9 Signs Your Pet Needs a Vet

Your dog, cat, or other pet is part of the family- but unlike other humans they can’t communicate so clearly to us.

So that you can best take care of your pet, here are 9 signs that they might need the vet. This applies to cats, dogs, and other pets such as birds and rats!

Our video version has a lot of cute animal footage- check it out by clicking HERE now.

You can also download the podcast version by clicking the download podcast button above this blog post.

  1. Sudden Fatigue

If your pet suddenly becomes lethargic, this could be a sign that something is troubling them. A lethargic pet may be uninterested in playing, going for a walk, or participating in activities they usually enjoy doing.

Normal fatigue or sore muscles can sometimes be due to high temperatures, but if symptoms persist for longer than a day or two you should consider seeing a vet.

In addition to this a pet that is hesitant to climb or jump things when they otherwise normally would is a big sign that something is wrong!

  1. Odd Eating & Drinking Habits

It’s not out of the ordinary for a pet to skip a meal or two, especially if it’s hot- but any more than this should be a red flag that something is off. Two days without eating is a massive sign that your pet needs an examination ASAP!

Some diseases cause pets to develop unusual eating habits. If your pet is well-behaved but suddenly begins raiding the pantry or garbage, that’s also a sign they need a check-up.

How much water does your pet drink per day? This is also an important thing to know. A pet that drinks more water than usual could be developing kidney disease or diabetes.

  1. Vomiting

Occasional vomiting is okay for most pets. Animals vomit to get rid of something that doesn’t agree with them, or if they are randomly sick. Regular vomiting or more vomit than usual should concern you.

If your pet vomits frequently or several times in a row, vomits blood, or has a fever in addition to vomiting this is a sign that something is more off than usual.

  1. Sudden Weight Loss

Even in an overweight pet sudden weight loss should prompt you to take them to the vet. Losing weight quickly & unexpectedly could indicate a serious health condition.

A good metric is that if a pet loses more than 10% of their weight fast, that’s a sign something is off. In small pets this could be as little as a 1-pound loss!

  1. Hiding or Becoming Reclusive

If your otherwise social pet begins to spend a lot more time alone or avoiding you or other animals, then this is a sign that something is off. Another similar sign would be if your pet begins sleeping a lot when they otherwise normally wouldn’t- this could be a sign of an infection or behavioral problem.

  1. Visual Changes

Sometimes the damage is obvious. Your pet may have changes in fur, scars, scratches, bites, red eyes, or otherwise visual differences which indicate something has been done or they may have a disease!

Pay attention to your pet visually and if something is off then trust your gut and take them to the vet.

  1. Aggression

When a pet is in pain they may enter a state known as “fight or flight” in which they have a lot of adrenaline and fear. An aggressive pain could be an indication they are in pain via a disease or some injury.

  1. Emergency Symptoms

If your pet has any of these emergency symptoms, it is a strong indicator that something is extremely wrong and they need an emergency vet as soon as possible.

Symptoms include open wounds or possibly broken wounds (trauma wounds), stopped breathing or lack of consciousness, repeated vomiting or vomiting blood, seizure, difficulty breathing, sudden collapse, bleeding from mouth, nose, or eyes, possible poisoning from toxic substance, extreme pain (whining & crying), and a hard & swollen abdomen.

Those are all signs that something is very much wrong. Take your pet immediately to help if this is happening!

  1. Intuitive Feelings

Sometimes you can just “know” in your gut that something is off. Trust that feeling.

Some pets may have a problem that lacks any of the obvious symptoms, but subtle differences in their behavior could stand out to your subconscious brain which makes you intuit that something is off! Trust it!

For example, a cat may eat something not good (like yarn) and then carry on relatively normal while they begin having problems that could eventually kill them. Our pets can’t clearly communicate something is wrong to us. They don’t know what to do!

 

We hope this post helped you. If you feel something is off, then please take your pet to the vet immediately.

Wildlife infestation & pest problems can greatly harm you, your pets, and damage your home- if you think you have wildlife or pest problem call us at 855-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildlifexteam.com for more information.

