Top 10 Signs Your Pet Is Unwell – What Every Owner Needs to Know
As dedicated pet parents to our furry, feathered, or scaled companions, we adore them - there's no denying it! Pets bring all the fun, snuggles, and love into our lives! Our pets, however, cannot tell us when they don't feel well. Unlike you, they cannot call the doctor, order a take-out for dinner, or even tell us they are tired. Therefore, it is vital that we, as pet parents, keep an eye out, take note, and respond to any changes in their behavior or physical condition. Recognizing the signs your pet may be ill is important because we could be delaying a significant recovery and ultimately a safe and healthy outcome.
This guide is designed to help new pet owners and pet parents alike recognize the top 10 common signs of illness in pets. Knowing the critical signs of pet illness and knowing when to take them to the veterinarian could make a significant difference in the outcome and, ultimately, the health of your dog, cat, or exotic pet. Early detection is the name of the game for your pet's health & happiness!
The Importance of Early Detection in Your Pet's Health
Their instinctive nature allows pets to mask any signs of pain and discomfort until the very last moment. While humans often over-exaggerate ailments, a pet typically will not showcase any sign until the process is far along. If you can catch even the subtlest of changes in your pets it can prevent your condition from making your pet's condition worsen:
You may have a better chance of diagnosis earlier:
It is easier for a veterinarian to figure out what is going wrong if you notice early symptoms that can help support their diagnosis and conclude any major concerns.
It most likely will be early:
Many illnesses will be easiest to treat if discovered in the initial, early stages that will represent a much higher recovery rate also reducing complications.
Minimized instances of suffering:
Early intervention increases your pets chance of less discomfort and pain.
Lower costs:
The expenses are always suggested to your wallet when discovering your pet has a condition early, especially compared to severe procedures or treatments.
The Top 10 Signs Your Pet is Sick: What Do You See?
To the extent possible, you need to pay attention to these common signs which may indicate your pet is under the weather or not feeling their best! Again, if you see any of these signs and/or there is a sudden occurrence, or lasts longer than a few days, you should always contact your veterinarian.
1. Changes in Appetite or Thirst
Now, we will discuss some of the more common disturbances in appetite/thirst that may indicate illness present.
Loss of Appetite (Anorexia): Your pet has stopped eating altogether, is eating noticeably less food, has stopped eating their favorite treats, or only eats very little. Loss of appetite is one of the most common signs of potential illness. There are many different reasons why an animal may not want to eat, ranging from a serious underlying issue, such as dental pain, to much more serious issues, such as life-threatening internal illness.
Increased Appetite (Polyphagia): In contrast, your pet may suddenly develop insatiable hunger the likes of which you have never seen. Although increased appetite is not as common with acute illness, an increase in hunger can be caused by metabolic disease of some kind, including diabetes and hyperthyroidism (common in cats).
Increased Thirst (Polydipsia): You notice your pet is drinking noticeably more water than usual. Increased thirst can be caused by kidney disease, diabetes, Cushing's disease, and certain types of cancer, among other serious causes.
Decreased Thirst: Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration very quickly, especially in the case of vomiting and/or diarrhea.
2. Changes in Urination or Defecation
Difficulty with Urination/Straining: Your pet likely tries to urinate frequently, strains to urinate, or produces very little urine. This is an emergency, particularly if your pet is a male cat, as it likely indicates a life-threatening urinary blockage.
Increased Urination: Your pet may urinate more frequently, or it may urinate larger volumes of urine than normal. This could signal kidney disease, diabetes, or a urinary tract infection.
Accidents Inside: If your previously house-trained pet is now having unexplained accidents indoors, it could indicate a UTI, cognitive decline, or increased issues with elimination due to pain.
Diarrhea: Loose, watery, or frequently produced stools. You can have mild diarrhea (dietary indiscretion) to severe (parasites, infections, inflammatory bowel disease).
Vomiting: More than just the occasional hairball (for cats). Frequent vomiting, vomiting blood, or projectile vomiting is serious.
Constipation or Straining to Defecate: Difficulty passing stool, or very hard, dry stool.
Changes in Stool Appearance: Blood, mucus, or unusual colour (e.g., black, tarry stools could indicate internal bleeding).
