If You Notice Any Of These Signs You Need To Go To The Vets Immediately

1. Your pet has suddenly lost interest in food

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If your pet suddenly has a decreased appetite and loses interest in food, it could indicate an underlying health issue such as dental problems, gastrointestinal issues, or even systemic illness. There might be a simple reason why they're suddenly not interested in eating, but it's important to get it checked out.

2. They're very thirsty

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Increased water consumption can be a sign of diabetes, kidney disease, or other medical conditions that require veterinary attention. As we know ourselves, it's also a sign of dehydration when we suddenly need to increase our water intake so that our minds and bodies are looked after.

3. They are throwing up or suffering from diarrhea

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Frequent vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration and may signal a gastrointestinal problem, ingestion of a toxic substance, or infection. The main thing to focus on is why they're suddenly being sick or having toilet troubles, as this can be an indication of a larger issue your pet is suffering from.

4. Your pet is suddenly lethargic

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A lack of energy or enthusiasm in your pet's behavior could be due to pain, illness, or discomfort and should be evaluated by a vet. You know your pet better than anyone, which is why it's easy to tell when your pet has lost energy when they usually have bags of it around the house or outside.

5. Your pet seems to have difficulty breathing

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This doesn't have to be something very obvious, like if they're choking - you may have just noticed they're making a restricted noise when breathing, or breathing more rapidly as though they're trying to catch their breath. Any difficulty breathing or panting excessively could indicate respiratory distress, heart problems, or other serious conditions.

6. Persistent coughing or sneezing

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Persistent coughing or sneezing could be a sign of respiratory infection, allergies, or even heart disease in pets. It's important to think if anything benign could have caused their sneezing, like if you've just been in a field with long grass - otherwise, with no obvious cause, speak to your vet.

7. Limping or lameness

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Changes in your pet's gait or reluctance to put weight on a limb could indicate injury, arthritis, or other musculoskeletal issues. Age can be a huge factor in whether you're pet is limping, but keep an eye out for sudden limping which could indicate a sudden injury or another issue that needs looking at.

8. Unexplained changes in their weight

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Significant changes in weight without changes in diet or activity level may indicate an underlying medical problem such as thyroid issues, diabetes, or organ dysfunction. It can be helpful for pet owners to keep track of weight and activity of their pet all the time, so that they can more easily see when there's a change/issue.

9. Changes in their pee or their pee routine

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Straining to urinate, urinating more frequently, or blood in the urine could be signs of urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or kidney disease. It's always worth taking a quick look at your pet's pee when they're out on a walk, or if they do it in the yard, so that you can check if everything is okay.

10. They're excessively scratching or itching at themselves

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Persistent scratching or biting at the skin could indicate allergies, parasites, or skin infections that require veterinary attention. It may also be an indication of fleas - keeping on top of flea treatment is important, so if they're scratching despite being flea'ed and checked, it could be an indication of something else.

11. They have sudden hair loss or bald patches

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Sudden or excessive hair loss, bald patches, or changes in coat quality may be indicative of underlying skin conditions, hormonal imbalances, or parasites. It can be easier to notice this on pets who have a very long coat, but it's important to check the underside of your pet for hair loss, too.

12. You've noticed their breath stinks

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Persistent bad breath in pets can be a sign of dental disease, oral infections, or other health issues that need veterinary care. Usually, the breath of pets doesn't smell perfect, but you can usually tell what's usual dog breath versus smelling like they've eaten something that's died in there!

13. Any swelling or lumps

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Any unusual lumps or bumps, swelling, or changes in size or shape of body parts should be examined by a veterinarian to rule out tumors, abscesses, or other concerns. It's important to feel along your pet's entire body on a regular basis so that you know what normal feels like - and can notice if there's a lump.

14. Eye discharge or redness

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Red, swollen, or discharge-filled eyes can be signs of infection, injury, or underlying health problems such as glaucoma or cataracts. Be sure to check your pet's eyes regularly to notice any changes like this - which shouldn't be too hard if they're always gazing into your eyes!

15. Discharge from their ears (and it smells bad)

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Foul-smelling ear discharge, redness, or constant scratching at the ears could indicate ear infections or mites that require treatment. Noticing discharge, even if it doesn't smell, is worth checking out with your vet, but bad smelling discharge in particular can indicate something more problematic.

16. Any strange changes in their behavior

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Any significant changes in behavior, such as aggression, sudden fearfulness, or disorientation, may indicate underlying medical or neurological issues. It's important to rule out any environmental factors (like if there's new people, a new home or if they've had a run in with other animals on a walk!).

