Your pet is a beloved family member, and you want them to be healthy and happy. Changes in your pet’s health status can be gradual or sudden, and often, they’re easy to mistake for just a bad day. While some illness signs in pets may seem minor, they can sometimes indicate serious underlying conditions. Our Safe Harbor Animal Hospital team wants you to be alert to common pet health signs so you can take the necessary action to help your furry friend. 

#1: Your pet’s appetite has changed

If your pet eats more or less, this appetite change could be easily explained, such as an upset stomach when eating less or increased exercise when eating more. However, a sudden and sustained appetite loss or increase could signal health problems. Pets’ appetite changes may indicate dental issues, digestive problems, or systemic illnesses. Monitoring your pet’s eating habits and seeking veterinary advice from our Safe Harbor Animal Hospital team are crucial to addressing the cause.

#2: Your pet is sleeping more

Yes, your pet may be the King of Napping, but if their sleeping habits have changed, you need to find out why. Excessive lethargy or a sudden decrease in activity may cause concern. Lethargy can be related to infection, pain, or organ dysfunction. If your pet is lethargic and unresponsive, you should promptly consult with our team.

#3: Your pet is vomiting or has diarrhea

Your pet may experience occasional vomiting or diarrhea related to a dietary indiscretion or minor stomach upset. However, persistent or severe episodes can indicate serious issues such as infection, toxin poisoning, dietary allergy, or a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. Prolonged vomiting or diarrhea can cause dehydration, so prompt veterinary care is necessary.

#4: Your pet is struggling to breathe

Labored breathing, coughing, wheezing, or other respiratory distress signs in pets should never be ignored. These conditions could indicate asthma, heart disease, choking, brachycephalic syndrome, or respiratory infection. Difficulty breathing accompanied by blue or pale gums, disorientation, or fainting is a veterinary emergency. Contact our Safe Harbor Animal Hospital team immediately for recommendations.

#5: Your pet’s urinary habits have changed

Increased urination frequency, straining to urinate, blood in the urine, or accidents in the house may mean your pet has a urinary tract infection (UTI), urethral obstruction, bladder stones, or kidney disease. These conditions require prompt veterinary attention to prevent complications and discomfort for your pet.

#6: Your pet has unexplained weight loss or gain

Significant changes in your pet’s weight without changes in diet or activity levels can indicate various health issues, including a metabolic disorder, hormonal imbalance, or cancer. Regularly monitoring your pet’s weight and seeking veterinary advice if you notice sudden changes are essential for early disease detection and treatment.

#7: Your pet’s behavior has changed

Changes in your pet’s behavior, such as aggression, anxiety, or excessive vocalization, could indicate they have underlying discomfort or illness. Pets cannot directly tell us when something hurts, or they are ill. Behavioral changes show us how pets feel, whether they are in pain or are sick, and addressing these changes promptly can improve their quality of life.

#8: Your pet has eye problems

The eyes are a critical organ for your pet, allowing them to navigate the world safely. Our veterinary team should always check out eye injuries or chronic eye conditions. Ocular problems, such as discharge, redness, swelling, and vision changes, can lead to pain and permanent vision loss. 

#9: Your pet’s gait changes

Gait changes, such as limping or even mild stiffness, can indicate painful issues such as ligament or tendon injuries or chronic conditions such as arthritis. Without treatment, orthopedic problems can cause permanent damage and debilitating discomfort for your pet. 

#10: Your pet has a mentation change or seizure

Changes in your pet’s mentation, such as not being aware of their surroundings or seeming to not recognize familiar places or people, can indicate a serious issue, such as organ impairment or cognitive dysfunction, and should be investigated by a veterinary professional. In addition, if your pet has a seizure, they need veterinary care to determine the cause. If possible, film the episode and make a note of the duration.

To maintain your pet’s well-being, you need to pay attention to their health and be able to recognize illness signs. If your pet exhibits the signs we have discussed here or or their behavior changes, contact our Safe Harbor Animal Hospital team, or book your pet’s appointment online. Early detection and intervention can often lead to better treatment outcomes and a happier, healthier pet.