How to Tell If Your Pet Is Sick: Signs Every Pet Parent Should Know

Because our pets can’t tell us when something is wrong, we have to learn to recognize the signs.

Pets are experts at hiding illness. Sometimes the first indication that something is wrong is a subtle change in behavior, appetite, energy, or bathroom habits.

As a pet parent, knowing what is normal for your dog or cat—and noticing when something changes—can help you get veterinary care sooner when your pet needs it.

Here are some important signs of illness every pet owner should know.

1. Your Pet Suddenly Isn't Acting Like Themselves

You know your pet's personality better than anyone.

Maybe your normally playful dog doesn't want to play. Your cat suddenly hides under the bed. Your pet seems unusually quiet, restless, clingy, or uninterested in their normal activities.

A significant change in energy or behavior can be an early indication that something isn't right.

Pay attention to changes such as:

• Sleeping much more than usual

• Hiding or withdrawing

• Suddenly becoming clingy

• Restlessness or inability to get comfortable

• Acting confused or disoriented

• Losing interest in favorite activities

• Unusual aggression or irritability

2. Changes in Eating or Drinking

A change in appetite can be an important clue.

If your pet suddenly refuses food, eats considerably less, or begins eating much more than usual, take notice.

The same is true for drinking. Drinking significantly more or less water than normal can sometimes indicate an underlying health problem.

For some pets, especially puppies, kittens, senior pets, or pets with existing health conditions, changes in eating or drinking deserve prompt attention.

3. Vomiting or Diarrhea

Occasional stomach upset can happen, but repeated vomiting or diarrhea should not simply be ignored.

Watch for:

• Repeated vomiting

• Multiple episodes of diarrhea

• Blood in vomit or stool

• Black or tarry-looking stool

• Vomiting or diarrhea accompanied by weakness or lethargy

• Difficulty standing or walking

Repeated vomiting or diarrhea can have many causes, including something relatively minor or something requiring urgent veterinary treatment.

If you're concerned about your pet, contact your veterinarian rather than trying to diagnose the problem yourself.

4. Changes in Bathroom Habits

Your pet's bathroom habits can tell you a lot about their health.

Look for:

• Straining to urinate

• Difficulty urinating

• Urinating much more or less frequently

• Blood in the urine

• Accidents in the house from a normally house-trained pet

• Changes in stool

• Difficulty defecating

• Blood in the stool

Straining to urinate without producing urine can be an emergency, particularly in male cats.

5. Breathing Problems

Breathing changes should always be taken seriously.

Contact a veterinarian promptly if you notice:

• Rapid or labored breathing

• Difficulty breathing

• Excessive coughing

• Wheezing

• Noisy breathing

• Your pet stretching their neck to breathe

• Blue, purple, or very pale gums

Difficulty breathing can be a life-threatening emergency.

6. Changes in Your Pet's Eyes, Ears, or Nose

Take a closer look at your pet's face.

Possible warning signs include:

• Red or swollen eyes

• Excessive tearing

• Eye discharge

• Squinting

• Cloudiness in the eye

• Frequent head shaking

• Excessive scratching of the ears

• Unusual ear odor or discharge

• Persistent nasal discharge

Some of these symptoms may be minor, while others require veterinary attention.

7. Changes to the Skin or Coat

Your pet's skin and coat can also provide clues about their health.

Watch for:

• Excessive scratching

• Hair loss

• Red or irritated skin

• Hot spots

• Lumps or swelling

• Sores or wounds

• Excessive licking or chewing

• Changes in coat condition

• Fleas or ticks

The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends discussing changes such as lumps, swelling, coat abnormalities, and excessive scratching or licking with your veterinarian.

8. Pain, Limping, or Difficulty Moving

Pets don't always cry or whine when they're hurting.

Instead, you may notice that your pet:

• Is reluctant to climb stairs

• Doesn't want to jump

• Has difficulty getting up

• Is limping

• Moves more slowly

• Avoids being touched

• Hides

• Pants or trembles

• Acts unusually irritable

Changes in mobility or behavior can be signs of pain and should be discussed with your veterinarian.

9. Bad Breath or Changes in the Mouth

Don't assume bad breath is simply a normal part of having a pet.

Foul breath, excessive tartar, drooling, difficulty chewing, or changes around the mouth can indicate dental or other health problems.

Regular dental care and veterinary examinations can help identify problems before they become more serious.

When Is It an Emergency?

Some symptoms should not wait for a regular veterinary appointment.

Seek emergency veterinary care if your pet experiences signs such as:

• Difficulty breathing

• Collapse or loss of consciousness

• Seizures

• Severe weakness or inability to stand

• Major bleeding

• Severe injury or trauma

• A swollen or painful abdomen

• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to vomit

• Suspected poisoning

• Inability to urinate

• Severe allergic reaction

• Extreme pain

• Sudden paralysis or inability to move

These can be signs of a medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Trust Your Instincts

One of the most important things you can do for your pet is simply pay attention.

You don't have to be a veterinarian to notice that your pet isn't acting normally. You know how much they usually eat, how often they drink, how energetic they are, what their bathroom habits look like, and what their normal personality is.

When something changes, take note.

If the change concerns you, contact your veterinarian. Avoid giving your pet human medications unless your veterinarian specifically tells you to do so.

What About When You're Away From Your Pet?

This is one reason in-home pet sitting can be so valuable.

When a pet sitter visits your home, they're not just providing food and water. A good pet sitter should also pay attention to your pet's behavior and look for anything unusual.

At Tender Loving Animal Care, we believe that caring for your pets means more than simply checking off a feeding list. We pay attention to your pets, their routines, and their normal behavior so that changes can be noticed and communicated to you.

After all, because they're not just pets, they're family. ❤️🐾

A Final Reminder

This article is intended for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet is showing concerning or worsening symptoms, contact your veterinarian. If you believe your pet is experiencing an emergency, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.