Know What to Look For: 7 Signs that Your Furry Pet Is Unwell

Know What to Look For: 7 Signs that Your Furry Pet Is Unwell

Owning a furry pet like a dog can be one of life’s greatest joys. Dogs bring us unconditional love and companionship, making them essential to many people’s families. As pet owners, however, it is vital to stay alert for any signs that your pup may not have the best health.

Animals, unlike humans, cannot vocalise when they feel unwell or in pain. It is thus up to us to look out for any physical cues and behavioural changes that may indicate health problems. Here are seven signs you should watch out for if you think your pet might be feeling unwell:

• Constant Coughing or Sneezing

You could believe that an occasional cough or sneeze is unimportant. However, you should send your dog to the doctor if they cough or sneeze frequently, even when not exposed to allergens like pollen. This can be a sign of allergies, asthma, or respiratory problems.

It might be something serious, like distemper, Bordetella, or chronic bronchitis. Long-term illnesses or even death could result from delayed treatment. Therefore, when a dog coughs more often than usual, don’t ignore it. Taking them to the doctor to diagnose and treat them properly would be preferable.

• Increased Drinking and Urination

There could be several causes if your pet urinates more frequently and drinks more water than usual. It can imply that they have diabetes or are dehydrated. Diabetes can lead to frequent urination and excessive thirst. Additionally, you ought to consider the colour and volume of their urine. You must visit the vet right away for a diagnosis of diabetes because it can be lethal if not treated promptly.

In addition to diabetes, increased drinking and urination may indicate kidney or liver damage, which calls for urgent medical care. Take your pet to the vet for a check-up if the urine is dark and has risen significantly.

• Unusual or Unpleasant Odour

An unpleasant smell coming from your pet could be an indication of a variety of health issues. It may mean they have an ear infection, skin disease, or dental problem. If you notice a terrible odour coming from their breath, it could mean that they have poor oral hygiene and need to go for teeth cleaning at the vet.

If the odour comes from their skin or ears, it could mean an underlying infection, and they need medical attention. Taking your pet for regular check-ups is essential so any health issues can be identified early and treated quickly. If these issues are left untreated, they can develop into serious illnesses and cause your pet discomfort.

• Limping or Struggling to Move

If your pet is limping or having trouble moving around, that may also indicate that they feel under the weather. This can indicate a bone fracture, joint pain, or muscle strain. It may also be a sign of hip dysplasia or arthritis. All of these ailments require immediate medical care and treatment.

Taking your pet in for an ultrasound or X-ray is the most excellent method to identify the underlying issue. This will make it easier for the veterinarian to find and treat the problem appropriately, using medicine, rest, or surgery as necessary. You must act immediately to stop your furry pet from getting any long-term health problems.

• Changes in Eating Habits

Your dog may have a health problem if they abruptly stop eating or start eating significantly more than normal. They may be ill or in discomfort if their hunger suddenly decreases, so you should take them to the vet for a check-up.

Additionally, excessive eating may indicate internal issues like thyroid, digestive, or diabetes. You should watch how much and what kind of food your pet eats because nutrition is crucial to their health. Additionally, watch for vomiting or diarrhoea symptoms, which could indicate that your pet requires medical assistance.

• Lethargy and Loss of Interest

Our pets, like us, can grow weary and lose interest in everyday tasks. This could indicate a minor to serious health issue. It could be a mild symptom like fatigue or a sign of a dangerous condition like cancer, heart disease, or kidney failure. Stress or hopelessness may also be to fault in addition to physical issues.

Changes in the environment or diet, inactivity, high levels of stress, or an underlying infection could all be contributing factors to your dog acting strange. If your pet appears exhausted and uninterested in their usual activities, determine the cause and take them to the vet for a check-up.

A prompt recovery will be ensured by an early diagnosis, which will make solving the issue simpler.

• Uncontrollable Shaking

Uncontrolled shaking in dogs may be a sign of pain or discomfort. It might also be brought on by acute cold or anxiety and dread. Taking your dog to the vet for a check-up is advised if their trembling is chronic and you cannot determine the underlying cause. The veterinarian can establish whether a medical problem, such as a seizure or an infection, caused the shaking.

The best method to stop the shaking and ensure your pet is secure and healthy is to address the underlying problem.

To assist in controlling the shaking, the veterinarian may prescribe medication, dietary recommendations, or lifestyle changes. Keep your pet away from any circumstances that make them tremble, such as loud noises or strange persons.

Final Thoughts

You are the expert on your pet. Therefore, it is crucial to watch for any behavioural changes and take your pet to the doctor if something doesn’t seem right. Your pet can have a long, happy life if given the right care and prompt medical attention.

Guest Article.