Since pets can not talk, it can sometimes be difficult to detect when they are not feeling well or in poor health.
However, you may want to bring your pet to the vet, including behavior change, water intake, proper toilet habits, and diet.
If your pet's skin has abnormal lumps or bumps, or if his eyes are different or discolored, you can also take them to the vet.
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It is natural to want to keep your animals as healthy and happy as possible. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be difficult to understand exactly how your pet feels and when it may need medical attention.
INSIDER has spoken with veterinarians to identify some signs that your pet may need to see a veterinarian.
Do not forget that although knowing these symptoms may be helpful, if you are concerned about your pet's health at any time, you may want to consult a veterinarian for a professional evaluation.
Their bathing habits are abnormal
If you notice that your pet's bathroom habits have changed significantly or that their faeces have a different appearance than normal, it may be time to make an appointment with your veterinarian.
"Any change in the color, consistency, odor or regularity of the stool may be a sign of inappropriate elements such as inappropriate food, allergies, viruses, bacteria, intestinal parasites or organ problems. Jessica Trimble, chief veterinarian of Fuzzy Pet Health, told INSIDER.
Diarrhea, blood in the stool and constipation are all reasons to contact your veterinarian. If you are unable to collect a stool sample for testing, be sure to take a picture of your pet's droppings to show your veterinarian if necessary.
Your pet drinks a lot more water than usual
Having a hydrated pet is a good thing, but if they drink more than usual, they may not feel well. iStock
Believe it or not, humans and animals can develop many of the same diseases. Veterinarian Sara Ochoa told INSIDER that excessive drinking could indicate that your furry companion has diabetes or kidney disease.
Both of these conditions can potentially be life threatening, so it is important to contact your veterinarian for screening if you notice that your pet looks exceptionally thirsty. If caught in time, animal diabetes and kidney disease can be managed or possibly corrected with medical treatment.
Read more: 8 ways to make your pets drink more water
They vomit more than once in 12 hours
If your pet is vomiting, it may be that he has just a stomach ache or that he is eating foods that do not agree with him – but this can also be a sign of a bad feeling. a more serious problem.
"A single episode of vomiting or diarrhea may not be significant, but be careful when vomiting occurs with other symptoms such as lethargy and lack of appetite," said Trimble. "In some cases, continuous vomiting may indicate a virus, pancreatitis, organ failure, intestinal obstructions, and endocrine diseases."
Animals suffering from continuous vomiting and diarrhea may also be at risk of dehydration. Pets with these symptoms often require supportive care, such as fluids and anti-nausea medications, and in severe cases, surgery.
They eat less than usualIt should be noted any changes in the diet of your pet. iStock
All pets do not have a huge appetite, but most animals should eat regularly and be interested in foods.
Loss of appetite or lack of food could be a sign of illness or injury to the mouth, said Travis Arndt, veterinarian and director of the Animal Health Center of Central America, at INSIDER. Keep an eye on your pet's eating habits and make an appointment with the vet if it's more than a day or two that your pet has eaten.
Your cat seems to gasp
Although some cats pant very briefly after a pursuit or a game of intense play, a continuous panting in a cat can be a sign of breathing difficulties.
"If your cat still has open mouth breathing, especially at rest, you should consider doing so at the vet as soon as possible." The prolonged open mouth breathing in the cat is almost always a sign of respiratory distress caused by a disease like Asthma or heart "Dr. Oscar E. Chavez, veterinarian and chief medical officer of Just Food For Dogs," told INSIDER.
Read more: 14 myths about cats that we must stop believing
Your dog licks the air
"When a dog seems to lick the air, he may feel nauseous, there may be something stuck in the roof of his mouth or a very loose tooth that bothers him", Ochoa explained.
Take a quick look into your pet's mouth to make sure that there is nothing left in there and call your vet if he starts to vomit or if the licking behavior does not occur. Do not stop.
You notice changes in their breathing
You probably know the sound of your pet when it breathes. If you notice any changes, such as a difficult breathing, gasping breathing or particularly shallow breathing, you may want to consult the vet.
