Since our pets will not be able to tell us if they are feeling sick or if there’s a part of their body that’s painful, it ultimately falls upon us to pay more attention to any changes. More often than not, dogs and cats will show physical symptoms that will indicate how they might be feeling. Even if it seems like a minor irregularity, catching these things early on can help prevent issues from developing or worsening. Of course, pet insurance is also great to have if the option is available to you.
What do pet owners need to be mindful of? Here are six things to remember.
1.Diarrhea or Vomiting
These two things do tend to happen even without major illnesses causing them. However, if you notice that your pet has been vomiting repeatedly throughout the day, has no appetite, and is lethargic then it’s time to bring them to the vet.
Another serious sign of illness to keep an eye out for is the presence of blood in their vomit. This can appear like coffee grounds on the flooring and might be caused by a number of gastric diseases. To make sure that your pet doesn’t end up getting worse, especially for the older ones, get them checked out.
2.Decrease in Activity
If your pet is usually active and playful, but suddenly becomes withdrawn then observe them further. Should this symptom last for more than a day, you have more than enough reason to take them to the vet. This is especially the case if you notice that they have not touched their food or water.
This symptom can be caused by a number of different reasons, including an added degree of stress, pain, and fever. Compared to dogs, cats tend to be more at risk if they go a couple of days without eating.
3.Changes in their Urinary Habits
This can mean that they are urinating more or less frequently. If you find your housebroken pet has been peeing inside the house or has increased thirst, make sure you observe them for other symptoms. The same applies if your pet has been straining to urinate. If they are unable to urinate properly, this is an urgent reason to go to the vet as it can be life-threatening, especially for cats. This is why it’s important to include pet health in your investment planning, too.
4.Chronic Coughing
While the occasional coughing shouldn’t be a cause for concern, do be wary if your pet experiences persistent bouts of it. To play it safe, bring them to the vet as soon as you are able because this can be related to issues such as lung diseases, heart disease, and heartworms. For dogs, it could also be caused by kennel cough. While this is easily treatable for older dogs, puppies may find it harder to recover.
Another symptom to watch out for is the presence of discharge from their eyes, nose, and ears. If you find that they are having difficulty breathing or seem to be choking, investments in immediate pet care are necessary.
5.Hair Loss, Itchiness, and Rashes
While it isn’t unusual for our pets to shed a bit of hair, be more observant of the spots where it happens. If you notice that there’s hair loss and itchiness on the skin surrounding their ears, check for signs of ear mites, mange mites, ticks, and fleas. Aside from these, hair loss and itchiness can also be caused by infections.
Bringing them to the vet is a good first step toward identifying the cause. Doing this should help make sure that your pet isn’t suffering from bigger issues such as endocrine problems or yeast infections. After all, you wouldn’t want to end up needing loans should their health problems worsen.
6.Stiffness or Difficulty Finding Balance
If your pet is showing changes in their movements, such as lameness or struggling to balance themselves, make sure you take them to the vet as soon as you can. These are symptoms associated with disc disease, spine or hip arthritis, hip dysplasia, and rupture ligaments. While it can also be just old age, getting them checked will help you better understand how to accommodate their needs as they get older. Remember that they will have special needs in order to maintain comfort and quality in their life.
There you have it! The six symptoms of illnesses that you need to keep an eye out for when it comes to your pets. Remember, don’t panic if you ever see any of these appear in your dog or cat. It will cost investment money, but it pays to always keep up with your pet’s health.
Recent Comments