breathing
Owners may observe noisy breathing in their pet.
Noisy breathing
Owners may observe noisy breathing in their pet.
Non-healing wound on nose or ears
Owners may observe non-healing wound on nose or ears in their pet.
Non-healing wounds
Owners may observe non-healing wounds in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Non-productive retching
Repeated attempts to vomit that produce little or no material, sometimes accompanied by gagging or heaving motions.
Nystagmus
Owners may observe nystagmus in their pet.
Nystagmus (rapid eye movement)
Owners may observe their dog's eyes flicking rapidly from side to side or up and down in an involuntary rhythmic pattern, often noticed during episodes of disorientation or balance disturbance.
Open-mouth breathing
Breathing through the mouth at rest in cats, which differs from normal feline breathing patterns and warrants attention.
Pacing or inability to settle
Continuous restless movement, circling, or inability to find a comfortable resting position for extended periods.
Paddling legs during episode
Rhythmic leg movements resembling running that occur while the animal is lying on its side during a seizure.
Painful red eye
Owners may observe painful red eye in their pet.
Pale gums
Owners may observe pale gums in their pet.
Pawing at eye or face
Repeatedly rubbing or pawing at one or both eyes or the side of the face, sometimes against furniture or the ground.
Persistent cough
Owners may observe persistent cough in their pet.
Persistent lameness
Owners may observe persistent lameness in their pet.
Phantom scratching
Owners may observe phantom scratching in their pet.
Poor coat condition
Owners may observe poor coat condition in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Pot-bellied appearance
A distended or pendulous abdomen that develops gradually, changing the body's overall shape and proportions.
Productive cough
Owners may observe productive cough in their pet.
Prolonged labour
Owners may observe prolonged labour in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Pustules or pimples on skin
Small raised bumps on the skin that may be white, yellow, or red, sometimes rupturing to leave crusts or circular lesions.
Rapid breathing
Owners may observe rapid breathing in their pet.
Rapid breathing at rest
A breathing rate that remains elevated while resting or sleeping, beyond what temperature or recent activity explains.
Recurrent infections
Owners may observe recurrent infections in their pet.
Red inflamed skin
Areas of skin that appear reddened, warm, or irritated, particularly in folds, underarms, or between toes.
Red, swollen gums or oral tissues
Visibly inflamed, reddened, or swollen gums, or areas of redness and tissue proliferation deeper in the mouth, sometimes noticed when the animal yawns, eats, or during oral inspection.
Reduced appetite
Eating less than usual or showing decreased interest in food over a period of days or longer.
Reduced grooming in cats
A decline in self-grooming resulting in a matted, oily, or unkempt coat compared to previous standards.
Reduced jumping in cats
A decrease in jumping frequency or height in cats, or choosing lower routes to reach elevated surfaces.
Reduced or absent defecation
Owners may observe reduced or absent defecation in their pet.
Regurgitation
Food or fluid returning from the mouth passively, without the abdominal effort associated with vomiting, sometimes minutes to hours after eating.
Reluctance to eat hard food
Dropping kibble, chewing on one side, or switching preference from dry to soft food without dietary changes.
Reluctance to exercise
Owners may observe reluctance to exercise in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Reluctance to jump
Hesitation or refusal to jump onto furniture, into vehicles, or up surfaces previously accessed without difficulty.
Reluctance to use stairs
Hesitation, slowing, or avoidance when approaching stairs that were previously navigated without difficulty.
Restlessness or pacing
Inability to settle, walking back and forth, frequently changing positions, or appearing uncomfortable in any posture.
Retching after coughing
Owners may observe retching after coughing in their pet.
Scooting
Dragging the hindquarters along the ground, often on carpet or grass, sometimes accompanied by licking or biting at the anal area.
Seizures
Episodes of involuntary muscle activity, altered consciousness, or collapse lasting seconds to minutes.
Shaking or trembling
Involuntary body tremors that occur without cold exposure or obvious fearful stimuli.
Skin irritation around vulva
Owners may observe skin irritation around vulva in their pet.
Skin lumps or bumps
A new or changing lump, bump, or raised area on or under the skin that may vary in size, firmness, or appearance.
Skin thinning or bruising
Skin that appears fragile, tears more easily, or shows bruising without obvious external trauma.
Skipping gait
A distinctive hopping or skipping movement where the dog briefly lifts one hind leg during normal walking or trotting.
Slow heart rate
A heart rate that falls below the typical range for the breed and size, detected during clinical examination.
Sneezing (chronic or frequent)
Repeated bouts of sneezing that persist beyond a few days or recur regularly, sometimes producing nasal discharge or occurring in paroxysms.
Squinting or holding eye closed
Partial or complete closure of one or both eyes, sometimes accompanied by visible discomfort or resistance to opening the affected eye.
Staring into space
Fixed gazing at walls or empty areas for extended periods, unrelated to tracking visible objects or sounds.
Stiffness after rest
Difficulty or slowness when first getting up after lying down, often most visible in the morning or after naps.
Straining to defecate
Prolonged or repeated attempts to pass stool, often with visible effort, vocalisation, or posturing in the litter tray or outdoors without producing a normal bowel movement.
Straining to defecate
Owners may observe straining to defecate in their pet.
Straining to urinate
Visible effort, prolonged posturing, or producing only small amounts of urine during attempts to urinate.
Straining to urinate
Owners may observe straining to urinate in their pet.
Straining without delivery
Owners may observe straining without delivery in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Stridor
Owners may observe stridor in their pet.
Sudden onset lameness
A rapid onset of limping or inability to bear weight on a leg, appearing without gradual progression.
Swelling of limbs
Owners may observe swelling of limbs in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Swollen joint
Visible enlargement or puffiness around a joint, sometimes accompanied by warmth or sensitivity to touch.
Swollen lymph nodes
Owners may observe swollen lymph nodes in their pet.
Swollen lymph nodes
Enlarged lymph nodes felt as firm, painless lumps under the jaw, in front of the shoulders, or behind the knees.
Tail chasing
Repetitive spinning to pursue the tail that occurs frequently, in fixed patterns, and is difficult to interrupt.
Trembling during storms or fireworks
Visible shaking, panting, or physical tension that occurs specifically during thunderstorms, fireworks, or loud events.
Unexplained bleeding
Owners may observe unexplained bleeding in their pet.
Unexplained weight loss
A progressive loss of body mass occurring without changes to diet, appetite, or activity levels.
Unpleasant skin odour
A noticeable smell from the skin or coat that persists despite bathing and is not attributable to normal doggy odour.
Urinary accidents
Owners may observe urinary accidents in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Urinary incontinence
Owners may observe urinary incontinence in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.
Urine leakage during sleep
Owners may observe urine leakage during sleep in their pet.
Urine odour on coat
Owners may observe urine odour on coat in their pet.
Vocalisation during urination
Crying, meowing, or making sounds of discomfort while posturing to urinate or during urination.
Weight gain
A gradual increase in body mass without a corresponding increase in food intake or decrease in activity.
Weight loss despite good appetite
Losing body mass while continuing to eat normal or increased amounts of food.
Wet bedding
Owners may observe wet bedding in their pet.
Wheezing
An audible whistling or rasping sound during breathing, indicating narrowing or obstruction of the airways.
Wobbliness
Owners may observe wobbliness in their pet, which can present in various ways depending on the underlying cause.