While your pet can’t verbalize when something is wrong, certain signs can indicate they have a health issue. By being able to recognize these signs early, you ensure their issue can be addressed before the condition becomes severe. Our Heartland Veterinary Hospital team wants to ensure your four-legged friend receives the care they need when they need it, and we explain eight health signs in pets you should never ignore.

1: Your pet’s appetite changes

What to watch for — Sudden disinterest at mealtimes or completely avoiding the food bowl are behaviors that are cause for concern. In contrast, an increase in your pet’s appetite can also signal a problem.

Why it matters — Any issue that causes your pet pain, discomfort, or stress can lead to a diminished appetite, and certain health issues, such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism, can increase your pet’s appetite. In addition, cats who don’t eat for an extended period are at risk for hepatic lipidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Monitor your pet’s appetite closely and call our team if you notice a significant change.

2: Your pet has persistent vomiting or diarrhea

What to watch for — Many pets experience an occasional bout of vomiting or diarrhea and seem unaffected. However, signs that your pet’s gastrointestinal (GI) upset requires veterinary care include:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours
  • Other signs such as abdominal pain and/or distention, inappetence, or lethargy
  • Blood in your pet’s vomit or stool
  • You know or suspect your pet has ingested a toxin or foreign body

Why it matters — Persistent GI issues can cause your pet to become dehydrated and indicate underlying conditions such as infection, parasites, digestive disorders, and gastric dilatation volvulus (i.e., bloat). Timely veterinary care can help prevent significant health complications.

3: Your pet has difficulty breathing

What to watch for — Signs that indicate your pet is experiencing difficulty breathing include excessive panting, increased respiratory rate and effort, noisy or labored breathing, wheezing, coughing, and cyanosis (i.e., blue gums or lips). 

Why it matters — Respiratory distress can signal a serious condition such as heart disease, asthma, or an infection. Immediate veterinary intervention is necessary to ensure your pet remains oxygenated until the underlying issue is appropriately addressed.

4: Your pet is lethargic

What to watch for — If your pet is unusually tired or reluctant to play, they need veterinary attention. In addition, if your four-legged friend has difficulty standing or walking, you should seek immediate veterinary care. 

Why it matters — Lethargy and weakness can result from various issues, including infection, anemia, metabolic disorders, heart problems, and neurologic conditions. A thorough veterinary exam is needed to determine the cause.

5: Your pet has urination changes

What to watch for — Urinary changes, such as straining to urinate, vocalizing during urination, blood in the urine, increased urination frequency, and accidents in the house or outside the litter box, indicate your pet needs a veterinary evaluation.

Why it matters — Urinary issues can indicate conditions such as infection, bladder stones, and kidney disease. Male cats, in particular, can suffer from urinary blockages, which are life-threatening and require immediate emergency care.

6: Your pet has changes to their coat or skin

What to watch for — Coat or skin changes, including hair loss, excessive scratching, unexplained lumps or bumps, and unusual odors, should be investigated by our veterinary team.

Why it matters — Skin and coat changes can signal allergies, infection, parasites, or systemic disease. Proper diagnosis is necessary to devise an appropriate management plan. In addition, an unexplained lump or bump could be cancerous, and early detection can significantly improve your pet’s treatment outcome. 

7: Your pet has eye or ear issues

What to watch for — Your pet needs veterinary attention if they are pawing at their eyes or ears. If their eyes are red or swollen or emitting a discharge, veterinary care is necessary. In addition, ear discharge or odor, and head shaking indicate they need a veterinary exam. 

Why it matters — Eye and ear problems can cause significant discomfort and lead to serious conditions if left untreated. Early veterinary care can prevent permanent damage and hearing or vision loss.

8: Your pet’s behavior changes

What to watch for — Behavioral changes, such as aggression, withdrawal, increased vocalization, and changes in sleep patterns, indicate your pet needs a veterinary evaluation.

Why it matters — Behavioral changes can be caused by pain, neurologic issues, stress, or cognitive dysfunction. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for appropriate management.

If you are concerned about your pet’s physical or behavioral signs, contact our Heartland Veterinary Hospital team so we can determine the cause and formulate an appropriate treatment strategy.