Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore – When You Should Go to the Vet

Many pet owners struggle to determine when it is necessary to take their pet in to see the vet and when it is not. Sometimes it is difficult to tell if what they’re experiencing is anything serious or if they’re just not feeling well. Going to the vet is not always cheap, and unfortunately, sometimes it can be a bit pricey to take your beloved furry friends in to get checked out. This can tend to make owners try to avoid taking their pets in to see the veterinarian. But, please, take care to not ignore some very important signs of your pet’s health. Really, if you ever see any troublesome or out of the ordinary behavior from your pet, the best bet is to take them in to be examined. But we’ve also compiled a list of few very dangerous signs that your pet could show if they’re sick or unwell.

Loss of Appetite:

Appetite can vary pet by pet, but if you see a sudden change in food interest, it’s important not to ignore it. If your pet looks otherwise normal, keep an eye on him for 24 hours to see if his appetite returns. If not, take him in to be seen right away. He could be suffering from some digestive distress or something even more serious. Underlying illnesses can often cause dogs and cats to lose interest in eating. If your pet also begins to appear to be feeling ill or very sick, take it as a very serious sign and get him to the vet as soon as possible.

Sudden Thirst:

Sudden thirst is often a sign that some serious things are going on inside your pet’s body. If you notice that they’re drinking a lot more water and asking to go outside or go to the litter box more frequently, they should definitely be seen by a vet. There are various conditions that could be causing this, like liver, kidney, or bladder issues. This can also sometimes occur after they’ve eaten something that doesn’t agree with them or they’ve come in contact with something poisonous.

Diarrhea or Vomiting:

Just as this can be serious for humans, this could mean something serious for your pet as well. If it goes on for more than a day, it’s probably a good idea to take them in and have them looked at. It could have been that something they ate simply upset their stomach, and your vet can help get everything back on track. Keep in mind, if your dog or cat is throwing up and having diarrhea often, such as multiple times an hour, it could be an emergency and they should be taken to the vet immediately. Fluid loss can get ugly quickly, so don’t take any chances.

Changes in Breathing:

Take any changes in breathing seriously. It is often a sign that something is not right. The respiratory systems of pets are delicate and things go south very quickly. If you notice any changes in the way they breathe, or they appear to be struggling, take them in right away. Time is of the essence.