Our dogs and cats are pretty good at hiding things (and not just toys!). Signs of illness can often be very subtle. In fact, cats may have taken this to an entirely different level. By the time Kitty decides to let you know that something is wrong, she may have already been feeling poorly for quite a while! Dogs can be a little more obvious, but even they can be surprisingly good at hiding illness.
So, what should you look for?
Here are 10 things that may indicate that your pet isn’t feeling quite like themselves:
1. CHANGES IN APPETITE
Is your normally food-obsessed Labrador suddenly turning his nose up at dinner? Or is your cat, who normally eats like she’s preparing for the apocalypse, suddenly uninterested in food?
A change in appetite can be an early sign of many different problems and is worth paying attention to.
2. DRINKING MORE OR LESS THAN USUAL
Changes in water consumption can be important clues. Increased thirst can be associated with conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or hormonal disorders. Not drinking enough can also become a problem, particularly in cats.
3. WEIGHT LOSS OR WEIGHT GAIN
If your pet is losing weight without you putting them on a diet, something may be going on. The same is true for unexplained weight gain.
And no, your cat did not suddenly become “big boned.”
4. CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR
Is your normally friendly dog suddenly hiding under the bed, or uninterested in going for a walk? Is your cat suddenly cranky when you try to pick her up? Is your pet sleeping much more than usual?
Changes in behavior can be one of the first signs that a pet isn’t feeling well.
5. DIFFICULTY GETTING UP OR WALKING
Stiffness, limping, reluctance to climb stairs, or difficulty jumping onto the couch may indicate arthritis, an injury, or another medical problem.
Remember, getting older is not a disease! Many of the aches and pains associated with aging can be managed.
6. VOMITING OR DIARRHEA
Every dog seems to have a Ph.D. in eating things they shouldn’t. (Socks, anyone?)
An occasional episode may not be cause for alarm, but repeated vomiting or diarrhea, blood in the stool or vomit, or other accompanying symptoms definitely warrants a phone call to us.
7. BAD BREATH
Bad breath is not necessarily just a cosmetic problem. Dental disease is extremely common in dogs and cats and can cause significant discomfort and other health problems.
If you can smell your pet’s breath from across the room, it’s probably time for a dental discussion!
8. CHANGES IN URINATION
Urinating more frequently, having accidents in the house, straining to urinate, or producing very little urine can all be signs of a medical problem.
IMPORTANT: If your cat or dog is repeatedly trying to urinate but producing little or no urine, this can be a life-threatening emergency. Contact a veterinarian immediately.
9. NEW LUMPS OR BUMPS
Most lumps are not cancerous, but that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. Any new lump, or a lump that is changing in size, shape, color, feel, or appearance, should be examined.
When it comes to lumps, it is much better to be safe than sorry.
10. SOMETHING JUST DOESN’T SEEM RIGHT
This may be the most important one of all.
You know your pet better than anyone. If your dog or cat just isn’t acting like themselves, trust your instincts. Sometimes the changes are subtle—a little quieter, a little less interested in playing, or simply “not quite right.”
You don’t need to wait until your pet is obviously sick before calling us to take a look.
EARLY DETECTION IS KEY!
Many medical conditions are easier to treat when they are identified early. Regular wellness examinations are an important part of keeping your pet healthy, even when they appear perfectly normal.
And that’s one of the nice things about veterinary medicine: our patients can’t tell us what’s wrong, but they can give us plenty of clues if we know what to look for.
If you notice something unusual about your dog or cat, give us a call. We’d much rather hear from you when you’re wondering, “Is this normal?” than after you’ve spent three nights Googling your pet’s symptoms at 2:00 AM!
Stay observant, trust your instincts, and give your pets an extra hug. They depend on us to speak up for them.
