Symptoms of a Sick Dog & Cat

By: Animal Ambulance

Symptoms of a sick Dog

There are many different dog health symptoms that may indicate your pet isn't feeling well. Some are physical, some emotional or behavioral. It's important to be able to recognize them as soon as possible because early treatment can be the key to keeping a simple problem from snowballing into something more serious.

 

Early symptoms might include:

• Drop in food/water consumption
• Sudden dramatic increase in water consumption
• Lack of energy
• Sudden onset of pain anywhere in the body
• Negative change in personality or attitude
• Loss of interest in normal activities
• Coat begins to look dull and feel brittle
• Skin rash or irritation
• Cloudy eyes
• Runny, crusty discharge from nose an/or eyes
• Bloody discharge
• Slight weight loss

 

As the illness progresses, symptoms may include:

• Complete refusal of food and/or water
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty urinating
• Dramatic weight loss
• Severe pain
• Bloated stomach
• Localised swelling
• Seizures
• Complete withdrawal from surroundings
• Body temperature above 102 degrees Fahrenheit

 

Symptoms of a sick Cat

When You Should Consult a Vet

Although every feline illness isn't life threatening, there are definitely times when a vet's expertise is required. How can you tell the difference.

 

The following symptoms may occur:

• Your cat is unresponsive.
• The illness lasts more than 24-36 hours.
• Symptoms dramatically increase or multiply.
• Your cat is in obvious pain.
• Your cat is struggling to breathe.
• Your cat is bleeding profusely.
• Your cat is unable to have bowel movements or urinate.
• Your cat refuses to eat for more than 48 hours.
• Your cat stops drinking.

 

Generally speaking, use your own common sense and intimate knowledge of your cat's normal behavior to guide you. If your intuition is telling you it's time to head to the clinic, do so without hesitation.

 

Final Caution

Only a certified veterinarian is qualified to render a diagnosis for a sick cat, so never hesitate to take your pet to the vet when treatment is needed. You can do more damage by either waiting or trying to treat an illness by yourself.