Do you wish your pet could speak your language? Until AI figures that one out, you must interpret your pet’s behavior as a means of communication. Because your pet can’t tell you when they’re feeling under the weather or complain about a nagging toothache, they rely on you to identify their distress signs. Subtle changes in your pet’s appearance and behavior can be indicators of underlying problems. Our WesVet Animal Hospital team describes five signs that indicate your pet needs veterinary care. 

#1: Your pet’s eating and drinking habits change

Monitoring your pet’s eating and drinking habits is an excellent way to assess their overall health, and a change in their habits can be a red flag. Many health issues, whether acute or chronic, can alter your pet’s appetite and thirst, and some conditions require urgent treatment. If your pet has appetite and thirst changes, they may have one of the following conditions:

  • Dental disease — Any dental condition, no matter how mild, can cause your pet significant discomfort. Inflamed gums, fractured teeth, and exposed pulp are extremely painful conditions that can make eating and drinking difficult. 
  • Metabolic or endocrine disorders — Certain metabolic and endocrine disorders, such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or Cushing’s disease, may increase your pet’s hunger.
  • Kidney disease — Kidney disease is common in aging pets, and changes in urine concentration cause them to urinate more frequently and drink more water to compensate.
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) issues — A variety of conditions can lead to GI issues, from mild stomach upset to a blockage. 
  • Cancer — Cancer and other chronic illnesses put your pet’s body in survival mode, which, depending on your pet’s health and condition, may cause them to have an increased appetite. This is because these conditions demand extra energy or steal nutrition (e.g., cancer robs your pet’s nutrients). On the other hand, complications, such as nausea or pain, can cause your pet to lose their appetite. 

#2: Your pet experiences unexplained weight loss or gain

Depending on your pet’s condition, they may lose or gain weight. Unexplained weight changes can indicate several health issues. 

  • Weight loss — Sudden significant weight loss could be attributable to metabolic diseases or certain cancers. 
  • Weight gain — Various conditions, including hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, pregnancy, and abdominal fluid accumulation, can cause unexplained weight gain. 

Pets’ bodies vary widely in size and structure, so the number on the scale does not provide enough information to determine if your furry pal’s weight is appropriate. To assess your pet’s current weight accurately, our WesVet Animal Hospital team uses visualization and palpation to determine your furry pal’s body condition score (BCS). 

#3: Your pet becomes less mobile

Conditions that cause pain or disrupt a pet’s mobility can cause them to limp. Common mobility issues include:

  • Injured paw pad — The soft, rubbery tissue that covers your pet’s paws can be injured if they step on a sharp object or walk on hot pavement.
  • Torn toenail — Pets enjoy digging and can easily tear a toenail, exposing sensitive tissue and causing significant bleeding and pain.
  • Osteoarthritis (OA) — OA is a progressive degenerative disease that causes the cartilage cushioning joints to deteriorate. If your pet develops OA, they can experience significant pain, inflammation, and decreased mobility.
  • Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury — CCL injury is the most common cause of hind limb lameness, which typically results from progressive deterioration. Large-breed dogs, such as rottweilers, Labrador retrievers, and Saint Bernards, have an increased CCL injury risk.
  • Hip dysplasia — Hip dysplasia is a developmental disease that causes hip joint loosening, leading to joint instability, which causes arthritis. 
  • Fracture — A bone fracture is extremely painful and can cause your pet to limp.
  • Tick-borne disease — Tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis, can cause your pet to limp, which typically shifts from one limb to another.
  • Cancer — Cancers affecting soft tissues, bones, or joints can cause your pet to limp.

#4: Your pet has eye discharge

Redness, discharge, and squinting are common indicators of conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dry eye, glaucoma, and many other eye problems. Because most eye conditions manifest with similar signs, your pet should visit our WesVet Animal Hospital team so we can determine their ophthalmic condition’s severity.

#5: Your pet coughs persistently 

An occasional cough or sneeze is rarely cause for alarm, but a cough that lasts a week or longer often indicates kennel cough (i.e., a self-limiting respiratory infection that can be treated through rest and keeping your pet away from other pets). Coughing in an older dog, a dog who is exhibiting other illness signs, or in any cat is likely a different problem, and you should bring this condition to your veterinarian’s attention.

You know your pet best, and if they exhibit any unusual changes, contact our WesVet Animal Hospital team.