Seeing pets exhibit behaviors that their owners are not accustomed to is concerning. Many pet owners are unsure whether their pet requires emergency treatment or if some rest would suffice. Unfortunately, pet owners frequently do not know when their pet needs veterinary care and may underestimate the severity of their pet’s illness or injury.
Animals are very good at pretending to be healthy and only displaying a few subtle signs that there is anything wrong. That is why it is critical for pet owners to be aware of minor changes in their pets’ behavior, appetite, or attitude, as these can be indicators of a serious health problem and should be taken seriously.
When should I contact the vet?
Unlike humans, pets are integral to your family, but pets cannot express their discomfort or illness. It can be challenging to distinguish between a pet’s limp and a severe illness from a sudden loss of appetite. How do you know when to call for medical assistance or go to the hospital for an emergency?
1. Changing Eating Patterns
Pets frequently skip meals, especially on hot summer days or in unfamiliar settings. Any more than this, though, might be a sign that something is wrong with your pet. You should call your veterinarian if you go two days without eating. You should make an appointment with your veterinarian if your pet is acting unusually hungry, begging for food excessively, or trying to eat everything it can get its paws on.
This may indicate a medical problem, though it is not always an emergency. However, they must assess each pet/patient individually, and factors like a pet’s age, breed, and medical history should always be considered. For instance, a 10-year-old Maltese with diabetes may be less concerned than a 2-year-old healthy Rhodesian Ridgeback missing a meal. Always call your kitten vet in Doraville, GA if you need more clarification.
2. Unreasonable Thirst
Your pet may drink more water than usual, depending on the weather and recent exercise or activity. If excessive thirst and drinking last longer than a day, it might also be a sign of diabetes or kidney disease. Call your veterinarian immediately if you fill the water bowl more frequently than usual. It is not because the weather is getting warmer or your pet is urinating less regularly.
3. Lethargy
If your pet seems more worn out and sluggish than usual, there may be a problem. Perhaps your pet is less receptive to commands and uninterested in playing or going for walks. If it lasts longer than two days, even though it might just be sore muscles or fatigue brought on by the warm weather, you should contact your veterinarian or check this link.
4. Vomiting
The majority of pets vomit occasionally. Our pets vomit to get rid of things incompatible with their systems, just like humans do. If your pet vomits blood or does it frequently, you must call the vet immediately. In contrast to a pet that vomits three times in eight hours, it is typically less concerning for a pet to vomit twice or thrice in ten minutes and then recover.
Dehydration may also result from severe or prolonged vomiting, so you should get help immediately. Lethargy, a lack of appetite, and diarrhea may indicate an emergency that necessitates calling your veterinarian directly. They may also need to go to a pet laboratory to have a proper diagnosis.
5. Scooting
While scooting your rear end across the floor might seem like a silly pet trick, it could be a sign of worms, an anal gland issue, bowel movement problems, or even a urinary tract infection. You should call your veterinarian if your pet starts scooting out of the blue or if this behavior worsens.
6. Eye Appearance
Eyes that are red, cloudy, or have unusual eye discharge may be signs of an infection or wound. Additionally, if your pet is pawing at his eye(s) or squinting, this may be a problem. Due to the quick progression of eye diseases, you should consider these symptoms. As a general rule, infection or injury may be to blame if only one eye is affected. Consider a systemic problem, such as allergies or other health problems, if both eyes are affected.
7. Unexpected Weight Loss
Any size pet experiencing sudden weight loss should be taken to the vet for evaluation. Even in overweight pets, quick and unexpected weight loss may signify a severe medical condition. Even though it might be challenging to measure, you should inform your veterinarian if you see a 10% weight loss.
