If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Kennel Club figures show that the number of people looking for puppies surged by around eight per cent since the start of the global pandemic.
There are 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed.
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No matter what type of dog you choose to welcome into your home though, you'll be hoping to have a happy, contented and healthy pet.
And, while pooches can’t say ‘I don’t feel well’ out loud, they have numerous types of behaviour to let you know.
Here are 10 things your dog does that mean they aren’t feeling well.
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![Suffrering from vomiting or diarrhoea is probably the most obvious sign that your dog isn't feeling well. If it's just an isolated incident then there's no need to medical attention - they might have just eaten something that they shouldn't have. If there's prolongued sickness over more than a day a check-up is required to address any underlying health issue.](https://www.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjc2MWYwMTU4LTNhMWQtNGRhNC1iNDRhLTY2NDA3MTc5N2UwYTo1MThkZDE1YS04YmVhLTRlYzItODljNy02NzM0ZjcxZWZlOTI=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
5. Vomiting or diarrhoea
Suffrering from vomiting or diarrhoea is probably the most obvious sign that your dog isn't feeling well. If it's just an isolated incident then there's no need to medical attention - they might have just eaten something that they shouldn't have. If there's prolongued sickness over more than a day a check-up is required to address any underlying health issue. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
![If your dog is drinking much more water than usual - without any change in food or exercise - there's a chance that they are suffering from diabetes or kidney disease. A vet will quickly be able to put your mind to rest or recommend treatment.](https://www.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjAwZGY4OWY3LWIwYTQtNGNlYi04NGYxLTcyZDBhNzlhYmI3Nzo2Y2Q3MTc0NC05MjMwLTQwNmQtOWM3Mi04YzMyMjE4NmY2OTQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
6. A mighty thirst
If your dog is drinking much more water than usual - without any change in food or exercise - there's a chance that they are suffering from diabetes or kidney disease. A vet will quickly be able to put your mind to rest or recommend treatment. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
![Much like their owners, dogs tend to get stiff after exercise when they get older. If they are still having difficulty walking after a day's rest then it could be a sign of arthritis, hip dysplasia, joint problems, a broken bone or an infection such as Lyme disease - all of which need to be checked out.](https://www.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmQzMzg2OWU0LTVmNzMtNGM0MS1hZTMzLWU2YThjNTZjNzdlZDpjNDgwNzA2NS0yOThhLTQ0ZTYtOGRmOC0xNjg5N2YyZDM2MGU=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
7. Stiffness
Much like their owners, dogs tend to get stiff after exercise when they get older. If they are still having difficulty walking after a day's rest then it could be a sign of arthritis, hip dysplasia, joint problems, a broken bone or an infection such as Lyme disease - all of which need to be checked out. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
![A sudden increase or decrease in how much a dog needs to go out to urinate - or if they are straining to go to the bathroom - is a sign of problems. It can indicate everything from kidney issues and diabetes to a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, or cancer. Early diagnosis is key to getting it cured.](https://www.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjliNjQ2MzcwLWY4Y2MtNGJhMC1iY2FkLWM5YWFjYjgwNWYzZToxNDE5NmJkOC04YzNhLTQ0YTMtYWQ0Yy05MDI4MDc0MTdhYTI=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
8. Peeing more or less
A sudden increase or decrease in how much a dog needs to go out to urinate - or if they are straining to go to the bathroom - is a sign of problems. It can indicate everything from kidney issues and diabetes to a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, or cancer. Early diagnosis is key to getting it cured. Photo: Canva/Getty Images