As a pet parent, you can’t rely on your four-legged family member to speak up when they are sick or in pain. However, you can watch for certain signs and symptoms of pet health issues that indicate your cat or dog has a health problem.
7 Common Pet Illness Symptoms & Signs to Know
In some cases, subtle pet illness symptoms and signs that you may be tempted to ignore can alert you to a serious medical issue. Keep reading to learn about seven pet illness symptoms and signs you should never ignore—because early intervention can make all the difference to your furry friend’s well-being and quality of life.
1. Changes in your pet’s eating or drinking habits
Does your pet have a voracious appetite or are they picky about what they eat? Knowing your pet’s normal eating habits and drinking habits can help you recognize a change that could indicate a health problem. Specific issues that may be cause for concern include:
- Decreased appetite — If your pet refuses a meal or isn’t as interested in their food, causes may include dental problems, gastrointestinal (GI) problems, organ dysfunction such as kidney or liver disease, or stress.
- Increased appetite — An increase in your pet’s appetite can also be a red flag, especially if they are eating more but losing weight. Potential causes include diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and Cushing’s disease.
- Excessive thirst — Excessive thirst, along with excessive urination, can indicate a serious condition such as diabetes, kidney disease, Cushing’s disease, or a urinary tract infection.
2. Changes in your pet’s weight
If your pet unexpectedly gains or loses weight, this could be a warning sign of an underlying health issue. Noticeable weight changes without diet or activity alterations should never be ignored, as they may indicate metabolic, hormonal, or systemic conditions that need veterinary care.
If your four-legged friend’s ribs are suddenly easier to see, issues that may be causing their unexplained weight loss include diabetes, hyperthyroidism, organ dysfunction such as kidney or liver disease, cancer, parasites, or digestive disorders.
On the other hand, unexplained weight gain or abdominal distention can indicate conditions such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, heart disease, or tumors.
3. Changes in your pet’s behavior
Pets often hide signs of illness and pain, and one of the first indicators of a health problem may be a behavior change. Potential behavior changes you should watch for include:
- Aggression or irritability — This may signal pain or discomfort from issues such as dental disease, arthritis, or an internal injury. Neurologic issues can also cause aggression.
- Lethargy — If your pet lacks energy and lays around more than normal, they may be dealing with an infection, chronic illness, anemia, pain, or a metabolic condition.
- Excessive grooming — If your pet licks or chews their skin excessively, they may be experiencing pain, allergies, or a skin condition. This behavior can also be linked to stress.
- Changes in sleep patterns — Increased sleep time can indicate chronic illness, pain, or a metabolic disorder. Disrupted sleep or nighttime restlessness could be caused by cognitive decline or anxiety issues.
4. Difficulty urinating or defecating
Difficulty urinating or defecating is never normal and usually indicates a serious issue that requires immediate veterinary attention. Urinary tract blockages, which are most common in male cats, are especially concerning because they can quickly lead to a life-threatening situation.
Signs your pet is having difficulty urinating or defecating include straining to urinate or defecate, producing small amounts or nothing at all, licking excessively at the genital area, crying, and restlessness.
5. Unexplained lumps or bumps
Unexplained lumps or bumps are not always dangerous, but they shouldn’t be ignored. While some are benign growths, such as fatty tumors, others can indicate serious issues such as cysts or cancerous tumors. The only way to determine whether a lump is a problem is to have it evaluated by your veterinarian.
In addition, non-healing sores, especially those that persist for more than a week, should be examined by a veterinarian. These wounds could signal an underlying skin infection, immune system disorder, or skin cancer.
6. Bad breath
Your pet’s breath may not be minty fresh, but persistent bad breath can be a sign of an underlying health issue. The most common culprit is dental disease, which affects most pets by the time they reach 3 years of age. Plaque, tartar, gum infections, and decaying teeth contribute to bad breath. Left untreated, dental disease can lead to oral pain, tooth loss, and systemic infection affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys.
In addition to poor dental health, bad breath can indicate more serious health issue such as diabetes, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal disorders.
7. Eye issues
Eye injuries in pets are always cause for concern. The eye is delicate, and small scratches, irritation, or trauma can quickly escalate into serious complications that could affect your pet’s vision. Signs that indicate your pet has an eye issue include squinting, excessive tearing, redness, swelling, discharge, and rubbing or pawing at the eye.
Concerned about Pet Health Issues? Contact an UrgentVet Near You Today!
These signs can indicate serious pet health conditions and immediate veterinary attention is often necessary for a successful outcome. If you notice one of these red flags, contact UrgentVet—because your pet can’t wait to feel better.