Reference Guide • Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM
Pet symptoms, by breed
90 reference pages covering what's normal, what's urgent, and when to use telehealth vs in-person care — for the most-searched dog breeds. Talk to a RexVet vet for $64.99.
Browse by symptom
9 common symptoms. Each links to breed-specific guidance.
Vomiting
Vomiting is the active forceful expulsion of stomach contents. It's one of the most common reasons pet parents call a vet. Most isolated episodes resolve on their own, but vomiting can also signal something serious that needs immediate attention.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is loose, watery, or unformed stool. Most diarrhea episodes resolve in 24-48 hours with simple home care, but persistent or severe diarrhea (especially with blood) needs veterinary attention.
Itching
Itching (medical name: pruritus) is one of the most common reasons dogs and cats see a vet. It's almost always a sign of an underlying issue — allergies, parasites, infection, or skin disease — rather than something that resolves on its own.
Limping
Limping (medical name: lameness) is favoring one or more legs due to pain or weakness. It can be sudden from injury or develop gradually from chronic conditions like arthritis. Most mild limping resolves with rest, but persistent limping needs evaluation.
Ear infections
Ear infections (medical name: otitis externa or media) are very common, especially in dogs with floppy or hairy ears. They're often painful, smelly, and recurring — but most respond well to prompt treatment with the right medication.
Coughing
Coughing is the forceful expulsion of air to clear something from the airway. In dogs and cats, a cough can mean kennel cough, asthma, heart disease, lung disease, foreign material in the airway, or simply mild throat irritation — the cause matters more than the cough itself.
Lethargy
Lethargy means low energy, sleeping more than usual, and decreased interest in normal activities. It's one of the vaguest symptoms in veterinary medicine — and one of the most important, because it often signals that something is wrong even before other symptoms appear.
Loss of appetite
Loss of appetite (medical name: anorexia or hyporexia) means your pet is eating significantly less than usual — or not at all. A single skipped meal is usually nothing; multiple skipped meals signal something needs attention, especially in cats where prolonged anorexia can cause hepatic lipidosis.
Eye discharge
Eye discharge is any abnormal liquid or crust around your pet's eyes — from clear watery tearing to thick yellow-green pus. The color, amount, and whether one or both eyes are affected all matter for diagnosis.
Browse by breed
10 popular breeds. Each links to symptom-specific guidance.
Golden Retrievers
Labradors
French Bulldogs
German Shepherds
Yorkies
Poodles
Bulldogs
Beagles
Dachshunds
Not sure if you need to be seen in person?
A $64.99 RexVet video visit is one of the most underrated tools in pet care — a licensed vet can triage your pet's symptoms in minutes and tell you whether you need the ER, can wait, or can manage at home.
Book a vet visit — $64.99Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM — Chief Executive Officer & Lead Veterinarian, RexVet
This guide is an educational reference. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your individual pet.