Last updated: October 3, 2026
Dog Health Guides
Plain-language guides to common dog health concerns. Understand what a symptom might mean, what you can do at home, and the red flags that mean it is time to call your vet. Pick a topic below, check your dog's numbers with our dog weight guides, or rate your dog food's quality with the paw score calculator.
These guides are general information, not veterinary advice. They cannot diagnose or treat your dog. If your dog is unwell or you are worried, contact your veterinarian. For emergency signs such as labored breathing, collapse, a hard swollen belly with retching, or suspected poisoning, seek emergency care immediately.
Parasites
Worms in Dogs
Types of worms, symptoms, how dogs get them, and safe deworming.
Dog Tapeworm
The flea and tapeworm connection, rice-like segments, and treatment.
Fleas on Dogs
How to spot fleas, the health risks, and how to treat and prevent them.
Flea Dirt on Dogs
The pepper-like specks that confirm fleas, and the wet paper towel test.
Flea Comb for Dogs
How to use a flea comb, what to look for, and where it fits a flea plan.
Ear Mites in Dogs
Dark ear discharge and head shaking, and how ear mites are treated.
Heartworm Symptoms in Dogs
Mosquito-borne and serious. Early signs, stages, and why prevention matters.
Lyme Disease in Dogs
The tick-borne illness behind shifting lameness and fever. Symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
Digestive and diet
Dog Throwing Up Yellow
What yellow bile means, common causes, and when vomiting is serious.
Dog Throwing Up White Foam
What white foamy vomit means, the causes, and the bloat sign that is an emergency.
Dog Eating Grass
Why dogs eat grass, whether it signals a problem, and how to reduce it.
Bland Diet for Dogs
When to feed chicken and rice, how much, and when an upset stomach needs a vet.
Hydration
Respiratory
Eyes
Bones and joints
Skin and lumps
Emergencies
Reproduction
How to Use These Guides
Reading your dog's symptoms without guessing
Watch for change
The most useful signal is a change from your dog's normal. A dog that suddenly eats less, drinks more, scratches constantly, or loses weight is telling you something. Note when it started and what else changed.
Symptoms cluster
Symptoms rarely appear alone. Scratching with hair loss points somewhere different than vomiting with diarrhea. Each guide links to the related topics so you can see the bigger picture.
Know the red flags
Every guide lists the emergency signs for that topic. Breathing trouble, collapse, and a hard, swollen belly with unproductive retching are always emergencies.
Then call your vet
These pages help you decide how urgent something is and what to tell your vet. They do not replace an exam. When in doubt, a phone call to your clinic is the safest next step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Health
Common questions about spotting illness in dogs
How do I know if my dog is sick?
Watch for changes from your dog's normal: eating or drinking more or less, weight loss, vomiting or diarrhea, low energy or hiding, changes in toilet habits, scratching, or any change in breathing. Any sudden or lasting change is a reason to call your vet. These guides help you understand what a symptom might mean and how urgent it is.
What are the most common dog health problems?
Some of the most common issues dog owners search for are intestinal worms and fleas, upset stomachs with vomiting or diarrhea, skin and ear irritation, dental disease, and weight-related problems. Each has its own guide here, and many tie back to diet and body condition.
When should a dog symptom be treated as an emergency?
Seek emergency veterinary care right away for labored or open-mouth breathing, pale, blue, or grey gums, collapse, a suspected bloat (a swollen, hard belly with unproductive retching), repeated vomiting with an inability to keep water down, suspected poisoning, seizures, or a puppy that is weak and not eating. These cannot wait for a routine appointment.
Can I use this site to diagnose my dog?
No. These guides are general information to help you understand symptoms and decide when to seek care. They are not a substitute for a veterinary exam. Only your vet can diagnose and treat your dog.
Check Your Dog's Weight and Body Condition
Many health issues show up first as weight change. Our free tools help you track it.
Free dog printables
Keep these dog care guides handy
A rotating selection of practical dog guides chosen from our free printable library.Dog Feeding Guide
Portion guidance by weight, age, and life stage.
Dog Quality of Life Checklist
Track the HHHHHMM quality-of-life measures.
Dog Body Condition Chart
A printable 1–9 body condition reference.