When your pet is sick, prompt veterinary intervention is important to improve their prognosis. However, pets often hide pain and illness. Our Bayview Animal Hospital team wants your four-legged friend to get the care they need as soon as possible. Read our guide to the signs that indicate your pet requires veterinary attention. 

#1: Your pet’s appetite changes

Whether your pet is picky or eats everything in sight, their appetite provides valuable information about their health, and you should pay close attention to any change in your furry pal’s appetite. Anytime your pet feels bad or experiences pain, they are likely to have a reduced appetite. They may rush to the food bowl as usual, but if they only sniff the food or take a few unenthusiastic bites, this is cause for concern. On the other hand, if your pet’s appetite increases, this can also indicate a problem. The following conditions can increase your furry pal’s appetite:

  • Diabetes — Diabetic pets can’t use the glucose they consume for energy, and they become constantly hungry.
  • Hyperthyroidism — Hyperthyroidism is most common in older cats. The condition increases their metabolism, causing an affected cat to have a ravenous appetite. However, they also typically lose weight.
  • Cushing’s disease — Cushing’s disease is most common in older dogs. The condition causes excessive cortisol levels that stimulate their appetite.
  • Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) — EPI interferes with nutrition absorption, causing an affected pet to be hungry despite eating normally.

#2: Your pet’s thirst changes

Similar to appetite, your pet’s thirst is also an important health indicator. An ill pet often doesn’t drink enough water, which can quickly lead to dehydration. If the water level in your pet’s bowl remains the same, evaluate your furry pal’s hydration status. Dehydration signs include reduced energy, tacky mucous membranes, panting, and decreased skin elasticity. If your pet is dehydrated, they need fluid therapy to avoid serious complications. On the other hand, if your four-legged friend’s thirst has increased, they may have a health condition such as:

  • Kidney disease — Kidney disease affects the body’s ability to concentrate urine, increasing urination, which subsequently increases thirst. 
  • Pyometra — Pyometra is a serious uterine bacterial infection. The bacteria produce toxins that can interfere with the kidneys’ ability to retain fluid, resulting in increased urination and thirst.
  • Diabetes — Diabetic pets have high blood sugar. An affected pet’s kidneys excrete excess sugar, pulling water with it. This causes increased urination and thirst.
  • Cushing’s disease — The excessive cortisol in a Cushingoid pet’s bloodstream causes increased thirst and urination.

#3: Your pet’s behavior changes

You know your pet better than anyone, and subtle behavioral changes can indicate they aren’t feeling well. Is your social butterfly hiding under the bed? Is your independent rock star suddenly clingy? Is your gentle giant irritable and grumpy? Signs such as these could indicate that your pet has a medical condition. In addition, you should closely monitor your senior pet for behavioral changes, because they may indicate your furry pal is experiencing cognitive dysfunction, a condition similar to Alzheimer’s disease in people. 

#4: Your cat refuses to use their litter box

If your cat suddenly refuses to use their litter box, schedule an appointment with our Bayview Animal Hospital team, so we can rule out a medical problem. Several conditions, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney disease, urinary stones, and feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), can cause your whiskered pal to avoid their litter box. 

#5: Your pet is excessively itchy

Pets’ skin allergies are common. Your four-legged friend can be allergic to anything, but common culprits include fleas, food, such as chicken, beef, and dairy, and environmental allergens, including dust, pollens, and molds. An allergic reaction typically manifests as itchy skin, and hair loss and secondary skin and ear infections can also occur. If not diagnosed and treated properly, skin allergies can cause your furry pal to experience significant complications. Our Bayview Animal Hospital team can manage your pet’s itchiness effectively when you provide us with the opportunity to diagnose your furry pal’s underlying condition as early as possible in the disease process. 

#6: Your pet has atrocious breath

If your pet’s breath makes your eyes cross, you should schedule a veterinary appointment. Although periodontal disease is one of the most common pet conditions, the disease often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Food stuck to your pet’s teeth attracts bacteria that invade under their gumline, which can lead to loose or missing teeth, painful gums, and tooth root abscesses. In addition, the harmful bacteria can enter your pet’s bloodstream and damage their kidneys, heart, and liver. Regular professional veterinary dental examinations and cleanings are important to address this concerning issue and keep your pet’s mouth healthy and fresh.

#7: Your pet is a little overweight

Or maybe a lot overweight! You love your pet, and may not be able to decline when they beg for that extra treat. You aren’t alone. The majority of U.S. pets are overweight. You may think the extra weight only adds to your furry pal’s charm, but overweight pets have an increased risk for several serious health problems such as cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, and arthritis. If your pet has a few pounds to lose, our Bayview Animal Hospital team can devise a weight-loss program to help your four-legged friend safely lose weight. We will also evaluate your pet to ensure a medical condition, such as a metabolic problem, isn’t contributing to their weight gain.

Pets are great at hiding pain and illness, but subtle signs can indicate that a medical condition is affecting them. If your pet is exhibiting a concerning sign, or you’re ready to schedule their wellness examination, contact our Bayview Animal Hospital team.