10 Early Signs Your Pet Might Be Unwell
Animals are highly skilled at masking symptoms of illness or injury, which makes it very challenging to detect pet health problems. In the absence of obvious markers of illness, many days can go by without medical intervention. In fact, some pets are sick for a long time without alerting their owners. Knowing the early signs of pet illness is one of the best ways to safeguard their health and achieve lifelong wellness.
I Saw the Signs
By the time a pet shows obvious symptoms of a health condition, it is possible they’ve been struggling with it for a while. Scheduling annual wellness exams is one way to stay in front of developing problems. Paired with certain diagnostics like routine blood work, these regular appointments can prevent many diseases and/or interrupt them before they get out of hand.
Get Out the Magnifying Glass
Many symptoms associated with a sick cat or dog are very subtle, and can even be confused for normal signs of aging. That said, however, any changes to a pet’s appearance or behavior should be carefully and closely regarded. Whether you know or suspect that something’s off with them, it’s always better to have them examined than to wait to see if symptoms persist or improve.
10 Pet Health Warning Signs
Depending on the ailment and the pet’s overall health history and condition, the following warning signs can present a range in severity:
- Sudden and uncharacteristic loss of appetite and accompanying weight loss
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea, or straining to produce urine or feces
- Excessive thirst and/or urination
- Bad breath
- Trouble with mobility
- Unexplained aggression and other deviations from normal behavior
- Lethargy, hiding, or social withdrawal
- Foul odor coming from their skin or ears
- Trouble with regular breathing
- Abnormal vocalizations, including crying or whining
It can be very hard to know the next steps when you find a pet with any of the above symptoms. If you can, make a list of your observations.
We are equipped to handle pet emergencies and provide urgent care. We may also refer you to another local veterinary hospital with extended after-hours care.
Know When to Go
Without a doubt, there are some signs of illness that do improve with time, rest, and recuperation. Some symptoms only get worse. If you ever see any of the following emergency warning signs, please seek emergency help:
- Unable to urinate
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Total lack of coordination
- Hard, distended abdomen
- Respiratory distress
- Excessive vomiting and diarrhea
Please don’t hesitate to reach us at (614) 766-2317. Our staff is always happy to help your pet at Animal Care Unlimited.