How to tell if your pet is sick

Our pets are our best friends, the ones we turn to for companionship, affection and company. In return, we feed them, care for them, and ensure they are healthy. So when they are ill, it can be heartbreaking and many people panic, not having experienced a sick pet before.

Unlike humans, animals cannot simply tell us if they feel ill. Instead, subtle behaviour changes may indicate that our pets are feeling under the weather and may need medical attention.

Here is our quick guide on the common signs of a sick pet and what to do if you think your pet is sick.

Symptoms of a sick dog

Depending on the particular sickness your dog is suffering, they can display a wide range of symptoms and behaviour changes. These can range from obvious symptoms to more subtle personality changes. Some of the most common symptoms of a sick dog are:

  • Diarrhoea

  • Repeated vomiting

  • Refusing to eat food

  • Excessive thirst

  • Increased need to urinate

  • Difficulty urinating

  • Excessive tiredness

  • Unusual signs of aggression

  • Inability to settle

These symptoms should be monitored, and if they last longer than 24 hours, they may be cause to call the vet. More serious signs of illness in dogs could include seizures, excessive vomiting, trouble breathing or an inability to stand. If your dog exhibits any of these signs, seek urgent veterinary care.

Common illnesses in dogs include:

  • Kennel cough/Canine cough is one of the most common diseases dogs can get, resulting from viruses and bacteria picked up from other dogs. The most obvious symptom of kennel cough is a forceful, hacking cough as if your dog is trying to get something out of its throat. Vaccinations are the best way to protect your dog against serious symptoms of Canine cough.

  • Pancreatitis is a common cause of abdominal pain in dogs, which results from inflammation of the pancreas. This can cause dogs to refuse to eat, experience abdominal upset and exhibit general lethargy.

  • Ear infections can be very common in dogs, causing them severe ear pain. Often they rub their ears or shake their heads to relieve the pain. Ear infections can often be easily treated through the use of ear drops. 

Symptoms of a sick cat

Cats can be much more sensitive than dogs, and signs of illness could also be a signal that your cat is feeling anxious or has gone through a recent change. It can be much more difficult to figure out what exactly is the cause for any behaviour changes, particularly as cats are remarkably good at hiding any discomfort or signs of sickness.

Some common symptoms of a sick cat are:

  • Diarrhoea

  • Repeated vomiting

  • Sudden mood change

  • No desire to play

  • Constricted or dilated pupils

  • Change in vocalness

  • No desire to eat

  • Change in grooming habits

  • Change in toilet habits

  • Aggressive behaviour

A sudden change in eating habits could indicate your cat is suffering from diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease or even intestinal cancer. If your cat suddenly drinks more water, it could be a sign that it has developed kidney disease or thyroid problems.

Diarrhoea or vomiting may indicate that your cat has developed an intestinal problem or has a nasty virus.

As cats can be more independent than dogs, it can be more difficult to spot any of these signs, particularly if your cat spends a lot of time outside. However, no one knows your cat as well as you do, so if you feel like your cat is unwell, it is best to trust your instincts.

What to do if you think your pet is sick

If you have observed any of these symptoms in your cat or dog, contact us at 9842 5330 to arrange an appointment. Our vets will ask you if there were any changes in their environment and when you first noticed the symptoms, so keeping notes is a great idea.

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