In between your dog or cat’s annual check-ups, there may be times when your pet will become unwell and needs veterinary attention. There are a number of illnesses and conditions that require your pet to see a vet quite urgently, so it’s important that you know the warning signs to watch out for.
1. Not eating
If your cat or dog suddenly changes their eating habits, it’s important not to assume they’re being fussy. Stopping eating or a sudden reduction in appetite could be a sign of a serious underlying medical issue. Dental disease, thyroid issues, kidney diseases and gastric ulcers and anxiety can all lead to your pet becoming reluctant to eat.
2. Lethargy
Sometimes heat, ageing joints and overactivity can cause your pet to become more tired than normal. However, when this persists for more than one day, or if you have a puppy or kitten, then it’s important to seek veterinary advice. Lethargy can be a sign that your pet is in pain or is affected by illness.
3. Vomiting or Diarrhoea
It can be quite common for cats and dogs to experience vomiting or diarrhoea from time to time, however, it’s important not to dismiss this as being “normal” behaviour. If your pet experiences a few vomits or loose stools in a short period of time and recovers well, then they most likely need a bit of rest, and a close eye kept on them for any other signs of illness or deterioration. Persistent diarrhoea or vomiting, or the additional symptoms of loss of appetite or reduced urination can be a sign of a more serious illness, and an emergency appointment with your vet is required.
4. Change in drinking habits
A sudden change in water consumption – whether it be excessive drinking or reduced interest to drink, can also be a possible warning sign for illness or disease.
If excessive thirst isn’t due to exercise or warmer weather or lasts longer than a day, it could be a sign of diabetes, kidney disease or other health problem. A disinterest in drinking water can also be concerning and is often accompanied by a reduced appetite.
5. Poor balance
If your pet shows signs of being wobbly on their legs or has trouble with their balance, then it’s important to get them checked out by your vet. These symptoms could be due to muscular strains, joint issues, or neurological problems.
6. Breathing difficulties
While panting or rapid breathing is an expected response for dogs after exercise, excitement, or during particularly hot weather, breathing should return to normal once your pup has had a chance to rest and cool down.
If your dog or cat is breathing heavily, making unusual noises, or breathing quicker than usual, then this is an emergency, and you should take your pet to the vet as soon as possible. Breathing difficulties can quickly become life-threatening if no action is taken.
7. Sudden aggressive or unusual behaviour
If your pet is behaving in a manner that is out of character – such as acting aggressively or hiding away all of a sudden – this may be a sign that they are in pain. It’s important that any sudden change in behaviour is checked out by your vet, so they can rule out any illness or injury that may be causing your dog’s actions.
It’s important to act quickly
It can be quite difficult to make that judgment call about when to take your pet to the vet. It is however important to err on the side of caution and get them checked over by a professional if they don’t seem well.
Many serious illnesses and diseases can be treated successfully if diagnosed early enough. Unfortunately, we sometimes see animals at our vet clinic after they have experienced some of the above warning signs for a number of days, and this reduces the effectiveness of medication, surgery or other treatment options.
If you are ever concerned about any symptoms that your pet may be displaying, please call us on 07 3801 1744 for assistance.