6 Signs That Every Pet Parent Should Look Out For Timely Diagnosis

Welcoming a furry friend into your home is your starting point to pet parenthood, with their health and happiness being one of your prime responsibilities. Unlike humans, pets however communicate through subtle cues and behaviors that aren’t always immediately evident at the off. Paying close attention to their actions and understanding their habits will help you establish a strong connection with your pets, and pick up on any changes early on for timely care and recovery.

With a focus on attentive observation and proactive care, Dr Thomas Heathcote, Chief Veterinary Officer at the Small Animal Hospital, highlights the top 6 most common warning signs and symptoms that every parent must watch out for – equipping you with all the insider info you need to spark a healthy dialogue with your pets and seek prompt veterinary care when necessary.

1. Monitoring your pet’s weight to uncover underlying concernsWhile it’s normal for your pet’s weight to slightly fluctuate due to changes in diet and exercise, it’s important for pet parents to keep an eye out for any unexplained and rapid weight loss, which might be a sign of underlying health concerns. For example, unexplained weight loss accompanied by decrease in muscle mass and weakness (also known as muscle atrophy) in pets could point to metabolic diseases. Additionally, unexplained weight loss without symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea may raise suspicion of underlying conditions such as cancer. Remember, your pet dropping more than 10% of their usual weight without any changes to their diet or activity levels requires clinical intervention. To stay on top of your pet’s health, it is advised to monitor their weight at least every 6 months or when associated concerns surface, followed by veterinary consultation to secure prompt and positive health outcomes for your furry friend.
2. Is your pet breathing okay? Decoding the signs of respiratory concernsA pet’s normal breathing rate at home typically ranges from 10 to 30 breaths per minute. While occasional colds or congestion may come and go every once in a while, persistent difficulties like coughing, excessive panting, or wheezing, without an obvious trigger, could indicate serious conditions like heatstroke or chronic illnesses that should not be taken lightly. Additionally, changes in breathing patterns could be a response to anxiety or distress. If your pet appears overwhelmed, offering a gentle massage or engaging them with interactive toys can offer immediate relief. However, if the anxiety persists, it’s crucial to involve your veterinarian to identify the underlying causes and triggers of the anxiety.
3. Navigating personality changes: Understanding sudden aggression in petsWitnessing sudden aggression from your once mild-mannered companion is understandably distressing. Aggressive behaviors like gnawing, biting, and growling not only pose a safety risk but can also leave you wondering what’s wrong. While fear or frustration are commonly known triggers for sudden aggression, it’s important to recognise that underlying health issues may also be at play, such as pain, joint disease, hormonal issues, or even brain issues that can lead to aggression and irritability. Besides, paying attention to the conditions that trigger aggression can provide insights into the root cause of your pet’s behavior as well. For example, an ear infection could be behind your pet’s aggression in response to loud noises, while dental issues might be causing irritability during eating. Understanding the root cause of your pet’s aggression and sharing this information with your vet can facilitate their rehabilitation and training journey, helping bring your furry friend back to their positive behavior swiftly.
4. Listen to their gut: Watch out for unproductive strainingIf your pet pooch has not been “minding their business”, they could potentially be facing pain or difficulty during defecation or urination. If you notice them display signs like unproductive straining, crying or crouching when attempting to defecate for over two days – constipation may be a contributing factor. Similarly, struggling with urination could indicate urethral blockages, a serious condition that can make pets very sick and even lead to death in some cases – making it critical to get your pet examined by your vet, who can then determine the cause and accordingly undertake the necessary procedures and prescribe intravenous fluids, medications, setting your pet on the path to recovery.
5. Inappetance alert: When your pet says ‘no’ to foodNutrition forms the cornerstone of a healthy life for all living beings, and if your pet is consistently refusing food, it’s a clear indication that something isn’t right. While some pets may be naturally picky eaters, a sudden loss in their appetite warrants attention. Potential causes of inappetence range from systemic diseases like liver or kidney issues to infections, inflammation, pain, stress, or medication side effects. Consulting a veterinarian is crucial in such cases, as they can conduct tests to rule out systemic diseases through tests for their liver or kidney as well as initiating discussions about your pet’s specific nutritional needs.
6. Scratching beneath the surface: What causes excessive skin irritation?Excessive itching, scratching, and licking can be triggered due to various reasons – ranging from minor cases of parasites, microbial infections, or allergies to more chronic cases accompanied by lumps or lesions that can be caused due to tumors and cysts. Not only can prolonged itching be the surface sign of deeper health concerns, it can also lead your pet to injuring themselves, which can become serious if left unchecked. So, if your pet continues to itch or scratch for more than a few days, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your vet. Depending on the condition of your pet, the vet might prescribe food trials, physical examination, or biopsy to determine the cause scale of the condition. A best practice in such cases is also to keep documenting pictures of the area between appointments to help your vet in diagnosing and recommending an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your pet’s needs.

Ultimately, it’s important to remember that whatever be the cause of concern, all issues are significantly more treatable when detected early. Keeping a keen eye on your pet and knowing when to seek help can make all the difference in ensuring the lasting well-being of your beloved four-legged companions.