Signs that your pet is not feeling well
Sometimes our pets show signs that they aren’t feeling well and mostly we are too busy to notice or just don’t really know what to look out for.
There are certain signs to be aware of that could help you recognise when your pet is not feeling well and when to take appropriate action, even save its life.
Symptoms you should not ignore
Difficulty Breathing
If you notice any changes in your pets breathing, you’ll need to address the situation immediately. Small dogs and cats have small respiratory tracts and breathing issues can quickly become life-threatening situations. If your pet suddenly has noisy or loud breathing, is panting or coughing more than normal or appears low on energy, you should have it examined by your veterinarian immediately.
Lung and heart disease, obstructions, infections and more could be the reason for sudden breathing problems.
Drooping ear carriage
This is often a simple ear irritation but is always a sign that there is something wrong. If you have cleaned the affected ear with an approved cleaning solution and your pet is still shaking its head and scratching, have it examined. This could be due to a small object lodged inside the ear or a nasty infection. When both ears droop, this is definitely a sign that your pet is generally not feeling well.
Diarrhoea
If your pet has diarrhoea that persists for more than a day, you should have it addressed. Cats and dogs tend to dehydrate far quicker than humans do. The sooner you address the issue, the faster you pet will recover having been given a simple treatment.
A Sudden increase in urination or water consumption
This is a difficult one to observe, but if you notice that your pet is constantly at their water bowl, is asking to go out more often or you have to change the litterbox more often, it’s best to have it checked out by your veterinarian. These signs could be associated with kidney or liver disease, diabetes, kidney or bladder infections, hormonal diseases or poisoning.
Vomiting
Your pet will be expected to vomit once in a while, especially after eating from the garbage. However vomiting three or more times a day is a concern and if it is vomiting three or more times in an hour, there may be an emergency. In many cases vomiting does not mean a life threatening disorder. Although it is still not a good idea to take any chances and the sooner you have your pet diagnosed and treated, the better (and less costly) the treatment will be.
Not eating for 48 hours
If your pet hasn’t eaten for two consecutive days, you should have it checked out immediately. If you delay the treatment, your pet will experience further nutritional deficiencies that can prolong or complicate their recovery. Overweight cats that don’t eat may also develop acute life-threatening liver failure.
Unable to urinate or defecate
If your pet is unable or is straining to urinate or defecate, there is immediate danger. They stand a great chance of bladder or urethral rupture, seizures, kidney failure or blood poisoning, get your pet medical attention immediately. Male cats and dogs are at particular risk for urinary or urethral obstructions.
Dark or bloody stools
Black, dark or tar-like stools are mostly associated with digested blood in the faeces. Bright red blood often accompanies anal gland conditions or colitis. Either way, it’s best to have your pet examined. Unusual stools can be associated to bleeding ulcers, foreign objects, and intestinal parasites. You pet must be treated as quickly as possible.
Gait
If your pet usually walks straight and has started to crab walk, this could be an indication of a back problem. If the abdomen feels tense and/or it is suddenly refusing to climb or jump, have it examined by your veterinarian or a veterinary chiropractor.
These are some of the most important signs veterinarians wish their clients would heed. There are far too many pets that suffer needlessly or have to endure more involved treatments due to delayed treatment. Your pet can’t tell you how it feels or what’s wrong, so it’s up to you to pay close attention to the subtle signs it gives you.