Our free dog symptom checker lets you describe what's wrong with your dog in plain words. It flags any signs that need a vet right away first, then explains possible causes and suggests dog-safe foods, herbs and supplements to discuss with your vet. It's free, needs no sign-up, and does not save your searches.
Opens the checker. No sign-up required.
The more detail you give, the better the answer. Try to include:
Some signs can't wait for a symptom checker. Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic right away if you notice any of these.
Suspected poisoning in the US? Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply).
These are some of the most common reasons owners ask "what's wrong with my dog?" Use the table as a starting point, then run your dog's specific symptoms through the checker.
| Symptom | Often linked to | See a vet |
|---|---|---|
| Vomiting | Eating something unusual, diet change, stomach upset, toxins | Today if repeated, bloody, or with lethargy |
| Diarrhea | Diet change, stress, parasites, infection | If it lasts over a day; today if bloody, a puppy, or weak |
| Itchy skin or scratching | Fleas, allergies, skin infection | This week; sooner if there are open sores |
| Head shaking or ear scratching | Ear infection, allergies, ear mites | This week |
| Limping | Sprain, paw or nail injury, joint problems | Today if your dog won't put weight on the leg |
| Not eating | Stress, nausea, dental pain, illness | If it lasts over 24 hours, or sooner with other signs |
| Low energy | Heat, pain, infection, many illnesses | Today if sudden or with other symptoms |
| Coughing | Kennel cough, airway irritation, heart disease | This week; right away if breathing is labored |
| Drinking and urinating more | Diabetes, kidney disease, hormonal conditions | Within a few days |
Many dog owners want natural options, and there is a lot that food, environment and routine can do to support recovery and long-term health. The checker suggests whole foods, herbs and supplements that are generally considered safe for dogs, plus the foods to avoid for each concern.
It does not give exact doses. The right amount depends on your dog's weight, age, health conditions and any medications, so confirm doses with your vet, ideally one experienced in integrative or holistic care, or follow a dog-specific product label.
Want to read more first? Browse our pet health articles.
Yes. The PetWellness AI dog symptom checker is completely free, with no sign-up and no ads. Your searches are not saved.
No. An AI symptom checker cannot examine your dog or run tests, so it cannot diagnose. It can help you understand possible causes, spot warning signs that need a vet right away, and prepare questions for your veterinarian.
Go to an emergency vet right away if your dog has trouble breathing, collapses, has a seizure, has a swollen belly with unproductive retching, has pale, blue or gray gums, may have eaten something toxic, is bleeding heavily, or is straining to urinate with little or no urine.
Sudden changes in behavior, such as hiding, restlessness, clinginess or not wanting to move, can be a sign of pain, illness, nausea or stress. Note when it started and any other signs, such as changes in eating, drinking, vomiting or breathing. If the change is sudden or severe, contact your vet the same day.
Yes. Along with possible causes, the checker suggests dog-safe whole foods, foods to avoid, and herbs and supplements to discuss with your vet. It does not give exact doses, because the right dose depends on your dog's weight, age, health and medications.
Ready to check what's going on with your dog? Describe the symptoms and get emergency signs, possible causes and natural support ideas in seconds.
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