Protect your furry friend – Recognize these 5 red flags in pets
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When humans fall ill, they rely on language to show their symptoms and discomfort. However, animals lack this ability. Driven by their biological instincts to appear strong and avoid vulnerability, they often hide their symptoms or avoid normal activities. However, it is important to identify these behavioral changes to ensure timely medical attention. We have highlighted red flags in pet behavior that shouldn’t be ignored. Keep reading to take the appropriate and timely measures.
Reduced Appetite And Weight Loss
- Reduced appetite and weight loss are often among the most common red flags indicating signs of illness in pets. While a lack of interest in food may seem like a minor concern, it can indicate more significant underlying issues. Pay close attention to these changes as they can affect your pet’s health within a short timeframe, particularly within 24 hours.
This issue is particularly critical for puppies aged six months or younger, as rapid nutrient depletion can be detrimental to their health. If your pet experiences weight loss exceeding 10 percent of its body weight, it is a warning sign that requires veterinary attention. Promptly seek professional veterinary help to identify and address the underlying causes and prevent potential complications from arising.
Signs of Lethargy and Fatigue
- Dogs are typically known for their innate activity and attentiveness. Therefore, it’s concerning when they show signs of lethargy or extreme fatigue. This change in behavior is noticeable when they respond slower to stimuli in their environment than usual.
While lethargy is not a specific symptom of a life-threatening condition, if it persists for more than 24 hours, it could indicate an underlying issue. In such cases, it’s crucial to seek veterinary attention promptly to ensure your pet’s well-being.
Restlessness and Pacing
- When your dog shows signs of irritability, it could be an indication of pain or distress. These signs may occur as restlessness, pacing, heavy panting, shyness, or even aggression. One particularly serious condition associated with these symptoms is gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), also known as canine bloat.
In addition to restlessness, another sign of bloat is unproductive retching, in which the dog attempts to vomit without success. This life-threatening condition commonly affects large breed dogs and those with deep chests, making prompt veterinary attention essential to ensure your pet’s well-being.
Breathing with Difficulty
- Labored breathing or shortness of breath in dogs can indicate respiratory distress, where the dog may experience difficulty breathing in or out. This condition results in a reduced level of oxygen reaching the dog’s tissues, leading to health complications.
Moreover, dogs suffering from heart failure may exhibit similar symptoms due to inadequate blood circulation to their muscles and tissues. Fluid accumulation in the lungs or chest cavity can also cause respiratory distress. Promptly seeking veterinary care for your dog is crucial to diagnosing the underlying cause and ensuring appropriate treatment.
Excessive Thirst
Monitoring your dog’s water intake is crucial for detecting red flags and health concerns. If your dog consumes more water than usual, it could indicate underlying conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes.
Signs of excessive thirst include the need to refill the water bowl more frequently than usual, increased urination frequency, frequent requests to go outside, or accidents occurring inside the house. If you observe these symptoms in your dog, it’s advisable to seek veterinary attention promptly for further evaluation and appropriate management.
At Autumn Trails and Veterinary Center, we provide the best urgent care services to keep your pets healthy and happy, especially in an emergency. We offer our veterinary services in Charlottesville, VA. To book an appointment, contact us at (434) 971-9800.
