As a dog or cat parent, you want to do everything you can to take care of your furry friend and keep them safe. From giving them a comfortable home to ensuring they are healthy and happy, you would do just about anything for your pet. One thing that you should do is learn some signs that say you should take your pet to the vet.

At Paradise Point Animal Hospital in Phoenix, we offer a variety of pet care services and wellness plans to ensure that your dog or cat is as healthy as possible. While we offer unique service to help your pet, it is important that you know the signs to look for that indicate that your dog or cat should be taken to the vet. Since your pet can’t tell you when they don’t feel good or when something is wrong, understanding the signs can be very beneficial.

In this blog, we are going to go over some of the common signs. For both cats and dogs, the signs are pretty similar. Read on to learn more and be sure to contact us if you notice any of these signs!

Change in Eating Habits

While some pets have weird eating habits as it is, if you notice a drastic change in their eating habits it could be a sign that something is wrong. Be sure to pay attention to how often and how much they eat. If your pet goes from eating a regular amount to not eating for a few days, you definitely should bring them into the vet. It could be a sign of anything from a digestive issue to an obstruction in the intestines that could become more serious. Odd eating habits that could also be a cause for concern also include tearing through the garbage, acting hungrier than usual, and other behaviors.

Change in Drinking Habits

Just like a change in eating habits, a change in the amount they are drinking can be another sign that it is time to visit a vet. Whether your pet is suddenly drinking excessively or barely drinking at all, this could indicate that something is wrong. If your pet is not drinking enough water it could be an indication of a digestive issue. If they are drinking too much, it could be a sign of diabetes or kidney disease. Either way, you should bring your furry friend in to get checked out. A good way to tell if their drinking habits have changed is by paying attention to how often you refill your dog or cat’s water bowl. If you are filling it more or less often than usual, it is a sign that their drinking habits have changed.

Acting Lethargic

While it is normal for your dog or cat to act sleepy and tired from time to time, if they are acting more lethargic than normal, it could be a sign that you should schedule a vet appointment. If your dog or cat isn’t showing interest in things that they usually enjoy, like walks, playing fetch, chasing a laser, or any other activity, something could be wrong. If you begin to notice that your pet is going off to sleep alone in places they don’t normally sleep, it could be a sign that there is a serious problem.

Vomiting or Changes in Stool

While it can be common for dogs or cats to throw up or have diarrhea from time to time, especially if you change their food or they eat something new that doesn’t agree with their stomach, it shouldn’t be that common. If your pet is throwing up regularly or their stool is rarely solid, you should schedule a vet appointment. These could be signs of digestive inflammation, a blockage, serious allergies, or another disease. If your pet is vomiting blood, that is something that should not be ignored. Be sure to bring your pet in right away if you notice these behaviors.

Dragging Back Legs

This is a bad sign for your cat. When a cat has heart disease, they can develop a complication called aortic thromboembolism, which causes blood clots in the back legs. This can cause the back legs to become paralyzed. If you notice your cat dragging their back legs, be sure to contact us right away.

Rapid Breathing

If your dog or cat is breathing rapidly or having a difficult time breathing, be sure to keep an eye on it. While dogs, and some cats, can pant after exercise or after spending time in hot temperatures, their breathing should eventually return to normal. If they are struggling to breathe normally for a long period of time, it is best to schedule an appointment. While it may be something as simple as allergies, it could be something more serious. And by bringing them in, our team can determine if the issue is more serious.

Changes in Behavior

If your cat or dog suddenly becomes more aggressive or begins acting differently, it could be a sign that there is a problem. Dogs and cats can start to act aggressively when they are in pain or feeling ill. While you may assume that your pet has simply developed a behavior issue, if they have never had problems before and now suddenly do, it could be worth bringing them to the vet. We will be able to check for any injury or illness that could be causing them to act differently.

Any Other Sudden Changes

You know your pet better than anyone. You know how they act when they are stressed, scared, or tired. You know their weird quirks and regular behavioral habits. If you notice any sudden change in anything, it can often be a sign that something is off. Even a sudden change in their appearance can be a sign that something is wrong, for example, if their fur suddenly becomes dull and rough, if their eyes are constantly weeping, or if their weight changes. Any sudden and drastic change in your pet’s behaviors, appearance, or habits can be a sign that you should contact their vet.

There are many signs that your dog or cat may need to visit the vet. While some signs are obvious, there are other signs that you may not have even noticed. Be sure to pay attention to these things and keep an eye on any sudden changes in your furry friend. You want to keep them safe and healthy and by paying attention to these signs you can help!

If your pet does show any of these signs, be sure to contact Paradise Point Animal Hospital in Phoenix. We offer a variety of great veterinary services that can help keep your dog or cat healthy and happy. We also offer wellness plans for dogs and cats of all ages to ensure they are getting the care they need. Learn more and be sure to contact us to schedule an appointment today!