Symptoms and Signs you must never ignore in your pets

Pets cannot express themselves if they are in some pain or discomfort physically. You should never overlook some warnings in your pets, which are the indicator of their illness. Those big brown eyes might melt your heart, but they cannot tell you if something is wrong. There are some signs like a wound or lump which can be seen, but other characters can be subtle or confusing. Here are some symptoms in pets mentioned below to help you understand when to call for a Vet. 

Itching and biting

Many things make our pet itch, like fleas, ticks, and mites. However, some causes are not so evident, like staph infection, yeast infection, or fungal infection. It would benefit if you watched out for signs of scratching, licking, and chewing.

Vomiting

It’s normal if your pet has eaten something unusual and throws it out in the form of vomiting or diarrhea. But if this happens several times in a day, then you should worry and consult immediately. 

Lack of Appetite

Your pets can be fussy eaters or bottomless pits; listen up when they aren’t interested in eating food. Lack of appetite, fever, and pain are the symptoms of an unhealthy body. If these last for more than a day and accompany other symptoms in your pet, well, it’s time you must see a Vet. 

Lethargy or non-active

Just like us, pets too get tired sometimes with lots of activity and play. But if it’s unexplained fatigue or a drop in energy, it shouldn’t be ignored. Inactivity could be due to a short illness or something more severe like a heart condition.

Urinary habits changed

When your pet empties its bladder very frequently, it can be a warning sign of something unusual in its body. It can be a messy business, but you need to take this situation seriously. If they have excessive thirst and frequent urination, it could be a symptom of diabetes, kidney disease, liver disorder, or difficulty with adrenal glands. On the other side, too limited urination means urinary tract infection or might be bladder stone.

Difficulty in breathing, coughing, or sneezing

Persistent sneezing like mainly if there’s a runny nose or discharge from the eyes or ears you should warrant a trip to the vet. Coughing can also be the cause of a contagious form of bronchitis which is usually mild, yet it can be a matter to worry for puppies and dogs with a short nose

Hair loss

People having pets are well acquainted with shedding, but when it comes out in patches or noticeable bald spots, then it can cause difficulty. Some skin infections or parasites are the results of patchy hairs. An asymmetrical bald spot on both sides of the body can be a sign of endocrine disorder like hypothyroidism, and a single bald spot could be the result of an injury. Another cause can be ringworms; take precautions while you check your pet in this situation because it can be spread to humans.

Weight loss

When you adjust the diet and exercise of your pet, they might get affected by the balance of calories versus training. Yet, if any other symptoms in your pet are involved, the diet and exercise routine has not changed, then there is some problem. Also, remember that an unexpected weight gain can be a sign of having diabetes in pets or endocrine issues like Cushing’s disease.

Stiffness and difficulty in getting up

It can be Arthritis symptoms and not the signs of overage, as you might be assuming. You can consult a Vet; if it is Arthritis, it can be cured through anti-inflammatory medicine or even surgery. Also, due to health and sanitary reasons, you must keep your pet active and mobile. Pain can result from injuries like ruptured ligaments, Lyme disease, or hip dysplasia.

Drooling

If you have a dog as a pet like boxers, bloodhounds, or mastiffs, then you must be aware that drooling is a package deal with them. Excessive drooling might be a problem in the health of your pet. It might indicate heart strokes, dental issues like periodontitis. Pet might have chopped out something that has burned their mouth like ate any toxic plants, or even suffered from neurological problems.

Excessive consumption of water

You’ve probably seen your pet slurp away in the water. Possibly even lie down and mount the water bowl following playtime, especially outside on a summery day. Observing your pet return again and again to the water bowl over some time is not healthy. Drinking too much water can hint of kidney collapse, diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s disease, pyometra in unspayed female dogs, or, less commonly, psychogenic polydipsia, when it is related to a behavioral concern not due to sickness. Some pills may cause accretion in water consumption, and excessive breathing can also lead to heavy drinking.

Change in odor

Bad breath can be an assured sign of dental disease, oral melanoma, diabetes, or kidney failure. Normally Musky-smelling ears are a sign of an ear infection. Always remember healthy pets don’t stink. If they have started to smell differently, like bad breath, stinky ears, and skin, noxious smelling gas, there could be a problem. Smelly skin, accompanied at times with itchy, flaking skin or skin lesions, can indicate allergies, bacterial or yeast infections. So it would be best if you are more careful.

Wrapping

Many of these symptoms apply to many species, like signs of pain, digestive trouble. Some indications are more precise, like unexplained loss of feathers in a bird or signs of fungus in a fish. Despite which furry, four-legged, finned, or feathered friends share your life, the same rule of thumb implements: know your pets, and be on the scout for any unusual behavior or change. When you feel doubted or unsure, seek expert help before the signs get worse.