Signs Your Pet May Be Unwell: A Guide for Pet Owners

As a loving pet owner, you know that your furry friend can’t tell you when something is wrong. They rely on you to notice the subtle pet symptoms that indicate they aren’t feeling well. This is especially important given that cats and dogs have a natural instinct to hide their pain or illness, a behavioral remnant of their wild ancestors, who would have appeared vulnerable to predators if they showed weakness.

This makes it all the more important for you to be vigilant and aware of changes in their behavior, appearance, and habits. Early detection of pet illness symptoms can make a significant difference in the success of treatment and your pet’s overall well-being, and it can help you avoid preventable euthanasia. Although cat illnesses and symptoms can differ from dog illness symptoms, it’s best to watch for signs that apply to animals in general.

Simple Ways to Prevent Pet Illness

You can prevent a host of illnesses through these simple and cost-effective measures:

• Ensuring your pet is spayed or neutered

• Keeping your pet indoors (with supervised outside activities)

• Giving your pet adequate exercise and mental stimulation

• Taking your pet to be seen by a veterinarian at least once or twice a year (whether they appear to be sick or not) and getting all recommended vaccinations and deworming medication

• Being vigilant and consistent about flea, tick, and heartworm prevention

Signs Your Pet May Be Ill

Even if you’ve checked all of the above boxes, it’s important to keep an eye on your pet’s appearance and behavior. Here are some common red flags to look out for. 

Changes in Behavior and Energy

One of the first signs of illness in a pet is a change in their usual behavior. A sick dog who is normally full of energy might become lethargic and inactive, while a sick cat who is usually social might become withdrawn.

• Lethargy and weakness. If your pet is unusually tired, not interested in play, or sleeping more than normal, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. A sustained lack of energy, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, is a reason for concern.

• Changes in personality. A sick pet might become unusually aggressive, clingy, or show new fears or anxieties. They may also stop grooming themselves, leading to a dull or messy coat.

• Hiding. Cats, in particular, are known for hiding when they are sick. If you suddenly notice your cat hiding all the time in a secluded spot, it may be a sign of illness.

Changes in Appetite and Thirst

Your pet’s eating and drinking habits are key indicators of their health. Any significant change in these routines should be monitored closely.

• Loss of appetite. While a single missed meal may not be an issue for some pets, a sustained loss of appetite, particularly with accompanying weight loss, can signal a serious problem.

• Increased or decreased thirst. A sudden change in how much your pet is drinking, not tied to weather or exercise, can be a sign of conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease.

• Weight loss or gain. Unexplained weight loss is often a serious sign of illness, but sudden weight gain can also indicate a metabolic or other health disorder.

Gastrointestinal and Urinary Issues

Problems with a pet’s digestive or urinary system are common signs of illness and require careful attention.

• Vomiting and diarrhea. Occasional vomiting or diarrhea might not be a cause for concern, but if it's frequent, severe, or contains blood, it’s a medical emergency. Dry heaving in dogs is also a serious sign.

• Difficulty urinating or defecating. Straining to urinate, crying while urinating, or an inability to urinate or defecate, are medical emergencies that require immediate veterinary attention. This can indicate issues such as a urinary blockage, which is more common in cats but can also happen to dogs.

• Blood in urine or stool. The presence of blood in your pet's waste is always a cause for concern and warrants a trip to the vet.

• Inappropriate urination or defecation. If your pet is housebroken but is relieving themself in places they shouldn’t, it could be a sign of anxiety or another type of illness, both of which require intervention.

Breathing and Respiratory Problems

Breathing difficulties are a serious and often urgent sign that your pet needs veterinary care.

• Difficulty breathing. This is a medical emergency. Signs can include rapid or shallow breathing, widened eyes, heaving motions with the stomach, or pale or bluish gums.

• Persistent coughing or sneezing. While an occasional sneeze is normal, a persistent cough or wheezing could be a sign of a respiratory infection, heart failure, or other serious condition.

• Nasal or eye discharge. A runny nose, runny eyes, or a thick yellow discharge can be a symptom of a respiratory infection or other illness, such as cat flu.

Physical and Appearance Changes

Beyond their behavior, a pet’s physical appearance can provide crucial clues about their health.

• Lumps and bumps. Regularly checking your pet’s body for new lumps, bumps, or sores is a good habit. While not all growths are cancerous, any unusual lump should be examined by a vet.

• Eye changes. Squinting, pawing at the face, a red or cloudy eye surface, or bulging eyes are all emergencies.

• Pale gums. A dog’s gums should be a healthy pink color. If they are pale, it could be a sign of anemia or shock, both of which are serious conditions.

• Hair loss or itchy skin. Persistent itching, scratching, or patches of hair loss can be caused by allergies, infections, or parasites, such as fleas, ticks, or worms.

• Stiffness or lameness. Difficulty walking, limping, or an inability to rise could be caused by conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, or a broken bone.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

Recognizing these signs is the first step, but knowing when to act is just as important. Some symptoms, such as a single episode of vomiting, can be monitored. However, other signs, such as difficulty breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness, or an inability to urinate, are medical emergencies and require immediate veterinary attention. If you are ever in doubt, contact your veterinarian; it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Paying close attention to your pet’s behavior and physical condition allows you to take an active role in protecting their health and ensuring they receive the care they need to live a long and happy life.

Help More Pets Get Essential Medical Care With the FACE Foundation

Established in 2006 by a group of veterinarians and concerned community members, the Foundation for Animal Care and Education (FACE) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) public charity that provides financial grants for animal owners who are unable to afford the cost of their pet’s emergency or critical care. Originating in San Diego, California, FACE has since expanded its lifesaving work to Oahu, Hawaii.

Each year, many animals are brought to their veterinarian with life-threatening conditions. Sadly, many owners — especially those facing high costs of living in cities such as San Diego and Oahu — can't afford the critical care their beloved pets need to survive. They are left with one choice: euthanasia. As a result, thousands of treatable pets are euthanized in veterinary hospitals annually, which can be traumatic for their owners and deeply demoralizing for their veterinarians.

FACE’s Save-A-Life Program was created to address the tragedy of economic euthanasia. FACE grantees are typically low-income families, senior citizens, veterans, military families, students, disabled individuals, or hard-working families and individuals who struggle to survive paycheck to paycheck.

Help save a life today!