Seven Symptoms to Not  Ignore in Your Pet

During these tough economic times, many pet owners are looking for ways to save money. Sometimes, pet owners delay seeking vet care because they're uncertain if a visit to the vet is absolutely necessary. Most pet owners know that if a pet collapses, has a seizure, is bleeding, bloated, unable to walk or has been injured, the pet needs to immediately go to the veterinarian quickly. But what about other systoms, more subtle symptoms? When should you absolutely, positively take your pet to the veterinarian? Here are some of the common clinical signs that should never be ignored in your dog or cat.

1. Difficulty Breathing

Any changes in your pet's breathing must be addressed immediately. Cats and small dogs have very small respiratory tracts, so even seemingly minor breathing issues can quickly lead to a life-threatening situation. If your dog or cat coughs, pants more than normal, fatigues easily or suddenly has loud or noisy breathing, it should be examined by a veterinarian immediately. Heart and lung disease, infections, and obstructions  can cause sudden breathing problems.

2. Vomiting

Vomiting three or more times in a day is concerning. Vomiting three or more times in an hour should be considered an emergency. While there is numerous causes of vomiting in dogs and cats, most of the causes are non-life-threatening. However pets should be checked for intestinal obstructions, infections, pancreatitis, liver or kidney disease, hormonal imbalance or other problems. The sooner a pet is diagnosed and treated, the less costly the treatment will be for the owner.

3. DiarrheaDiarrhea that persists for more than a day should always be addressed. Small pets can quickly become dehydrated.  A teaspoon of pumpkin twice a day should help loose stools.  If not, go to the vet so both you and your pet feel better.

4. Sudden increase in water consumption or urination

If you observe your dog or cat constantly at their water bowl, asking to go out more frequently or you are changing the litterbox more often, take your pet to the vet. These are clinical signs associated with diabetes, kidney or liver disease, kidney or bladder infections, poisoning, hormonal diseases and more.

5. Dark or bloody stools

Dark, black or tar-like stools is associated with digested blood in the feces. Bright red blood often accompanies colitis or anal gland conditions. A pet should be checked out when there is a change in their feces. Bleeding ulcers, intestinal parasites, foreign objects and more can cause dark or bloody stools and should be treated as quickly as possible.

6. Not eating for 48 hours

When your pet doesn't eat for two consecutive days, it is time to go to the vet. If you delay treatment, your pet may experience further nutritional deficiencies that may complicate their recovery. Cats, especially those that are overweight, that don't eat may also develop acute life-threatening liver failure. Take your pet's lack of appetite very seriously and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

7. Unable to defecate or urinate

A pet that is straining or unable to urinate or defecate is in immediate danger and at risk for bladder or urethral rupture, kidney failure, blood poisoning, and seizures. Pets that start out straining to go to the bathroom may suddenly develop a complete blockage. Male pets are at higher risk for urethral or urinary obstructions.

Our pets rely on our observations and familiarity to do what is best for them.  Our pets can’t speak, so it our responsibility to bring them to the vet when they are not their normal self or when they are exhibiting any of the above symptoms.