Your pet can’t talk, but they still can tell you when they need veterinary care. Our Alpine Animal Hospital team wants your four-legged friend to get the care they need when they need it, and we explain signs that indicate your pet needs veterinary attention.

#1: Changes in your pet’s eating or drinking habits

Any change in your pet’s appetite or water intake can indicate a serious problem. Illness, pain, and stress all can lead to decreased food and water intake and should be investigated by a veterinarian. In addition, increased food and water intake can be a sign of a serious health problem. Hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s disease, and diabetes are all conditions that can increase a pet’s appetite and thirst. Keep an eye on your pet’s food and water bowls so you know if they develop any changes in their eating or drinking habits.

#2: Pet skin itchiness or lesions

Many pets are affected by allergic dermatitis, and the condition can progress quickly and be hard to manage. Flea bite dermatitis, atopy (i.e., environmental allergens), and food sensitivities are the most commonly seen pet allergies. These conditions typically show up as excessive itchiness and skin lesions. If not properly treated, allergies can lead to skin excoriations (from constant scratching, licking, or chewing on the skin), skin infections, and chronic or recurrent ear infections. A thorough veterinary diagnostic workup is necessary to determine what is causing the problem so we can devise an effective treatment strategy. If your pet is itchy, schedule an appointment as soon as possible so we can help relieve their discomfort. 

#3: Pet eye issues

Minor eye issues can worsen quickly, threatening your pet’s vision. For example, a tiny corneal scratch can become infected, potentially compromising the entire eye. If your pet’s eye is tearing, they are squinting, or the eye appears abnormal in any way, contact our Alpine Animal Hospital team so we can perform an ophthalmic examination and provide the appropriate care.

#4: Changes in your cat’s elimination preferences

If your cat stops using their litter box, it may not be because they’re being spiteful. Many issues can lead a cat to eliminate inappropriately, and your feline friend needs a veterinary assessment to rule out potential health problems, such as arthritis, kidney disease, and feline idiopathic cystitis. Stress is another common cause of inappropriate elimination, and if our team rules out a medical condition, we can help you determine what is causing your cat’s stress and recommend remedies to restore peace in your home.

#5: Changes in your pet’s energy level

Some pets like nothing better than spending the entire day sleeping on the couch, but if your usually high-octane dog doesn’t perk up when you rattle their leash or your frisky feline doesn’t dart to catch the red dot, they could have a medical condition. In addition, if your normally quiet pet is restless or agitated, they may have a health problem. Many pet toxins, such as chocolate and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications, cause restlessness when ingested. Changes in your pet’s energy level should always be assessed by a veterinarian, and if you know or suspect your pet has ingested a toxin, you should immediately contact Animal Poison Control or the Pet Poison Helpline.

#6: Changes in your pet’s behavior

Pets feel vulnerable when they are sick or in pain, and this may cause them to uncharacteristically hide or exhibit neediness. In addition, some pets lash out and show aggression when they don’t feel well. Cognitive dysfunction, a condition similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans, is another reason your pet’s behavior may change, but early intervention can help slow disease progression. If your pet’s behavior changes, let our team know so we can rule out a health problem.

#7: Pet mobility issues

If your pet has a limp that doesn’t quickly resolve, they need veterinary attention. Other indications that your pet may have mobility issues include:

  • Difficulty navigating stairs
  • Stiffness after resting
  • Resting in awkward positions
  • Difficulty jumping on or off elevated surfaces
  • Choosing easier to access resting areas
  • Eliminating outside the litter box

Arthritis is a common problem in pets, especially senior pets, and the condition can cause significant pain and restrict their mobility. If your pet shows signs that indicate their mobility is affected, contact our team so we can provide treatment to help alleviate their joint discomfort.

#8: Pet gastrointestinal upset

Many pets have bouts of vomiting or diarrhea that resolve quickly, but in some cases, these signs warrant a veterinary examination. Your pet needs veterinary care if they have gastrointestinal (GI) upset in the following situations:

  • Toxin ingestion — You know or suspect your pet has ingested a toxin.
  • Foreign body ingestion — You know or suspect your pet has ingested a foreign body.
  • Other signs — Your pet also shows signs such as fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, abdominal distention, or pain.
  • Duration — Your pet has GI upset for more than 24 hours.
  • Blood — Your pet’s vomit or diarrhea contains blood.

If your pet vomits or has diarrhea once and seems perfectly normal, you can monitor them at home, but if any of the above situations apply, contact our Alpine Animal Hospital team so we can determine the problem and relieve their symptoms as soon as possible. 

Contact our Alpine Animal Hospital team if your pet shows any concerning clinical signs or to schedule a wellness exam to help prevent veterinary sick visits.