Is Your Pet Trying to Tell You Something? 10 Signs Your Pet Needs a Vet Visit

The following are ten signs to watch when your pet exhibits any of them. They are usually an early warning sign to visit a vet.

1. Changes in Appetite

   A sudden and unexpected change in appetite, whether it increases or decreases, could signal underlying health concerns, such as dental disease or metabolic disorders (Laflamme, 1997).

   

2. Excessive Thirst or Urination

   Increased thirst (polydipsia) and urination (polyuria) can be signs of diabetes mellitus or kidney disease (Fossum et al., 2013).

   
   

A dog urinating

A thirsty dog

3. Weight Loss or Gain

   Unexplained weight fluctuations can signal underlying health conditions, including thyroid problems or cancer (Laflamme, 1997).

   

4. Lethargy

   A noticeable decrease in energy or enthusiasm can be an early indicator of various illnesses (Van der Velden et al., 2013).

   
   

Lethargic cat

Lethargic dog

5. Vomiting or Diarrhoea

   Frequent vomiting or diarrhoea may point to gastrointestinal issues, infections, or dietary indiscretion (Stauffer et al., 2018).

6. Changes in Behaviour

   Behavioural changes such as aggression or withdrawal may indicate pain or stress due to medical issues (Mason et al., 2010).

   

   An illustration of bad dog behaviours

   

   An illustration of bad cat behaviours

7. Difficulty Breathing

   Labored breathing or persistent coughing can be signs of respiratory diseases or heart problems (King, 2014).

   
   
   

   

   
   
   

8. Skin or Coat Issues

   Persistent scratching, hair loss, or skin irritations could indicate allergies, parasites, or infections (Duncan et al., 2005).

   
   
   

   

   
   
   

9. Bad Breath

   Halitosis can signify dental disease or systemic health issues (Klein et al., 2004).

   
   
   

   Severe dental tartar in a dog

   

   Canine dental formula

   

   Canine teeth after cleaning the dental tartar
   
   

10. Seizures or Neurological Symptoms

    Seizures or other neurological signs such as disorientation can indicate severe underlying conditions, including epilepsy or brain tumours (Platt et al., 2010).

    
    

References

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• Duncan, J. R., Prasse, K. W., & Mahaffey, E. A. (2005). Veterinary Laboratory Medicine: Interpretation and Diagnosis. Iowa State Press.

• Fossum, T. W., & Henson, R. (2013). Small Animal Surgery. Elsevier Health Sciences.

• Klein, J. D., et al. (2004). "Veterinary Dentistry: A Review of Oral Health and Disease." Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 34(3), 627-655.

• King, L. G. (2014). "Respiratory Diseases in Dogs and Cats." Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 44(5), 1097-1109.

• Laflamme, D. (1997). "Understanding and Applying Body Condition Score in Dogs and Cats." Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 27(4), 879-888.

• Mason, G. J., et al. (2010). "A Review of the Behavioral Signs of Pain in Animals." Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 5(6), 311-317.

• Platt, S. R., et al. (2010). "Seizures in Dogs and Cats: A Review." Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 40(6), 1163-1178.

• Stauffer, K. D., et al. (2018). "Gastrointestinal Disorders in Dogs and Cats." Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 48(1), 29-47.

• Van der Velden, M. A., et al. (2013). "Behavioral Indicators of Pain in Dogs." Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 8(4), 267-272.