Is Your Pet Acting Weird? 6 Signs Your Pet Needs to See a Vet - Wagr Petcare

    Is Your Pet Acting Weird? 6 Signs Your Pet Needs to See a Vet

    Signs your pet needs a vet - dog and cat playing

    As a pet parent, it is not always easy to understand your pet’s needs and accommodate them accordingly. Because your furry friends cannot tell you how they’re feeling, it gets tricky to figure out when they need medical attention.

    If you struggle with such things frequently, we’re here to help you out by discussing six signs that demand the attention of a vet.

    Is panting normal for pets?

    Panting is one of the most common techniques that animals use to keep themselves cool. Your pet dog will often pant when they feel hot or excited. However, if they’re panting heavily, it could be a symptom of heatstroke, respiratory problems, and chronic diseases like heart failure and Cushing's syndrome.


    If you’re a cat parent and notice your pet panting, you have more cause to worry. Cats are not prone to panting like dogs and will only do so when they’re overexerted, stressed, or suffering from a serious heart or respiratory condition.


    In both cases, a visit to the vet clinic is necessary to figure out what’s wrong.

    Signs your pet needs a vet - cat at a vet

    Are they unusually passive?

    Although dogs are generally more energetic and playful than cats, there’s no telling how active an individual pet can be.


    So, if your pet appears to be more tired and lethargic than usual, it could be a sign that they’re not feeling like their usual self. There has to be something that’s wrong on the inside, and the easiest way of figuring that out is by visiting a vet.

    Is your pet losing hair?

    Whether you’re a cat or a dog parent, spotting bald patches on your furry pets’ bodies can’t possibly be a pleasant sight. The most common reasons behind pets losing their fur include food allergies and the presence of fleas, ticks, or mites in their coat.


    However, if you keep your pets away from these insects and parasites, it could be an indication of a more severe problem. In the dog, it could be Cushing's syndrome, while in a cat, it could indicate hyperthyroidism.


    If you want to prevent your pet from losing more hair, a visit to the vet can help you get started with it.

    Signs your pet needs a vet - dog lying down

    Can you notice any visible changes in their eyes?

    Do your pet’s eyes appear unusually red? Or do they release water or other cloudy discharges? Along with these changes, the constriction or dilation of their pupils also demands the attention of a vet.


    The potential causes of these changes could be an injury, allergy, and other eye problems like glaucoma and conjunctivitis. The vet will help you figure out exactly what it is and suggest an appropriate treatment.

    Is there any sudden change in their bathroom routine?

    When you bring home a pup or a kitten, it takes them a while to get used to peeing or pooping at a fixed spot. Initially, they might defecate in random places and at random times. However, in roughly 12-16 weeks, most pets are potty-trained and will not create a mess.


    Did you notice any sudden changes in the regularity, color, smell, or consistency of their stool or pee lately? There could be a number of possible reasons behind it, the most common one being the presence of virus, parasites, or bacteria in their intestines, which needs the immediate attention of a vet.

    Signs your pet needs a vet - dog and cat lying down

    Can coughing indicate a severe problem?

    It is not uncommon for a dog to cough once or twice due to throat dryness. However, if they’re coughing more than 10-12 times in a single day, it could be the symptom of a serious problem, such as respiratory infections, collapsed trachea, bronchitis, and even heart diseases.


    When it comes to cats, coughing poses an even bigger threat. Unlike most other animals, coughing is extremely rare among felines. So, if your pet cat has frequently been coughing for a day or two, it could be the sign of inflammation in their respiratory tract or the presence of parasitic worms in their body.


    In any case, only a vet can pinpoint the problem after examining your pet thoroughly. One option that many pet owners are turning to these days is an online pet doctor. With the convenience of virtual consultations, pet owners can discuss their concerns with a licensed veterinarian from the comfort of their own home.


    Online pet doctors can diagnose a range of conditions, from respiratory infections to heart diseases, and provide the necessary treatment recommendations. However, if your pet's condition is severe or requires urgent care, it's best to seek in-person veterinary services immediately.

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