When your pet seems to be feeling not quite right, or their habits have slightly changed, you probably wonder whether they need a veterinary exam, or if you can wait and see if they improve on their own. We’ve all been there, veterinary professionals included. We know that can be a tough call, so our Central Kentucky Veterinary Center team is sharing pet clinical signs that warrant a veterinary exam. Of course, whenever you’re on the fence whether or not your four-legged friend needs an appointment, contact us for advice.

For future reference, bookmark the following list of clinical signs that indicate your pet is somewhat amiss and requires veterinary attention.

#1: Your pet is not eating as much

Most pets will allow only a serious problem to disrupt their appetite, so a decreased interest in food is often cause for concern. Your pet may not be eating as much because they’re nauseous, in pain, constipated, or stressed, or because they are vomiting and have diarrhea. 

Common inappetence causes in pets include:

  • Dental disease
  • Organ dysfunction (e.g., kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure)
  • Pancreatitis
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) problems (e.g., blockage, stomach upset, vomiting, constipation)
  • Intestinal parasites
  • Osteoarthritis and other painful orthopedic problems
  • Anxiety, stress, or fear
  • Medication side effects

Pets may also not want to eat if something is wrong with the food. They likely will turn up their nose at expired or contaminated food in their dish and look for a meal elsewhere. 

#2: Your pet is drinking and urinating more than normal

Excessive thirst and urination are signs most commonly associated with urinary problems, kidney disease, or endocrine disorders like diabetes. Your pet may also  have blood in their urine, more frequent urination, larger amounts of urine, or difficulty urinating. If your cat is flooding their litter box, or your dog is having accidents inside, they need an exam to determine the cause.

#3: Your pet is breathing oddly

Has your furry pal developed a hacking cough? Maybe they’re resting but still panting more than normal. A change in your pet’s breathing can be attributed to a massive range of conditions, from kennel cough or pain, to a collapsing trachea, or congestive heart failure. Without diagnosis and treatment, your pet may not get sufficient oxygen, so seek veterinary care if you notice abnormalities in their breathing patterns and effort.

#4: Your pet is less active than usual

Pets who don’t feel well are generally less active, lethargic, or depressed, and may appear weak when standing or walking. This vague sign may indicate that your pet has an underlying issue and requires a veterinarian to find other clinical signs and perform diagnostic tests that will help pinpoint the cause.

#5: Your pet smells

Foul odors from either end of your pet are a problem. Eau de canine and doggy breath, although common, are not normal for pets, and can point to a range of problems, including:

  • Dental disease
  • Kidney failure
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis
  • Anal sac abscess
  • Diarrhea
  • Perianal fistula
  • Skin allergies and infections
  • Ear infections
  • Digestive disorders

#6: Your pet is scratching, licking, or chewing excessively

A pet’s occasional scratch, head shake, or roll on the ground is normal, but excessive itchiness can be incredibly uncomfortable. Your pet may be itchy because of parasites, like fleas or mange mites, or they may be developing allergies to something in their environment, eating a poor diet with inadequate fatty acids, or uncomfortable because of a growing mass.

#7: Your pet’s personality has changed

Although your pet can’t speak actual words, their behavior changes can tell you there’s a problem. If your normally happy, confident pet turns into an irritable, anxious mess, they can be suffering from a wide range of issues that require veterinary attention. 

#8: Your pet’s eyes look different

All changes in your pet’s eyes should lead to an exam, as ocular conditions can rapidly decline and cause extreme pain or permanent vision loss. If you notice any of the following eye problems, seek veterinary treatment:

  • Redness
  • Cloudiness
  • Excessive discharge
  • Different-sized pupils
  • Pupils that do not constrict
  • Light sensitivity
  • Protruding or elevated third eyelid
  • Bulging or sunken eyeball

Knowing whether your pet needs veterinary attention can be a difficult call. Instead of wondering, make a call to our Central Kentucky Veterinary Center to discuss your furry pal’s condition and schedule an appointment if needed.