As pets can’t tell you when something is wrong with them, it can be difficult to detect when they need help. However, there are a number of signs you can look for to help you decide whether going to a vet is necessary. You need to observe your pet’s behavior, water consumption, diet and bathroom habits. Looking at the eyes and the skin can also be helpful.
- Drinking more water than usual
Human beings who drink more water than usual may have diabetes or kidney disease and pets are no different. If you notice that your pet is thirsty all the time, this could be a warning sign.
Remember that cats and dogs on a dry food diet do tend to drink more than those on a wet food diet but if you’re constantly filling up the water bowl, it is better to check if there is a problem.
Certain conditions like diabetes can be life-threatening. If your pet has diabetes, it is usually possible to manage it with medication and early diagnosis helps. You can read a good article to find out more about veterinary prescriptions at ourfitpets.com.
- Eating less than usual
There are many reasons why a pet may lose its appetite for a while but it could be a sign of illness or a mouth injury. If your pet doesn’t eat one meal, there is little cause for concern but if this behavior continues for two to three days, a visit to the vet is necessary.
Eating regular meals and showing an interest in food is a sign of good health and not eating is a strong sign that something is amiss, especially if it is accompanied by lethargy and not wanting to drink.
- Unusual stools
If you notice that your pet’s feces are no longer firm and moist, you may need to make an appointment with the vet. Any changes in consistency, odor, color and regularity could indicate a problem. If your pet has diarrhea or constipation for more than 24 hours or blood in a stool, a visit to the vet is warranted.
The cause may be all kinds of things, including food allergies, inappropriate food, intestinal parasites, organ problems, viruses or bacteria. Take in a stool sample for testing if possible, to make it easy for the vet to diagnose the cause.
- Vomiting
A pet may vomit if a particular food doesn’t agree with him or he has an upset stomach. Many pets vomit once every now and then. If he vomits more than once in 12 hours, it could be a sign of something more serious.
When your pet is lethargic, lacking in appetite and vomiting, it is possible that he could be suffering from pancreatitis, an intestinal obstruction, organ failure or a virus. When a pet has been vomiting, he becomes dehydrated and may need fluids, anti-nausea medication and even surgery in some cases.
- Changes in the eyes
Any changes in your pet’s eyes, even minor ones, need medical attention, especially if you don’t know what is causing the changes. A discharge, droopy eyes, dilated or constricted pupils or deeply sunken or bulgy eyes are all possible signs of illness.
The vet will have to determine whether the problem is related specifically to the eyes or has another cause. A prolapsed third eyelid, red eyes or eye secretions are all symptoms of bacterial or viral infections. Red eyes may also indicate an allergy, corneal disease or an injury to the eye. They can also be sign of a serious systemic disease.