Life as a pet owner would be much easier if your furry friend could tell you when they do not feel well. Since pets can’t talk, knowing when to take your pet to our Southern Crossing Animal Hospital veterinarian can sometimes be tricky. To help you identify signs that warrant a veterinary visit, our team describes warning signals and their possible meanings.

Appetite and weight changes

Watch your pet for noticeable changes in appetite and weight, especially changes that are not because of a new diet and exercise regimen. Also, pay attention to food preferences, chewing habits, and activity levels that may influence your pet’s appetite or weight. 

Possible causes for your pet’s appetite and weight fluctuations include:

  • Dental issues
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) problems
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Cancer

Decreased activity

If your pet is unusually tired, reluctant to move or play, or sleeping more than normal, they could be suffering from a wide array of causes. Try to note a pattern to your pet’s lethargy. For example, are they more lethargic when they first wake up or only after an intense exercise session? 

Possible reasons why your pet is less active than usual include:

  • Infections
  • Metabolic disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, diabetes)
  • Pain
  • Cardiac problems 
  • Respiratory disorders

Gastrointestinal issues

GI issues, which include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or straining during defecation, frequently occur in pets. Pets can experience acute GI distress or chronic problems that flare up occasionally, especially when triggered by a dietary issue.

Potential sources for your pet’s GI upset include:

  • Dietary indiscretion
  • Intestinal parasites
  • Bacterial or viral infections
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Foreign body ingestion
  • Pancreatitis
  • Chronic diseases (e.g., organ failure, metabolic disorders)
  • Cancer

Respiratory problems

Some pets, such as bulldogs, pugs, Persian cats, and other flat-faced breeds, may experience respiratory problems and be affected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) because of their anatomy. However, any pet can develop respiratory problems that include coughing, wheezing, nasal discharge, or persistent sneezing. 

Common causes for your pet’s respiratory issues—aside from BOAS—include:

  • Respiratory infections
  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Heart disease
  • Foreign objects in the respiratory tract

Drinking and urination changes

Inappropriate urination is a frustrating condition for pet owners but can be an important clue to your pet’s health status. If your pet urinates frequently, strains to urinate, has blood in their urine, or drinks more or less than normal, they need veterinary care.

Potential reasons for your pet’s altered drinking or urination habits include:

  • Urinary tract infections
  • Feline idiopathic cystitis
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Bladder stones
  • Endocrine disorders

Periodontal problems

Dental disease is one of the most common pet conditions seen by veterinarians, despite being largely preventable. If your pet has bad breath, tartar buildup, difficulty eating, or excessive drooling, they likely have some form of dental disease.

Dental disorders in your pet include:

  • Gingivitis
  • Periodontitis
  • Endodontic disease
  • Malocclusions
  • Enamel defects
  • Tooth resorption
  • Tooth root abscesses

Eye and ear issues

Eye and ear problems in pets encompass a wide range of issues ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain. Watch for redness, swelling, discharge, eye cloudiness, head-shaking, or pawing at the eyes or ears.

Possible causes of eye or ear issues in your pet include:

  • Infections
  • Allergies
  • Anatomy
  • Foreign objects
  • Chronic conditions (e.g., glaucoma, dry eye)

Skin and coat issues

Pets can suffer from a multitude of skin and coat issues and be miserable because they constantly need to scratch, lick, and chew. Your pet may have bald patches, sores, hot spots, lumps or bumps, redness, or changes in coat quality. 

Reasons for skin and coat problems in your pet include:

  • Allergies
  • External parasites (e.g., fleas, mange mites)
  • Skin infections
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Tumors

Behavioral changes

You know your pet’s behavior and attitude best. If they become unusually aggressive, excessively fearful, suddenly shy, or their interactions change, they may have a health problem that requires veterinary care. 

Possible causes for your pet’s behavioral changes include: 

  • Pain
  • Neurological issues
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Stress
  • Underlying medical conditions

By understanding and recognizing the signs that warrant a veterinary exam, you can be proactive about maintaining your pet’s health. Remember, our Southern Crossing Animal Hospital veterinarian is your best resource for any concerns about your furry friend, so schedule an appointment with our team if you spot any abnormalities or unusual behaviors in your pet.