Your pet provides you with joy and love, and you want to ensure they receive the best care. However, knowing when your pet needs veterinary care can be difficult because they are so good at hiding discomfort and pain signs. 

The earlier you can detect that your pet has a health problem, the earlier our Oriole Road Animal Hospital team can diagnose and treat your four-legged friend’s issue. Early detection means your pet feels better faster because we can address their signs much more quickly and easily, leading to a better quality of life. We know you care deeply for your pet’s well-being, so learn to recognize these pet health signs you should never ignore. 

Weight and appetite changes in pets

Weight loss isn’t always a cause for concern, especially if you have recently started an exercise regimen or your pet is on a weight loss diet with veterinary guidance. However, sudden weight loss or gain with no explanation can indicate something problematic. A sudden weight loss or gain may be attributable to a severe health issue such as dental or metabolic diseases, or digestive problems. 

Appetite changes also mean you should seek veterinary advice. If your pet is suddenly ravenously hungry, call us for an appointment. Although some dogs with an upset tummy may self-regulate by not eating for a few days, when cats don’t eat, they can quickly develop hepatic lipidosis, a life-threatening condition. Any significant change in your pet’s appetite is an important reason to schedule a veterinary appointment.

Urination problems in pets 

Increased thirst and urination can indicate various health issues such as metabolic or Cushing’s diseases, or diabetes. Ensure you monitor your pet’s bathroom habits daily to notice issues early. In cats, straining to urinate can indicate kidney disease or a urinary tract infection (UTI), requiring veterinary intervention. Check your cat’s litter boxes daily for dark, bloody, or cloudy urine. Monitor your dog in the yard or on walks for any urination changes. You can prevent urination problems from progressing when you pay attention to your pet’s habits and seek care as soon as possible, helping keep your furry pal healthy.

Breathing problems in pets

If your pet begins wheezing, coughing, or having difficulty breathing, seek immediate veterinary attention. Breathing issues can indicate asthma, allergy, trauma, heatstroke, or heart disease, all of which need veterinary intervention and can become deadly quickly without treatment. You should pay special attention to your pet’s breathing difficulties if they belong to a breed that has shortened airways, such as Pekingese, Boston terrier, and French or English bulldog, especially in hot or humid conditions. Prevent your pet from breathing smoke, exhaust, pollutants, pollen, and toxic chemicals to minimize respiratory problems. 

Lethargy and weakness in pets 

Your pet should always appear bright, alert, and responsive. Your pet may be lethargic if they are uninterested in favorite treats, regular food, playtime, or interactions with you. While lethargy alone may not indicate a severe problem, almost every pet health condition includes lethargy as a sign. Therefore, paying attention to lethargy’s accompanying signs is critical. Weakness and lethargy can indicate various health issues, including pain, toxicity, cancer, organ disease, hypothyroidism, heartworm disease, and arthritis. If your pet’s lethargy is so severe that nothing captures their attention, they need immediate veterinary care. Moderate lethargy may warrant a visit to an emergency veterinarian or our Oriole Road Animal Hospital. 

Excessive vomiting in pets

Healthy pets may vomit occasionally, which is likely no cause for concern. However, excessive and repeated vomiting could indicate gastrointestinal (GI) disease, allergic food intolerance, foreign body obstruction, or other severe issues. Our veterinarian will want to know how frequently your pet has been vomiting and when the problem began. To help your pet avoid vomiting, limit table scraps, prevent access to garbage and household toxins, and feed them a high-quality diet. 

Behavior changes in pets

If your pet’s behavior suddenly changes, they may have a health issue. Pets’ behavior doesn’t change for no reason since they are creatures of habit, so any deviation from their routine should be something that catches your attention. Significant changes in social interactions, anxiety, vocalization, withdrawal, or aggression may indicate your pet has pain, a physical illness, or is stressed. For example, if your ordinarily social cat is suddenly hiding or withdrawing from interactions with you, they likely have a medical problem brewing. If your pet exhibits any behavior change, our veterinarian will start by ruling out medical problems and then diagnose behavioral issues. 

As a pet owner, you know your pet best and are in a unique position to quickly notice any changes in their health and behavior. With some knowledge and practice, you can detect any health signs that should be addressed and seek veterinary attention as quickly as possible. Health issues caught early can be addressed more easily and quickly by our Oriole Road Animal Hospital team, so contact us if you are concerned about your pet.