17. Difficulty eating or swallowing

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Trouble chewing or swallowing food, excessive drooling, or pawing at the mouth can be signs of dental problems, oral tumors, or other health concerns. It's important to keep an eye on your pet as they're eating (rather than walking off to watch TV) so that you can tell if there's anything wrong when they're eating.

18. Excessive panting

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Panting excessively, especially when not related to exercise or heat, could indicate pain, stress, or underlying medical conditions such as heart or respiratory problems. You will get used to your pet's normal panting levels (like how they pant after a walk or after play) so you can usually tell when something is amiss.

19. Having seizures or convulsions

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Seizures or convulsions in pets require immediate veterinary attention as they can be caused by various serious conditions such as epilepsy, poisoning, or neurological disorders. Even if your pet has never had a seizure before, they can happen any time, so it's important to know what to watch out for.

20. They're constantly shaking or tilting their head

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Constant head shaking or tilting may indicate ear infections, ear mites, or other ear-related issues that require treatment. You can usually tell when your pet is irritated by something as one of their ears will twitch and they will tilt their head in that direction while trying to shake it off.

21. They seem weak - or they might even collapse

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Sudden weakness, collapse, or inability to stand or walk should be treated as a medical emergency and requires immediate evaluation by a veterinarian. Be sure to pay attention in hot weather specifically, as they might be suffering from heat exhaustion or dehydration if they're limbs are weak.

22. Excessive drooling

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Excessive drooling or hypersalivation can be a sign of dental problems, oral infections, or even systemic illnesses such as organ dysfunction. You'll know that pets, especially dogs, often drool - especially if they're watching you eat something delicious - but you can tell when drooling shouldn't be happening.

23. They're forever licking at one area

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Excessive licking or chewing at a particular area of the body can indicate pain, irritation, or underlying skin problems that need veterinary attention. It's normal for pets to lick, scratch or itch themselves, especially after a walk, but if they're focusing on one particular area, it might need a vet's attention.

24. They have a bad smell coming from them

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Unpleasant odors emanating from your pet's mouth, ears, skin, or any part of their body could indicate infections, dental issues, or other health problems. You'll know your pet's normal smell best - even if it's just a regular dog or cat smell - so you can usually tell when they have a strange whiff about them!

25. The lack of interest in food is now long-term

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A prolonged lack of interest in food, even if your pet is drinking water, could be a sign of various medical conditions, from gastrointestinal issues to systemic diseases. Lacking interest in food for a few days can be a sign of something serious, but if it goes on for longer than a week, it especially needs a vet's attention.

26. Difficulty pooping

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Straining during bowel movements, constipation, or diarrhea that persists for more than a day could indicate gastrointestinal issues or other health concerns. The occasional bout with constipation or runny stool isn't usually anything to worry about if it passes, but it's important to keep an eye on it.

27. They seem restless or are always pacing

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Excessive restlessness, pacing, or inability to get comfortable may indicate pain, discomfort, or anxiety and warrants veterinary evaluation. There may be another cause for restlessness, such as pets being in a new place or something new happening in the home, but they shouldn't be restless for no clear reason.

28. They have worse, and more frequent, gas

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Frequent flatulence or bloating could be signs of dietary issues, gastrointestinal problems, or underlying medical conditions that require veterinary attention. We all know that pets - dogs especially - can have stinky gas, but it can be something more serious if it's frequent and always very bad.

29. Changes in the noises they make

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Any changes in your pet's usual vocalizations, such as excessive meowing or barking, could indicate pain, stress, or underlying health issues. You'll be able to tell how a 'normal' noise, whine or bark from them sounds, so any change in the way they sound - such as higher pitched whining - can be a cause for concern.

30. Changes in their sleep patterns

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Sudden changes in your pet's sleep patterns, such as insomnia or excessive lethargy, may indicate pain, discomfort, or underlying health problems. If you're worried about your pet and don't usually sleep in the same room as them, it might be a good idea to have them in the bedroom with you so you can see how often they wake up.

31. They never stop drinking water

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Drinking more water than usual, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like increased urination, can indicate kidney disease, diabetes, or other medical issues. It's good for your pet to have a healthy thirst and stay hydrated, but if they're drinking water non-stop, it can be a sign.

32. They've become suddenly more aggressive

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Sudden onset of aggressive behavior, especially in pets that are typically docile, may indicate pain, fear, or neurological issues that need veterinary assessment. The pet that you know and love shouldn't suddenly be aggressive with you, and often it can be because they're feeling vulnerable and in pain.

33. They're making more noise than usual

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Excessive vocalization, such as constant meowing or barking, may be a sign of pain, anxiety, or underlying medical conditions that require attention. This isn't so much about the noises they're making, but more about how often (such as having a dog that never usually barks suddenly barking all the time).

