Signs of a Dog in Distress

A dog may show signs of distress in many different ways. You want to be familiar with the most common signs of distress because they indicate your dog could have a problem that may need immediate attention. This is a general list found on chazhound.com that shows signs of distress and the possible problems they may indicate. These same signs could indicate problems other than those listed so be sure to consult your veterinarian.

* Dog choking, gagging, drooling or pawing at the mouth.
* Possible foreign item stuck in throat or mouth.

* Hot ears. Hot to the touch.
* Possible fever, but dog could have fever and not have hot ears.

* Straining but not having a bowel movement.
* Possible constipation or an obstruction of the bowels or diarrhea.

* Dog cries, crouches or tenses, trembles, heavy breathing.
* Possible poison, bloat, pain from swallowing sharp object. Intense pain usually abdominal.

* Convulsions, thrashing about on the floor, glassy-eyed, foaming, rigid.
* Possible epilepsy or poison, hypoglycemia.

* Nervous panting and pacing.
* Possible pain or discomfort of some sort. Watch carefully.

* Squatting numerous times but not urinating or just dribbling.
* Possible bladder or kidney infection.

* Scooting across floor on rear.
* Possible blocked anal glands or caked stool in hair around rectum.

* Skin inside of ears is bright pink instead of pale. Bad odor from ears or constant scratching of ears.
* Possible ear infection or ear mites.

* Pale mucus membranes, heavy breathing and extremities cold.
* Possible shock.