It is concerning when pets behave in ways their owners are not accustomed to. When this occurs, many pet owners are undecided as to whether their animal requires immediate veterinary care or merely rest. Unfortunately, pet owners frequently underestimate the severity of their animal’s illness or injury and fail to recognize when veterinary care is necessary.
Animals are adept at presenting themselves as healthy, exhibiting only a few minor symptoms or ailments. These subtle changes in behavior, appetite, or disposition should alert pet owners to the possibility of serious health issues that must be addressed.
When Should You Call a Veterinarian?
Although your pet is a vital family member, it cannot express illness or discomfort. It is challenging to differentiate between a pet’s limp, a severe illness, and an unexpected loss of appetite. How do you know when to go to the clinic or seek puppy & kitten vet care attention?
1. Altering Eating Habits
Pets frequently skip meals, particularly on hot summer days or when unfamiliar with their surroundings. However, any more than this may indicate a health issue with your pet. You must contact your veterinarian if your pet has yet to eat in two days. Or, if your pet is acting unusually hungry, begging for food constantly, or trying to eat anything it can get its paws on, it should be taken to a veterinarian. This may indicate a health issue, but it is not always an emergency.
However, they must evaluate each pet/patient individually, considering their age, breed, and medical history. A healthy 2-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback might be less concerned about missing a meal than a 10-year-old diabetic Maltese. If you require additional details, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
2. Extreme Thirst
Your pet may consume more water than usual, depending on the weather and the most recent exercise or activity. Diabetes or kidney disease may be reflected by excessive thirst and prolonged hydration. Immediately contact your veterinarian if you find yourself refilling the water bowl more often than usual. It is not because the temperature rises or your pet urates less frequently.
3. Lethargy
If your pet appears more exhausted and lethargic than usual, there may be a problem. Maybe your pet disregards your commands and has no interest in walks or playtime. Even if the condition is only muscle soreness or heat exhaustion, if it persists for more than two to three days, you should consult your veterinarian.
It can be difficult to tell whether a senior pet is simply old or if something is wrong with them. A geriatric veterinarian in Doraville, GA, is crucial because as pets age, they may develop mobility issues or become more vulnerable to certain illnesses.
4. Vomiting
The vast majority of pets occasionally vomit. Similar to humans, our pets vomit to eliminate toxins from their systems. If your pet frequently urinates blood, you must immediately consult a veterinarian. A pet that vomits twice or three times in ten minutes and then recovers is less likely to present a problem than one that vomits thrice over eight hours.
Urgently seek medical attention if your pet vomits excessively or for an extended period, as this can cause dehydration. Lethargy, anorexia, and diarrhea may be signs of an emergency requiring immediate veterinary care. Check here if you want a professional diagnostic for your pet.
5. Scooting
Although scooting your behind across the floor may seem like a silly pet trick, it may indicate worms, bowel movement issues, an anal gland issue, or even a urinary tract infection (UTI). You should consult a veterinarian if your pet suddenly begins scooting or if the behavior worsens.
6. Eye Appearance
Eyes that are red, hazy, or have abnormal discharge may indicate an infection or wound. If your pet squints or stares directly into one or both eyes, this could cause concern. Due to the rapid progression of eye diseases, it is crucial to know the following symptoms. When only one eye is affected, it is more likely that infection or trauma is to blame. If both eyes are affected, consider a systemic issue, such as allergies or other health issues.
7. Sudden Weight Loss
Regardless of size, any pet experiencing sudden weight loss should be examined by a veterinarian. Even in obese pets, rapid weight loss may indicate a life-threatening illness. Even if it is difficult to quantify, you should report 10% weight loss to your veterinarian.