Many pets are masters at hiding illness and pain, and continue going about their normal business despite feeling under the weather. Because pets can’t actually tell us they are feeling unwell, pet owners must remain vigilant to any concerning changes in their pet’s behavior that could indicate a problem. Like human children, not every illness sign is cause for concern, but some can be more serious than they seem. The Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team is sharing the top clinical signs that pet owners shouldn’t ignore.

#1: Vomiting or diarrhea in pets

Acute vomiting or diarrhea is a good reason for your pet to visit the veterinarian promptly, but low-level, chronic, or intermittent issues can be easier to ignore. Pets who are still eating, drinking, and acting normally but who have periodic vomiting or diarrhea episodes likely have an underlying inflammatory disease or a dietary issue. Left unchecked, seemingly minor gastrointestinal (GI) issues likely will become worse, while the sooner you take action, the easier the diagnostic and treatment process.

#2: Changes in pet eating or drinking habits

Changes in eating and drinking habits almost always indicate an underlying medical issue, but they can be so subtle that pet owners may not recognize the problem right away, or attribute the change to normal aging. However, any increase or decrease in food or water intake, and in urine volume, is cause for concern, and you should schedule a veterinary visit for your pet. Possible causes include:

  • Pain
  • Dental disease
  • Endocrine disorder
  • Kidney disease
  • Infection

#3: Bad breath in pets

Contrary to popular belief, bad breath is not normal for pets, and your pet’s breath should smell neutral. A bad odor usually indicates dental disease, but can also indicate kidney or GI disease. And, dental disease is more than bad breath—dental disease also causes your pet pain, tooth loss, and gum infections that can spread through the bloodstream to damage vital organs, including the heart, liver, or kidneys. Ask our team about your pet’s dental health, and whether a dental cleaning could be beneficial.

#4: Coughing in pets

Coughing and sneezing are typical respiratory virus signs in people, but can indicate something more serious in your pet. In a young, social, otherwise healthy dog, a cough that lasts a week or so is often kennel cough (i.e., a self-limiting respiratory infection that can be treated by resting your pet away from other pets). Coughing in an older dog, a dog who is showing other illness signs, or in any cat is likely a different problem, and should be brought to your veterinarian’s attention.

#5: Changes in pet energy level

Energy level changes are common in older pets who become less excitable and less interested in play, but sudden or drastic changes can indicate something else, such as an acute infection, cancer, endocrine disease, arthritis pain, or heart failure. These diseases are easy to miss in an aging pet, so we recommend twice-yearly wellness examinations to help ensure early detection.

#6: Limping or weakness in pets

Arthritis is common in aging pets, but “common” is not the same as “normal.” Degenerative joint disease is exactly that—a disease—and will become progressively worse over time without treatment. Many treatments are available that will decrease pain, improve mobility, and slow down further joint destruction, including:

  • Medications
  • Supplements
  • Alternative therapies
  • Laser therapy
  • Regenerative therapies

#7: Itchy skin in pets

Most itchy pets are suffering from allergies, and cannot be helped by antihistamines, which are effective for people but not pets. Pets can develop allergies to fleas, food, or environmental triggers, such as pollen, mold, insects, or dander from other species. Successful allergy treatment requires a multi-modal approach with medicated shampoos, prescription medications, and sometimes allergy immunotherapy or a special diet. Without proper treatment, allergies can make your pet miserable and vulnerable to secondary infections.

#8: Behavior changes in pets

If your normally sweet, calm pet becomes grumpy or anxious, or they forget some of their previous training, you should have our veterinarians check them out. They will first rule out a medical problem, which may include pain, endocrine disease, hypertension, or dementia onset. If a medical problem is not the reason for your pet’s behavior change, our veterinary team can advise you on training strategies or refer you to another expert who can help.

Your pet’s health is in your hands, and you know your pet best. If you notice any of the above signs, or any other changes in your pet, contact the Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team and schedule an appointment.