Despite being awfully expressive, dogs are paradoxically hard to decipher sometimes. They’re not unlike kids and will mumble and whine nonstop about who-knows-what.

This sounds funny and cute at first, but not when they’re trying to tell you something serious. They could be sick, injured, or both. It pays to know how to understand your dog, so here’s a list of things to look out for.

1. Unusual vocalizations.

It’s fitting that we mentioned whining and mumbling just before because this too is something to look out for. A dog that usually likes to be vocal and audible isn’t a problem. What you should be concerned with is whether it’s out of character for your dog. If they’re vocal when they’re typically quiet, or make sounds they’ve never made before, that’s usually a sign that something’s up. Check to see if they’re in pain or discomfort, and make any necessary visits to the vet.

2. They don’t move the way they normally do.

Dogs can be plenty energetic when they want to. A dog that suddenly can’t do physical tasks, like climb stairs, run, hop into a car or get up quickly might be in discomfort or physical pain.

3. Something’s fishy with their behavior.

This may sound similar to the previous 2 things, but this has more to do with the emotional than the physical. Happy dogs that are suddenly grumpy for no reason, or outgoing dogs that are suddenly very reclusive and shy aren’t good signs. Have a look to see if they’re okay.

4. They’re shaking and shivering a lot.

A case of the shivers is no small deal for a pooch. A dog that’s trembling, shivering or shaking a lot is probably not doing too hot. That’s your cue to check up on them or take them to the vet.

5. Their eyes aren’t quite right.

Are your dog’s eyes unusually squinty, diluted, irritated, or something of the sort? Then it doesn’t take a veterinarian to tell that something’s off. Messed-up eyes never mean good news, so inspect your dog’s condition and consult a vet if necessary.

6. Appetite changes and abnormalities.

If a kid refusing to touch their favorite food would make a parent concerned, then why wouldn’t you be if it happened to your pooch? It could mean a digestion problem, an infection, a mental health issue, or something else. Whatever it may be, get to the bottom of it and make any necessary trips to the vet.

7. Their sleep schedule is all over the place.

This would be a cause for concern in humans too, so definitely don’t dismiss it when it happens to your dog. A dog being unable to rest during its normal sleep cycle might mean sickness or an injury. As per normal, it’s best to consult the vet for this.

8. Out-of-place drooling or licking.

Drooling can mean any number of problems for a dog, and unusual licking tends to mean a wounded or painful body part. Help your pooch out and see what the problem is, and get vet advice and help if need be.

9. Strange or abnormal breathing.

Similar to people, any case of heavy, unusual or quick breathing isn’t good. The cause is almost always a respiratory one (like fluid in the lungs), and one that shouldn’t be dismissed or ignored. Find out what it is, and do whatever your vet tells you.

10. Posture changes.

I’d be pretty concerned if someone I knew suddenly walked everywhere with a hunch or a slouch. If your dog’s habitual posture is clearly different, then they’re definitely in discomfort, pain, or ill-health. That’s when it’s time to get a vet’s opinion and any necessary treatment.

Knowledge is power, especially when it concerns health and safety. Always watch your dog and don’t feed them anything they shouldn’t eat. That, and watch very closely if they’re trying to tell you something.

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Source: German Shepherd Shop, Vets now