"Dogs and cats should have a normal respiratory rate at rest or sleep under 30 breaths per minute," said Trimble. "Faster resting respiratory frequencies can be a sign of fluid accumulation in the lungs or decreased lung capacity, possibly caused by heart disease, pneumonia, cancer or other diseases. breathing. "
X-rays and blood tests are often needed to diagnose lung conditions. Respiratory changes associated with lethargy, weight loss and coughing are particularly worrisome and often require immediate visitation by the veterinarian.
Their eyes look unusual
Any noticeable change in your pet's eyes usually requires medical attention, especially if you can not identify the cause.
"Dilated pupils, contracted pupils, or a dilated pupil and the other contracted can be a sign of illness," said Arndt. "The other indications you need to see a veterinarian include eye drops, sagging eyes or the third eyelid that covers part of the eye."
As these changes can occur normally throughout the day, it is important to consult your veterinarian if you notice that a change is continuing or repeating over a long period.
Your pet seems hyperactive
Your pet might have more than typical zoomies. iStock
Increased energy may not seem like a symptom of disease, but overactivity can often indicate a medical problem or injury in an animal.
"When your dog runs nervously and does not seem to be able to stand still, he may tell you that he is not feeling well, which can range from stomach upset to fever, but hyperactivity may indicate that it's impossible to get comfortable, "Ochoa explained.
Pain or discomfort can be an unusual sensation for pets and can cause them to squirm or run anxiously. It is also possible that they simply have something in the fur or feathers that itch, so be sure to leave only one coat to your pet before calling the vet.
Read more: From sniffing to bites, here is the explanation of 12 strange things that your dog does every day
You notice bald patches or tufts of fur
Hair loss is another sign that your pet might not be well. Fleas and ticks can cause hair loss in dogs and cats, but if your pet's coat is devoid of invaders, the problem could be more serious.
"Thyroid disease is one of the most common causes of hair loss in dogs and can, like most other diseases, make your pet feel very bad," Ochoa told INSIDER.
Hair loss justifies a visit to the veterinarian where tests can be done to confirm a diagnosis. Thyroid disease usually can not be cured, but it can be treated with the medications prescribed by your veterinarian.
Read more: 8 things you did not know were toxic to cats
You find a new bump on your pet
It is normal for some bumps and bumps to develop with age. These can often be benign, but it can sometimes result in malignant masses or even severe insect bites that require immediate diagnosis.
"It's important to check every lump and bump because they can go from simple insect bites to abscesses to cancerous growths," said Trimble. "Some masses may remain alone and others must be removed surgically and biopsied to determine the course of treatment."
They seem very tired or apathetic
If your normally energetic cat sleeps all day, it may be that he does not feel as good. iStock
It can be hard to tell if your pet is more tired or less fit than usual, especially if it's normally a couch potato. However, if your pet has a habit of doing several rounds a day but that he can now barely do it or that he is avoiding the stairs or is unable to jump as high as he can. Usually, he may not feel well.
Lethargy and fatigue can be signs of many different things such as infections, pain and a variety of illnesses. When it is associated with other symptoms such as a change in appetite, pale gums, vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss, you may want to bring your pet for a checkup, said Trimble.
Your pet shows visible signs of pain
Trimble told INSIDER that dogs and cats hide pain well and tend to be very stoic. Therefore, any type of pet pain should be taken seriously.
"Lacking, backing up, yapping, whining, not wanting to move as usual, hiding and panting can all be signs of pain and discomfort in our pets." she said.
The pain may be related to simple things like a broken nail or to much more complex ailments such as spine, dental or abdominal problems. Diagnostic tools such as blood tests, X-rays, ultrasound and MRIs may be needed to identify the source of discomfort.
They have a cough that lasts more than a day
The gorges of animals can become dry or irritated, just like ours, and can cough once or twice a day. However, if you notice a persistent cough that lasts more than a day or two, you may want to have your pet checked.
"There is a long list of causes of cough ranging from an object blocked in the throat to infections to neurological or conformational defects of the larynx," Chavez told INSIDER.
It is important to note that coughing in animals is considered abnormal, even if it lasts for years or since the animal is very young.
Their behaviour visibly change
You know what is normal for your pet. If they start acting in a way that seems strange or atypical, it may indicate that something is wrong.
"Pets with behavioral changes should consult the veterinarian, for example, if your pet has started to crack, bite, pound around, over-grooming or dirtying, there could be a medical reason, "said Arndt.
