As a responsible pet owner, staying vigilant about your pet’s health and behavior can help you detect changes and recognize when they need professional veterinary attention. By being able to understand the signs that indicate your furry friend has a health issue, you help ensure that they can get the timely, potentially lifesaving, care they need. Our Monte Vista Animal Hospital team describes pets’ critical health signs that warrant a veterinary visit. 

1. Your pet is eating or drinking in excess or not at all

If your pet is drinking excessive amounts of water and urinating more frequently, these signs may indicate your four-legged friend has diabetes, kidney disease, or another serious condition. On the other hand, a sudden disinterest in food or water might indicate your pet has a health issue such as a dental, gastrointestinal (GI), or systemic illness. Changes in your furry friend’s eating or drinking habits warrant a call to our Monte Vista Animal Hospital team. 

2. Your pet is persistently vomiting or has diarrhea

At one time or another, most pets eat something they shouldn’t or experience the occasional tummy ache, which might cause them to vomit. Vomiting may not be a concern, but persistent vomiting, especially if it contains blood or is accompanied by lethargy, can indicate a serious problem. Prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration and may be an infection, parasite, or inflammatory bowel disease sign. If your four-legged friend is vomiting or has diarrhea for longer than 8 hours, our team should examine them. 

3. Your pet has difficulty breathing

Labored or rapid breathing or bluish gums are all veterinary emergency signs. If your pet has a chronic cough or is wheezing, they may have a respiratory infection, heart disease, or asthma. If your pet has breathing issues, veterinary attention is necessary. 

4. Your pet’s behavior has changed

Is your pet behaving off or abnormally? Sudden behavior changes signal that your furry friend may have an unaddressed health issue. If your pet is unusually tired or unwilling to engage in everyday activities, this could indicate a medical problem such as infection, pain, or metabolic disorder. Sudden behavior changes, such as increased aggression or fear, might be caused by pain, or a neurologic or other health issue.

5. Your pet has skin or coat problems

Excessive scratching, licking, or hair loss in pets can be allergy, parasite, or skin infection signs. Our veterinarian should evaluate any new lumps, bumps, or sores that don’t heal within a few weeks to rule out cancer or other serious conditions.

6. Your pet has eye or ear issues

Red, swollen, or cloudy eyes can indicate infection, glaucoma, or another eye condition that requires prompt treatment. If your pet sustains an eye injury, they need emergency veterinary care to prevent further ocular damage or permanent blindness. Discharge or a foul odor from the ears is an infection sign, which can lead to more severe issues if left untreated.

7. Your pet has difficulty moving

Limping, stiffness, or difficulty rising can indicate an arthritis, injury, or other musculoskeletal problem that requires veterinary attention. If your pet is hesitant to move or reacts in pain when touched, they could have an undetected injury or disease that requires prompt emergency treatment to address their pain. 

8. Your pet has urinary issues

If your furry friend has difficulty urinating, has blood in their urine, or makes frequent attempts to urinate with little output, they need urgent veterinary care. These signs indicate your pet may have a urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder stone, or another serious condition. Additionally, sudden incontinence or accidents in the house might be caused by a neurologic issue, bladder infection, or other health problem. Our team should investigate any changes to your pet’s bathroom habits. 

Annual or biannual wellness exams are vital for maintaining your pet’s health and detecting any illness early. Being vigilant about changes in your pet’s health and behavior can ensure they receive timely care when needed. If you notice any of the signs we’ve discussed here or unusual behaviors in your pet, err on the side of caution and contact our Monte Vista Animal Hospital team. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference in the outcome for your furry friend.