As a pet owner, you want your furry friend to live a long, healthy, happy life. However, your pet cannot communicate when something is wrong, so you must pay attention to any changes in their behavior, habits, or physical appearance that could indicate a potential health issue. If your pet exhibits any of these 14 signs, promptly schedule a visit with your Santa Monica Veterinary Group veterinarian.

#1: Your pet’s eating or drinking habits have changed

A sudden increase or decrease in appetite or water intake can indicate various health problems, including dental issues, digestive problems, kidney disease, or diabetes. If your pet’s eating or drinking habits change significantly, consult our team.

#2: Your pet appears lethargic or weak

If your pet is less active than usual, seems unusually tired, or is having difficulty moving, they could be experiencing pain, infection, or underlying illness. Pay attention to changes in your pet’s energy level and seek veterinary advice if you notice persistent or significant lethargy or weakness.

#3: Your pet is vomiting or having diarrhea

An occasional bout of vomiting or diarrhea may not be concerning, but persistent gastrointestinal (GI) distress can indicate a serious problem such as dietary indiscretion, parasites, toxicity, organ dysfunction, a GI obstruction, or myriad other issues. If your pet cannot hold down food or water or continues vomiting and having diarrhea without complete resolution, schedule an appointment with our team.

#4: Your pet’s weight has unexpectedly changed 

Sudden weight changes in pets can be indicative of various health issues, including metabolic disorders, parasites, or organ dysfunction. Keep an eye on your pet’s body condition and consult your veterinarian if you notice unexplained weight loss or gain.

#5: Your pet’s urination habits changed

If your pet has difficulty urinating, frequent urination, blood in the urine, or accidents in the house, they could have a urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder stones, kidney disease, diabetes, or other urinary issues. Changes in urination habits should never be ignored and warrant a veterinary examination.

#6: Your pet has breathing problems

Coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing can indicate your pet has a respiratory infection, heart disease, or another serious condition. If your pet is experiencing persistent respiratory issues, seek prompt veterinary care.

#7: Your pet’s behavior or mood changes

Pets can’t tell us when they’re in pain, but changes in behavior or mood can indicate discomfort or distress. Watch for signs such as aggression, withdrawal, excessive vocalization, or restlessness that may signify illness or injury.

#8: Your pet’s grooming habits have changed

Cats are notorious for grooming themselves fastidiously, so if your cat’s grooming behavior has  noticeably decreased or if your pet’s coat becomes dull, matted, or unkempt, these signs could indicate pain, arthritis, dental issues, skin problems, or even stress. 

#9: Your pet is showing obvious pain signs

Pets may not always vocalize their pain, but they may exhibit subtle signs such as limping, favoring one side, stiffness, reluctance to move or jump, or licking or chewing at a particular area. These signs could indicate musculoskeletal issues, injuries, or other discomfort sources.

#10: You notice an unusual odor from your pet

Foul-smelling breath, ears, or skin can be signs of dental disease, ear infections, skin infections, or other health problems. Pay attention to any abnormal odors coming from your pet and consult your veterinarian if these odors persist or are unusually smelly.

#11: Your pet’s sleeping patterns have changed

While pets do sleep a lot, significant changes in their sleeping patterns, such as excessive sleeping, difficulty sleeping, or restlessness during sleep, could indicate they are experiencing pain, discomfort, anxiety, or an underlying health issue.

#12: You notice lumps or bumps on your pet

New lumps, bumps, or growths on your pet’s body should always be evaluated by your veterinarian. While not all growths are cancerous, they need to be examined to rule out serious conditions and determine an appropriate treatment.

#13: Your pet is scratching excessively

Persistent scratching, licking, or rubbing at certain body areas can indicate skin irritation, allergies, fleas, mange, or underlying skin conditions. Addressing the underlying cause is essential to alleviate your pet’s discomfort and prevent secondary infections.

#14: Your pet develops eye issues

Cloudiness, redness, discharge, squinting, or other changes in your pet’s eyes could indicate eye infections, injuries, or underlying health conditions. Prompt veterinary attention is crucial to preserve your pet’s vision and eye health.

Early detection and intervention are key to managing many health conditions in pets. If your pet exhibits any of the signs we’ve discussed here or other unusual changes, don’t hesitate to contact your Santa Monica Veterinary Group veterinarian. Give our team a call to schedule an appointment, and, if the issue is particularly concerning, take advantage of our urgent care services.