You strive to ensure your pet receives the best possible care. This means more than simply ensuring your furry pal has a loving home and nutritious food. You need to be aware of their physical and emotional well-being because sometimes subtle changes in your pet’s behavior or appearance can signify underlying health issues. Recognizing these signs early and seeking veterinary attention promptly may be crucial to your furry pal’s health and well-being.
Our Sarasota Animal Medical Center team is committed to providing exceptional care for your pet at each of their life stages. We understand that you may not always know when a subtle change warrants a vet visit. To help you make informed decisions about your pet’s health, consider these signs you should never ignore.
Eating or drinking habit changes in pets
Your cat’s or dog’s eating and drinking habits are likely routine. However, if your furry pal suddenly turns up their nose to a food they have previously devoured or drains their water bowl while you are at work, something may be up. Schedule a vet visit if your pet exhibits the following signs:
- Loss of appetite — If your pet consistently refuses their food for more than 24 hours, schedule a vet appointment. This could indicate anything from dental pain to serious conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes.
- Increased thirst or urination — While some pets naturally drink more water than others, a sudden and significant increase in water intake can indicate your furry pal has an underlying health issue such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, or a urinary tract infection (UTI).
- Difficulty eating or drinking — If your pet seems to be struggling to chew or swallow, or exhibits pain signs while drinking, they may have dental problems, mouth sores, or neurologic issues.
- Lethargy or unusual quietness — While some pets are naturally laid-back, a sudden decrease in activity level or withdrawal from social interaction can indicate pain, discomfort, or illness.
- Increased aggression or anxiety — Pets experiencing pain, discomfort, or fear may exhibit behavioral changes such as aggression or withdrawal. Don’t dismiss these changes as bad behavior.
- Unusual vocalizations — Excessive whining, howling, or meowing, different from their usual vocalizations, can indicate your pet is in pain. Pay attention to vocal frequency and pitch.
Physical appearance changes in pets
Sometimes a pet’s illness can manifest as a change in their appearance. If your furry pal is looking a bit thin or has a lump that seems to be growing by the day, schedule an appointment with our Sarasota Medical Center team. Your pet may be ill if they exhibit the following signs:
- Weight loss or gain — Various health problems, such as thyroid disease, diabetes, and cancer, can cause your pet to have unexplained rapid weight loss or gain. Regularly monitor your pet’s weight and consult us if you notice significant changes.
- Skin and coat changes — Excessive shedding, itchiness, skin redness, or hair loss can indicate allergies, skin infections, or parasite infestations. Regularly groom your pet and address any concerning skin or coat issues promptly.
- Lumps or bumps — Any new lumps or bumps that appear on your pet’s body should be checked by a veterinarian immediately, as they could be cancerous.
Veterinary emergency signs
If your pet is exhibiting the illness signs we have discussed above, you should schedule a vet visit. However, your pet is having an emergency and requires immediate veterinary care if they exhibit the following signs:
- Difficulty breathing — Rapid, shallow breathing, labored breathing, or open-mouthed breathing are respiratory distress signs, which require immediate veterinary attention. Seek emergency care if your pet exhibits these signs.
- Seizures or tremors — While some breeds are prone to tremors, unexplained seizures are always concerning and require immediate veterinary intervention. If your pet experiences a seizure, stay calm, note the duration and details, and seek immediate help.
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea — Occasional vomiting or diarrhea may not be cause for immediate concern. However, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, especially if accompanied by blood or lethargy, warrant an immediate veterinary visit. Observe the frequency, duration, and presence of blood.
- Bleeding from any orifice — If your pet is bleeding from the nose, mouth, rectum, or any other body opening, they are experiencing an emergency that requires immediate veterinary care.
How to recognize illness signs in your pet
Many pet illness signs seem subtle. However, when you become familiar with various diseases’ signs, you understand which signs you shouldn’t ignore. To learn how to notice your pet’s subtle signs early, follow these tips:
- Track their routines — Monitor your pet’s daily eating, drinking, sleeping, and activity patterns. Any deviations from their normal behaviors could indicate they are feeling unwell.
- Observe their interactions — Pay attention to how your furry pal interacts with you, other pets, and their environment. Changes in playfulness, social interaction, or response to stimuli can indicate they are feeling unwell.
- Look for discomfort — Subtle pain or discomfort signs include changes in posture, such as a hunched back or limping, changes in facial expressions, such as squinting or flattened ears, or changes in vocalizations, such as whining or whimpering.
- Don’t dismiss quirks — If your pet exhibits new behaviors, such as excessive licking, pacing, or hiding, don’t simply disregard them as quirks. These could be stress, anxiety, or physical discomfort signs.
Remember, early illness detection and treatment are crucial for your pet’s health and well-being. If you notice any of the signs we’ve discussed here, schedule an appointment with our Sarasota Animal Medical Center team.