We cherish our pets and want to ensure that they live the healthiest, happiest life possible. It isn’t always easy to tell when your pet needs to see a vet, though, which presents a challenge to this. Your pet can’t tell you when they’re hurting, so you need to keep an eye out for warning signs that they are hurt or feeling unwell and potentially need professional care. How can you tell when your pet needs to see a vet, or worse, needs emergency care?
Here are some of the warning signs that indicate it’s time to take your pet to see a vet. Your vet will know your pet best, so when you take them to their routine check-ups, you’ll want to have a conversation with them about the particular needs and risk factors and conditions that your furry friend has.
When Your Pet Needs To See A Vet
There are some things that make you wonder if your pet needs to see a vet or if they’re not really a problem, such as bad breath. It’s always good to go with your gut. If you suspect your pet needs to see a vet, it’s always best to be safe and have it be nothing rather than miss a serious issue and be sorry and have to worry about medical issues later.
Here are some of the top issues that you should take your pet into the vet’s office for as soon as you notice them.
- Infections: Eye, ear, yeast. For these, you’ll need to see a vet in-office. They’ll give your vet a type of antibiotic given to treat the infection, which will depend on what type of bacteria is causing it (just like in humans).
- Lumps. These could be nothing, or they could be an indicator of more serious underlying problems, such as cancer.
- Bites, such as from getting into a fight with another animal, will need to be checked in office.
- If they vomit/have diarrhea, you’ll need to have them get checked after 3 days and watch for dehydration.
- Eye appearance – red or cloudy eyes or unusual discharge can be signs or injury or infection or allergies or diseases. If one eye is affected, this could indicate infection or injury. If both are, this could be allergies or other health problems.
- Abnormal thirst. Sometimes, your pet will drink more than usual due to simple heat or from having exercised. However, if this lasts longer than a day, it could be a sign of diabetes or kidney diseases.
- Change in eating habits. Either not eating or being unusually hungry are both signs that there could be an underlying health issue and that your pet needs to see a vet.
- Changes in breathing – panting after physical exertion is normal. Continuous panting is not, and a sure sign your pet needs to see a vet.
- Bad patches or tufts of loose fur can be signs of fleas, ticks, thyroid disease, and other such problems that will need a diagnosis to uncover the cause of and obtain treatment for.
- They seem more tired than usual or listless, which can be signs of disease, pain, infections, and more.
- Visible signs of pain such as whining are sure signs your pet needs to see a vet as soon as possible.
- They have a cough that lasts for over a day which can result from any number of factors, from infection to defects in the larynx.
- Noticeable changes in behavior are among the easiest signs to recognize that your pet needs to see a vet, as there could be a medical reason for this.
- Scooting may be a silly trick in some cases, but in others, it can indicate bowel movement issues, anal gland problems, worms, and urinary tract infections.
There are a plethora of other instances where your pet will need to see a vet. If you’re ever uncertain, it’s always a good idea to either give your vet a call or take your pet into the office to have them checked out.
Signs Of Emergencies
If your pet is exhibiting any of the following symptoms, the answer to ‘does my pet need to see a vet?’ is an instantaneous yes, and you absolutely need to contact your vet immediately or take them into emergency care.
- Open wounds
- Bleeding from the eyes, nose or mouth
- Potential poisoning
- A hard and swollen abdomen
- An inability to pee
- Being unable to stand
- Eating toxins, such as chocolate for dogs
- Seizures
- Traumas, such as from getting hit by a car or falling
- Pale gums
- Attempting to vomit without anything coming up
- Unconsciousness or stopped breathing
- Disorientation
- Inability to deliver puppies
- Sudden collapse
- Labored breathing
- Vomiting blood
- Sudden shaking or whining
Does Your Pet Need To See A Vet?
Skyline Animal Hospital offers professional veterinary services to keep your furbaby in the best possible health. If you’re wondering if your pet needs to see a vet, please contact us or bring them in. We will help you uncover the cause of your pet’s abnormal behavior and treat it to get them back to their normal selves as soon as possible.