Thanks,

-Wildlife x Team International

Submit a Comment

* Required Field
Offering
  • Pest X Team Logo
  • Junk X Team Logo
  • X Team Services Logo
  • X Team Bird Control Logo
  • Gutter X Team Logo
  • Mosquito X Team Logo
As Featured on These Networks & Affiliates
  • Apple News Logo
  • Fox Logo
Affiliations:
  • Elite Service Logo
  • National Pest Management Association Logo
  • NWCOA Logo
  • If you have raccoons in your attic, garage, or other areas of your home, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 today! Wildlife X Team are experts in raccoon removal and exclusion services.
  • Squirrel problems are rampant nationally. Squirrels can cause extensive damage in and around homes, including soiling floors and walls. Squirrels don't stand a chance against Wildlife X Team®'s trained professional staff.
  • Rodent problems are common for homeowners, but Wildlife X Team® can help you prevent rodents from getting in your walls or your attic. Keep rodents out of your home by calling today!
  • Removing and relocating bats is best left to professionals, as bats will bite and scratch if threatened. If you see signs of bats on your property or want to know how to get rid of bats from your attic and chimney, please call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007.
  • Although armadillos have no reason to get into houses, there is a lot of damage armadillos can cause. Their diet consists mostly of grubs and insects, but when they burrow, it can affect the very structure of buildings. Call Wildlife X Team® today!
  • Whether you are facing a snake infestation on your property or just notice a single snake, call (817) 431-3007 at Wildlife X Team® today. Most snakes are harmless, some are venomous, and we can remove all kinds of snakes safely and quickly.
  • Birds can add a lot of enjoyment to the outdoor experience, but sometimes they cause trouble. If you're having an issue with problem birds like pigeons, starlings, or sparrows, give Wildlife X Team® a call at (817) 431-3007.
  • At Wildlife X Team®, we offer worry-free opossum removal and trapping. We can also repair any opossum damage.
  • Infamous for their defense mechanism, skunks are smelly creatures. This unique critter releases a scent to ward off predators and stay safe, and it smells offensive and can be dangerous.
  • Coyotes, a relative of the canine, are known for terrorizing livestock, and even household pets. Coyotes are often active at night, and homeowners often report the howling cries of these medium-sized creatures.
  • Badgers are notorious for having a bite that rivals their bark — despite their less-than-formidable size! Badgers have been known to fight animals as large as a bear!
  • Beaver damage is primarily to landscapes like riverbeds and lakesides. If you discover beaver damage in your property, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 to help relocate beavers and repair any damages caused by these flat-tailed critters.
  • Nocturnal creatures, bobcats will take down any prey necessary, especially livestock. Bobcats are territorial and will often return to the property they have claimed as their own, especially if there is a steady food source.
  • Chipmunks can be annoying and clever creatures, but they're no match for Wildlife X Team®. We offer chipmunk removal, and chipmunk damage repair services, plus we know how to keep chipmunks from coming back!
  • Fox landscape damage and feeding behaviors can affect homeowners' safety, so it's important to not approach a fox if you see one in the wild or on your property. Wildlife X Team® offers fox removal, fox trapping, and fox prevention. Call today!
  • Lizards, similar in appearance to snakes, can be frightening if you spot one in the wild or in your home, and although they don't typically attack residents, it's still good to not approach lizards.
  • Mole damage is most commonly found on landscapes, and sometimes humans don't even come into contact with them, but they definitely experience mole damage.
  • If you have discovered scorpion(s) in your garden or on your property, call us today for scorpion removal services.
  • Voles are not often spotted by humans, but vole damage is visible. For vole trapping, vole removal, and vole damage repair services, call Wildlife X Team® today!
  • Infestations of bugs are common, so if you are facing an insect infestation, don't panic—we can help kill insects and get rid of them inside and outside your home.
  • Wild hog trapping and wild hog prevention are the most effective means of wild hog removal. Due to the aggressive nature of wild hogs, we do not recommend DIY wild hog trapping.
  • Termite infestations are common inside homes and on properties, so if you are dealing with insects, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 today to get rid of your termite problem fast and effectively!
  • Bee and wasp infestations are common, so if you are facing a stinging insect infestation, don't panic — we can help get rid of them inside and outside your home.
About
Wildlife X Team is rapidly becoming the leader in the nuisance wildlife control industry. We lead the way in the development of technology, education, products and services in Wildlife Management.
Read More About Us
100% Financing
SuperMoney offers 100% financing up to $100,000 and 30 second approvals. You'll fill out one easy form and get competing pre-approved loan offers back in real time.
Apply Now
Wildlife X Team offers an exclusive Wildlife Inspection Report® which includes commonly overlooked areas where wildlife can enter and infest your home.
Project: Apply Roof Sealant
Knowledgeable, efficient, and understood the issue to be addressed. Completed work on time and schedule.
Robert M., Denton, TX