3. Lethargy or Changes in Activity Level
Unusual Tiredness: Your pet is sleeping more, seems less interested in play, or has a lack of energy that is unusual for them. Possibly slow to respond or reluctant to move.
Reduced Playfulness: An energetic Pet that suddenly refuses to engage in their favourite games.
Hiding: Cats especially, tend to hide when they do not feel well.
4. Changes in Breathing
Difficulty Breathing (Dyspnea): Labored breathing, open mouth breathing (especially in cats), rapid shallow breaths, or gasping, is a medical emergency.
Coughing or Sneezing: Persistent coughing, wheezing or sneezing could indicate respiratory infections, allergies or heart conditions.
Increased Respiratory Rate: Breathing faster than normal, even at rest.
5. Lumps, bumps, or swelling
Any lumps or bumps that are new, no matter how small, should be checked by your veterinarian. Many of these lumps or bumps will be benign, however, you will want to confirm this. Lumps and bumps can also be cancerous.
Any swelling, anywhere on the body (other than the abdomen), including the face, limbs, etc., can be indication of an allergic reaction, infection, fluid retention or an internal issue.
Pain on touch. If your pet reaction suggests hurt when you touch a certain spot, there is a good likelihood of pain or inflammation.
6. Limping or Difficulty moving
Not bearing weight. Holding up a limb, not jumping, or going upstairs but having trouble with the last step.
Stiffness or pain. Apparent pain to movement when getting up forced to leave a spot or lying down.
Tremors or weakness. Shaking with opportunity to be in some form of stance, constant wobble., or just weak in their limbs. Tremors can indicate an injury, arthritis, neurological issues or other hurts.
7. Changes in coat or skin condition
Dull coat or excessive shedding. A healthy coat should be shiny. A dull coat that is greasy or one that is shedding excessively, can indicate a nutrition issue, parasites or a secondary underlying illness.
Excessive itching/scratching. Scratching, licking or chewing continually can mean an allergy, infection, parasites (fleas, mites) or some other form of disease as a cause.
Identifying redness, rashes or sores. Any lesion, scabs, inconsistencies with coat (hair loss, etc.).
8. Eye or ear discharge/changes
Eye discharge. There is excessive tearing, yellow, pus, redness in the eye or if it appears cloudy or has change candidly to ear discharge. Your pet could be squinting, or attempting too hard to close their eyes. It could mean YOUR PET has some form of infection.
Ear Issues/Smell: Waxy or foul-smelling ear discharge, redness, swelling, or excessive head shaking or scratching at ears are all classic signs of ear infections or mites.
Cloudy Eyes: Could indicate cataracts or other serious eye problems.
9. Behavioral Changes
Increased Aggression or Irritability: A previously docile pet suddenly becoming aggressive or growling or hissing or snapping. Pain is a common cause of behavioral changes.
Unusual Vocalization: Excessive meowing, whining, howling, or crying.
Disorientation or Confusion: Bumping into things, getting lost in familiar surroundings, or staring off into space.
Restlessness or inability to settle: Pacing, panting or unable to find a comfortable position.
Change in Interaction: Withdrawn or less affectionate or clingy in an unusual way.
10. Bad Breath or Oral Issues
Bad Breath (Halitosis): Some pet breath smells bad, but an excessively bad or foul smell could indicate dental disease, renal problems, or digestive problems.
Drooling: Excessive drooling especially if it is associated with difficulty eating or pawing at their mouth.
Red or swollen gums, broken teeth: Indicate dental disease and can lead to much worse health issues if not treated.
When to Contact the Vet
If you see any signs that your pet is sick, especially severe signs or signs that occur suddenly or last for over 24 hours, you should contact your veterinarian. It is better to be safe than sorry. If possible, describe the symptoms clearly, when they started, and if you've made any changes. Your vet is your best resource to be sure your pet gets the medical care it needs.
The best thing you can do for your pet is to be a good observer and a proactive pet owner. You can help your beloved friend have a long, healthy, and happy life by knowing these main signs of pet illness.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This article contains general information, and is not intended as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always get advice from your vet for a health concern involving your pet.
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