It is concerning when pets behave in ways their owners are not used to. When this happens, many pet owners are still debating whether their animal requires immediate medical attention or if some rest would suffice. Unfortunately, pet owners frequently underestimate the severity of their animal’s illness or injury and fail to recognize when it requires veterinary care.
Animals are skilled at presenting themselves as healthy, with only a few mild symptoms or problems. Pet owners must be aware of these minor changes in behavior, appetite, or attitude because they may indicate serious health problems that must be addressed.
When Is It Time to Call a Vet?
Although your pet is an essential member of your family, unlike us, they cannot express illness or pain. It is difficult to distinguish between a pet’s limp, a serious illness, and an unexpected loss of appetite. How do you know when to go to the clinic or seek medical attention in an emergency? Check it out.
1. Altering Eating Habits
Pets frequently skip meals, especially on hot summer days or in an unfamiliar environment. Any more than this, however, may indicate a health problem with your pet. You must contact your veterinarian if your pet has not eaten in two days. Or if it is acting unusually hungry, pleading for food all the time, or attempting to eat anything, it can get its paws on. Although this could indicate a health problem, it is not always an emergency.
They must, however, assess each pet individually, considering the pet’s age, breed, and medical history. For example, a healthy 2-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback may be less concerned about missing a meal than a diabetic 10-year-old Maltese. If you need more information, contact your veterinarian.
2. Excessive Thirst
Depending on the weather and the most recent exercise or activity, your pet may drink more water than usual. Excessive thirst and drinking for more than a day may indicate diabetes or kidney disease. Contact your vet in Doraville, GA immediately if you find yourself filling the water bowl more frequently than usual. It is not because the temperature rises or your pet goes less often.
3. Lethargy
If your pet appears tired and sluggish than usual, there could be an issue. Perhaps your pet ignores your commands and is uninterested in walks or playtime. Even if the condition is only muscle soreness or heat exhaustion, you should consult your veterinarian if it persists for more than two to three days.
It can be challenging to determine whether a senior pet is simply old or if something is wrong with them. A senior veterinarian’s care from a reputable facility like Wellpet Humane is crucial because as pets age, they may develop mobility issues or become more susceptible to certain illnesses.
4. Vomiting
The vast majority of pets vomit on occasion. Our pets, like humans, vomit to get things out of their systems. If your pet frequently urinates blood, you must contact a veterinarian immediately. A pet that vomits twice or three times in ten minutes and then recovers is less likely to be a problem than one that vomits three times in eight hours.
Seek medical attention immediately if your pet is vomiting excessively or for an extended period, as this can dehydrate them. Lethargy, a lack of appetite, and diarrhea may indicate an emergency requiring immediate veterinary care.
5. Scooting
Although scooting your behind across the floor may appear to be a silly pet trick, it could indicate worms, bowel movement problems, an anal gland problem, or even a urinary tract infection (UTI). If your pet starts scooting unexpectedly or the behavior worsens, you should contact your veterinarian.
6. Eye Appearance
An infection or wound could be indicated by red, cloudy, or abnormally discharged eyes. Another problem could occur if your pet squints or looks directly into one or both eyes. Because eye diseases progress quickly, it is critical to be aware of the following symptoms. When only one eye is affected, infection or trauma is more likely to be suspected. Consider a systemic issue, such as allergies or other health issues, if both eyes are affected.
7. Sudden Weight Loss
Any pet experiencing sudden weight loss, regardless of size, should be examined by a veterinarian. Even in obese pets, rapid weight loss may indicate a serious medical condition. Even if it is difficult to quantify, you should report any weight loss of 10% to your veterinarian.
