Pet ownership can be a beautiful, fulfilling, and often amusing experience. It’s also a lot of responsibility! One of the most important aspects of this is being alert and keeping a careful eye out for any changes or warning signs that may indicate illness or disease. Pets cannot tell us when they are not feeling well, so it is up to you to watch for red flags. This article includes a list of warning signs provided by a local Calumet City, IL veterinarian.
How Can I Tell If My Pet Needs Emergency Care?
Your four-legged companion is unable to schedule an appointment or contact a doctor. It is critical to keep an eye out for signals that anything is wrong.
That list contains the following:
- Fever
- Elevated Pulse
- Discolored Gums
- Collapse
- Dry Heaving
- Disorientation
- Difficulty Urinating
- Known Or Suspected Poison Ingestion
- Unusually High Or Low Body Temperature
- Coughing Up Foamy Or Pink Froth
- Visible Injuries, Bite Marks, And Wounds
- Swelling
- Seizures
- Bleeding
- Bloating
- Difficulty Breathing
- Coughing
- Inflammation
- Loss Of Balance
- Lameness
- Bloody, Persistent, Or Excessive Diarrhea
- Trouble Delivering Puppies Or Kittens
- Blindness
- Unconsciousness
- Vomiting
- Pain Choking
- Lethargy
- Known or suspected injury, trauma, or poisoning.
If you see any of these warning signals, the first thing you should do is contact the clinic. Depending on the condition, you may be urged to bring your pet in right away. Some problems might be able to wait until you can make an appointment. Others would indicate that you should bring your pet in for emergency treatment.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the major ones:
Restlessness
With this one, we want to distinguish between restlessness and zoomies. Our furry friends can be very lively and enthusiastic. That’s why they’re so enjoyable! What you are looking for are symptoms of discomfort. One example is if your dog is constantly getting up and down, as if he is unable to relax. Pacing might also be considered a red flag.
Respiratory Distress
Fido may pant after a good game of Tag, Fetch, or Catch That Squirrel; this is natural. Dogs also pant to keep cool in hot weather. However, if you can’t figure out why your dog is panting, or if your dog is panting all the time, there may be a problem. Cats rarely pant, so this is almost always a red flag for kitties.
Shallow breathing, wheezing, gasping, and coughing are all signs that something is wrong.
Staggering
Staggering and/or stumbling can indicate major medical conditions. These can include severe allergic reactions, neurological difficulties, and everything in between. This is a clear sign that your pet requires immediate emergency care.
Vomiting/Diarrhea
There is a bit of a grey area here. Pets are not immune to gastrointestinal upsets, and will occasionally get upset stomachs. Cats, as you are surely aware, are also prone to hairballs. If your pet vomits or has diarrhea once in a great while, it may not be cause for concern. However, persistent, violent, or profuse vomiting or diarrhea are clear symptoms that something is wrong. Bloody or frothy vomit is also a red flag.
Lack of Appetite
Anytime an animal refuses to eat, there is cause for concern. There are a few exceptions, such as a reptile preparing to shed, but healthy animals generally have robust appetites. (That’s an understatement; a lot of our patients will consume everything within paws’ reach.) While cats might be finicky, a picky kitty will most likely meow to demand something else. A kitty who isn’t interested in food at all might be unwell.
Increased Thirst
It’s completely normal for Fido and Fluffy to want to drink more than usual when it’s hot outside, or if they’ve been running or playing hard. However, if your pet is continually thirsty, there could be something more going on.
Weight Changes
Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is critical for their health. Of course, if you know that everyone in the house has been giving the dog goodies all day, you’ll understand why Fido is gaining weight. Fluffy is also pretty skilled at convincing people to feed her on demand. However, if you notice your pet rapidly losing or gaining weight and are unsure why, contact your veterinarian.
Behavioral Changes
This is a major one, although it varies depending on the pet. Pay special attention to your beloved companion and spend time with them every day. The better you get to know Fido and Fluffy, the easier it will be to detect changes that may indicate medical problems. Examples would include a peaceful pet that suddenly refuses to stop barking or meowing; a loud pet being uncharacteristically quiet; withdrawal, particularly in a friendly pet; and uncharacteristic grouchiness. Unusual vocalizations can also be a warning sign.
Unkempt Fur (Cats)
Most likely, you won’t be able to do your usual self-care or beauty routine when you’re sick. This holds true for cats as well. Fluffy normally does a fantastic job keeping her fur silky and clean. However, if she is not feeling well, she may be unable to keep up with her usual regimen. Her fur would quickly seem untidy and oily.
It is important to note that this is not necessarily a warning sign in senior cats. Senior cats often look messy because they can’t bend and extend sufficiently to groom themselves adequately. If your feline companion is a furry retiree, you may need to assist her by gently brushing her. For more information, speak with your Ashland, WI veterinarian.
Reduced Interest in Play
One reason having pets around is so much fun is that they are so happy and playful. However, if your pet isn’t feeling well, they may be less interested in their favorite toys or activities than usual.
Lethargy
We know, some pets are naturally, well, a bit lazy. It’s safe to assume that at least some of you have furry couch potatoes on your hands. However, even the most idle pets should be vigilant and aware of their surroundings, and they should perk up for activities such as supper and play. If your pet seems weak, listless, or just really lacks energy, there may be a problem.
While individual warning signs may vary, depending on the pet or the specific issue, it’s always best to get any issues looked into right away. Contact your Calumet City, IL vet if you notice any of these, or anything else that just seems off.
What Are Some Symptoms of Non-Critical Conditions in Pets?
Not every health problem in pets necessitates immediate care. While minor issues must be addressed, there are a number of things that demand an appointment but not an emergency room visit. This would include damaged toenails, tartar accumulation on teeth, minor scrapes, and skin discomfort. If in doubt, call your animal clinic and inquire. This is one case when it’s always wise to err on the side of safety. If you aren’t sure if your pet needs to come in right away, err on the side of caution and reach out to your Calumet City, IL pet hospital.
Make An Appointment At Our Calumet City, IL Veterinary Clinic
Have you got any questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your Calumet City, IL animal clinic, now!