34. Their social behavior has changed

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Withdrawal from social interactions or sudden changes in your pet's behavior towards family members or other pets may indicate pain or illness. Especially if you're their primary caregiver and they're usually joined at your hip, you can tell something is wrong if they don't even want to interact with you of all people!

35. They have difficulty standing up or walking about

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Weakness, staggering, or difficulty standing or walking may indicate neurological issues, musculoskeletal problems, or other serious health concerns. If your pet is getting older, you may have noticed they take longer to stand up, but if this seems like something other than just old age, it should be checked out.

36. They're suffering from persistent vomiting

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Vomiting that persists for more than 24 hours, contains blood, or is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy or dehydration requires prompt veterinary evaluation. You definitely shouldn't leave it any longer if your pet is throwing up this much, regardless of whether they're acting normally otherwise.

37. You've noticed blood in urine or stool

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Presence of blood in your pet's stool or urine can indicate various underlying issues such as infections, gastrointestinal bleeding, or urinary tract problems. It's important to always check your pet's stool to make sure it looks normal (and yet another reason pet owners should clean up after their dogs on walks!).

38. Rapid weight changes

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Rapid weight gain or loss without changes in diet or activity level may indicate underlying health problems such as hormonal imbalances or organ dysfunction. Fluctuations in weight can be expected, but if you don't have any explanation as to why (such as no diet or exercise changes), it can need checking out.

39. You've noticed changes in their posture

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Changes in your pet's posture, such as hunching over or reluctance to move, may indicate pain, injury, or musculoskeletal issues that require veterinary attention. Your pet's posture can tell you a lot about what's going on with them, especially their resting posture (such as if they look stiff even when relaxing on the couch).

40. They're more irritable or agitated

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Unusual agitation, irritability, or aggression in your pet's behavior may indicate pain, discomfort, or underlying medical conditions. Pets can usually lack patience for interactions when they're in pain, and especially if you're getting up close to them (like putting your face close to theirs).

41. Their abdomen seems bloated

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A painful or distended abdomen could indicate gastrointestinal issues, bloat, or other serious medical conditions that require immediate veterinary care. It's important to take advantage of your pet rolling over for belly rubs so that you can have a look and a feel to see that everything is all right.

42. They won't stop excessive grooming

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Excessive grooming or licking of a particular area of the body could indicate skin irritation, allergies, or underlying medical conditions that need veterinary attention. It can be hard to tell in pets that usually groom a lot, such as cats, but pay attention if they're focusing on one area all the time.

43. Their body temperature has changed

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A pet's body temperature that is too high or too low, as indicated by fever or hypothermia, can be a sign of infection, inflammation, or systemic illness. It can be difficult to tell your pet's temperature without a proper thermometer, but pay attention to how they feel when you lay their hand on their coat.

44. Sudden changes in pet mobility

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Sudden changes in your pet's mobility, such as difficulty climbing stairs or reluctance to jump, may indicate arthritis, injury, or other musculoskeletal issues. A lot of these conditions happen gradually rather than all of a sudden, but you should visit a vet as soon as you see changes in this way.

45. They're now avoiding physical contact

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Avoidance of physical contact or touch, especially in typically affectionate pets, may indicate pain, discomfort, or underlying health problems. It's easier to tell in affectionate pets when they suddenly withdraw, but pet owners will know if their pet's reaction to physical contact is normal or suddenly different.

46. Their eyes are always leaking tears

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Excessive tearing or discharge from the eyes, especially if accompanied by redness or swelling, may indicate eye infections or other eye-related issues. Most pets will have leaking eyes, especially after rigorous exercise, but if it's happening all the time, it could be a signal that something else is going on.

47. They seem unfocused or dizzy

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Signs of disorientation, difficulty focusing, or loss of balance may indicate neurological issues, inner ear problems, or other serious health concerns. It can be hard to tell if your pet is feeling dizzy, but you can pay attention to their co-ordination skills, especially when walking around the house.

48. Their body odor has changed

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Any changes in your pet's usual body odor, especially foul or unpleasant smells, could indicate infections, skin problems, or underlying health issues. This kind of body odor won't be washed away by pet shampoos or regular grooming, as you will still be able to sense the smell coming off them.

49. They have skin lesions or sores

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Any unexplained sores, lesions, or wounds on your pet's skin that do not heal or continue to worsen should be evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out underlying health issues. It can be difficult to notice any sometimes if they are very small, hidden under fur or in areas like the underside of the back legs, which is why regular checking is important.

50. Appetite has increased out of nowhere

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Significant changes in your pet's appetite or thirst, whether increased or decreased, may indicate various medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal issues that require veterinary attention. Appetite and thirst changes are two of the biggest indicators that something might need to be checked by a vet.