It is concerning when pets act in a way their owners are not accustomed to. When this occurs, many pet owners are still deciding whether their animal needs emergency medical care or whether some rest would suffice. Unfortunately, pet owners frequently underestimate how serious an illness or injury is to their animal and fail to recognize when it needs veterinary care.
Animals are adept at presenting themselves as healthy and displaying only a few mild symptoms of any issues. Pet owners must be aware of these minor variations in behavior, appetite, or attitude because they may signal serious health problems and should be taken seriously.
When Should You Call a Vet?
Although your pet is an essential member of your family, unlike humans, they cannot express illness or pain. It is not easy to tell the difference between a pet’s limp, a severe illness, and an unexpected loss of appetite. How do you know when to go to a puppy clinic in Doraville, GA, or seek medical attention in an emergency?
1. Changing Eating Patterns
Pets frequently skip meals, particularly on warm summer days or in an unfamiliar environment. Any more than this, however, might point to a health issue with your pet. You must call your vet if your pet has yet to eat in two days.
Or if your pet is acting unusually hungry, constantly pleading for food, or trying to eat anything, it can get its paws on. Although this might be a sign of a health issue, it is not always an emergency.
They must, however, assess each pet/patient uniquely, considering the pet’s age, breed, and medical background. For example, a 2-year-old healthy Rhodesian Ridgeback may be less concerned about missing a meal than a 10-year-old Maltese with diabetes. Call your veterinarian at all times if you need more details.
2. Abnormal Thirst
Your pet may drink more water than usual, depending on the weather and the most recent exercise or activity. Extreme thirst and drinking for more than a day could be signs of diabetes or kidney disease. Call your veterinarian immediately if you are filling the water bowl more frequently than usual. It is not because the temperature is rising or your pet is going less frequently, either.
3. Sluggish
If your pet appears more worn out and sluggish than usual, there might be a problem. Perhaps your pet ignores your commands and shows no enthusiasm for walks or playtime. Even if the condition is only muscle soreness or heat exhaustion, you should see your veterinarian if it lasts longer than two days.
If you have a senior pet, it can be difficult to determine whether they are simply old or if something is wrong. As pets age, they may become more prone to certain illnesses or develop mobility issues, so geriatric vet care is essential. Read more info concerning this.
4. Vomiting
The vast majority of pets occasionally vomit. Our pets vomit to get things out of their systems, just like humans do. If your pet frequently urinates blood, you must call a vet immediately. A pet that vomits twice or three times in ten minutes and then recovers is typically less problematic than one that does so three times in eight hours.
Seek medical help immediately if your pet is experiencing severe or prolonged vomiting because it can dehydrate them. Lethargy, a lack of appetite, and diarrhea could be signs of an emergency requiring prompt veterinary care. Consider going to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory for an accurate diagnosis.
5. Scooting
Although scooting your behind across the floor might seem like a silly pet trick, it could be an indication of worms, bowel movement issues, an issue with the anal gland, or even a urinary tract infection (UTI). If your pet suddenly starts scooting or the behavior worsens, you should call your veterinarian.
6. Eye Appearance
Red, cloudy, or abnormally discharged eyes could signify an infection or wound. Another issue might arise if your pet squints or looks directly into one or both eyes. Awareness of the following symptoms is crucial because eye diseases progress quickly. Infection or trauma is more likely to be suspected when only one eye is affected. If both eyes are affected, consider a systemic issue, such as allergies or other health problems.
7. Sudden Weight Loss
No matter its size, any pet experiencing sudden weight loss should be examined by a veterinarian. Even in obese pets, sudden and rapid weight loss may signify a serious medical condition. Even though it may be challenging to measure, you should inform your veterinarian of any weight loss of 10%.
