What's wrong with my Poodle?

No. This tool helps you quickly judge whether something is urgent, but it does not diagnose anything. If you're unsure, always call your (emergency) vet — they know your dog's specific situation and can assess it far better than any website.

Yes, this tool is completely free and you don't need to sign up for anything.

This list covers the most common Poodle symptoms, not everything. If your dog's symptom isn't listed, or you're unsure, just contact your vet.

Most symptoms apply to puppies as well, but a puppy is more vulnerable, for example to a fast drop in blood sugar. Call sooner for a puppy than you would for an adult Poodle.

The information is based on generally known, common causes in Poodles of every size. It is not a diagnostic tool: only a vet who examines your dog can give an actual diagnosis.

Yes. A phone call costs you nothing, and a vet can often tell over the phone whether you need to come in or whether it's safe to keep watching.

Possible causes: Kennel cough, especially after contact with other dogs (boarding, daycare, grooming). A weakened windpipe ("tracheal collapse"): a dry, "honking" cough that shows up more often in smaller Poodle sizes. Excitement or pulling against a collar (use a harness instead, especially for Toy and Miniature Poodles). In older dogs: sometimes an early sign of a heart problem. Call the vet right away if: Bluish gums or tongue. Clearly labored breathing, even at rest. Collapsing during or right after coughing. Coughing up blood. If the cough lasts more than 1-2 days, or gets worse, just book an appointment. Mention possible kennel cough exposure when you call — some clinics use a separate waiting area for that.

Possible causes: Patellar luxation (a loose kneecap): relatively common in smaller Poodle sizes. A sprain after jumping off furniture — more of a risk the smaller the dog. Something sharp or a splinter caught in the paw pad. Simple tiredness after an active day. Call the vet right away if: The leg is held at an odd angle or looks clearly wrong. Severe pain or yelping at the lightest touch. Sudden limping right after a fall or jump from height. Mild, intermittent limping that seems to resolve on its own is still worth getting checked: patellar luxation rarely improves without treatment.

Possible causes: Stress — a move, visitors, a disrupted routine. Gum disease or dental pain. Mild stomach upset, for example after a food switch. Call the vet right away if: A puppy (under 6 months, especially Toy and Miniature) who refuses food for more than half a day, particularly combined with lethargy or shaking: small puppies can develop low blood sugar quickly. Not eating combined with vomiting, diarrhea or clear signs of illness. One skipped meal in an adult dog is usually nothing to worry about. If it goes on for more than 24 hours, call your vet.

Possible causes: Switching food too quickly (always transition gradually). Eating something they shouldn't have, off the ground or out of the trash. Mild stomach upset or a parasite. Call the vet right away if: Blood in the vomit or stool. Repeated vomiting, even when nothing stays down. A swollen, painful belly. Extreme lethargy alongside it. One episode of vomiting or soft stool with no other symptoms: monitor for 12-24 hours. Ask your vet before withholding food, especially for a small dog.

Possible causes: Allergies — food, pollen, or dust mites. Fleas or other parasites. A fungal infection. Dry skin, often from over-bathing with the wrong shampoo. Call the vet right away if: Rapidly spreading bald patches with redness. Itching severe enough that the dog is breaking the skin. Occasional itching with no obvious cause: watch it for a week or two and note any pattern (certain food, time outdoors).

Possible causes: Tiredness after an active or hot day. A mild infection. Pain somewhere that isn't obviously visible. Call the vet right away if: Not responding when you call them. Collapsing or fainting. Lethargy combined with fever, vomiting or not eating (warm ears or nose aren't a reliable way to check temperature — let your vet do that). One tired day with nothing else going on is usually harmless. If it lasts more than 1-2 days, or something just feels off, call: you know your dog best.

Possible causes: Cold — smaller Poodles have little undercoat and chill quickly; a coat or sweater genuinely helps. Excitement or stress. Pain. In puppies, especially Toy and Miniature: low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), a real risk at this small size. Call the vet right away if: A puppy shaking along with lethargy and not eating: this can escalate fast in a very small body and counts as an emergency. Shaking from cold or excitement with nothing else going on is usually harmless and passes on its own.

Possible causes: Eating a large meal in one go. Constipation. Swallowed air while eating or drinking. Call the vet right away if: The belly swells quickly and the dog is visibly restless or retching without bringing anything up: this can signal life-threatening bloat/gastric torsion. It's a real risk for large, deep-chested dogs — the Standard Poodle in particular — and much rarer (though not impossible) in Toy and Miniature Poodles. If in doubt, treat it as an emergency and call immediately. A mildly swollen belly after a big meal is usually harmless, but keep an eye on it.

Possible causes: An ear infection: Poodles' upright ears make this less common than in floppy-eared breeds, but hair growth inside the ear canal can still cause problems. Dirt or moisture in the ear, for example after swimming. An allergy. Call the vet right away if: A noticeable, unpleasant odor from the ear. Redness or swelling. Clear pain when the ear is touched. Occasional scratching with no odor or redness: check the ear and clean it gently with a product made for that purpose.

Possible causes: Plaque and tartar — smaller Poodle sizes are more prone to this due to a more crowded jaw. Early dental disease. Call the vet right away if: Red, bleeding gums. Clear pain while eating. A loose tooth. Mild bad breath with nothing else going on: brush more often and have it checked at the next routine visit.