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
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This guide is an educational reference. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your individual pet.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my dog's symptom is normal or urgent?
Each symptom guide on this hub explains the red flags that mean go to an emergency vet vs. signs that can be monitored at home or addressed via telehealth. Quick rule: any symptom plus collapse, blue/pale gums, persistent vomiting, or sudden severe pain is an emergency. RexVet's $64.99 video visit can triage borderline cases.
Are different breeds prone to different symptoms?
Yes — breed conformation, genetics, and lifestyle drive symptom patterns. Bulldogs and Pugs have more breathing symptoms (BOAS), Dachshunds have more back pain (IVDD), Labradors get more joint issues (hip dysplasia), Golden Retrievers see more cancer-related symptoms. Each guide on this hub explains breed-specific predispositions for the common symptoms.
Can a RexVet online vet diagnose a symptom by video?
For many common symptoms — vomiting, diarrhea, itching, coughing, ear infections, lethargy, loss of appetite, limping, eye discharge, scooting — yes. The vet examines your pet by video, asks about history, and either treats the issue, prescribes medication, or refers to in-person care.
Which states does RexVet serve?
RexVet is licensed in Florida, New York, and Virginia. Visits are $64.99 flat with no membership, 24/7 availability.
When were these symptom guides last reviewed?
Last reviewed 2026-06-03 by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM. Content cites peer-reviewed veterinary sources including Cornell, ACVIM, AAHA, and Merck Veterinary Manual.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-03 by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM.
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