5 Subtle Signs Your Pet Might Be Sick—and Why Early Vet Visits Matter
Wouldn’t it be amazing if our pets could talk to us?
In some ways, they can—just not in a language that can be written down on paper. That’s why it’s up to us pet parents to learn the signs our pets are happy, sad, bored, and sick.
At Branch Vet, we know the ins and outs of pet communication—especially when they’re sick.
That’s why we want to share these five subtle pet symptoms of sickness or pain. When you understand the signs of an issue and prioritize early veterinary care, you have a better chance of a positive outcome.
1. Changes in Appetite or Drinking Habits
If you go to feed your pet but notice the bowl is still full of this morning’s food, it’s time to pause and give your veterinarian a call. The same goes for pets who suddenly seem insatiable, wanting to scarf down—or drink—everything in sight.
Changes in eating behaviors can mean a whole host of issues, from dental pain to metabolic disorders. If your pet is drinking abnormal amounts of water, she could be struggling with kidney disease or diabetes.
Your veterinary team can help you pinpoint the cause of these dietary changes.
2. Unusual Lethargy
It’s normal for pets to have off days, just like it’s normal for humans to have days when we just want to catnap all day. But if your dog or cat seems persistently tired, slow, or uninterested in his favorite activities, consider it a waving red flag.
Excessive tiredness and lethargy could mean an infection, acute or chronic pain, or even heart problems. With a visit to the vet, you can get started on diagnosis and treatment for any of these issues right away.
3. Bad Breath or Drooling
Dental disease is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in pets. Many of us just accept our dog or cat’s bad breath as part of the fur-baby package.
But it shouldn’t be! The real cause of bad breath is often gum disease or an oral infection. The majority of dogs and cats live with some form of oral disease. Excessive drooling is a common sign of oral pain, often caused by dental disease.
Without treatment, oral disease can lead to issues in the rest of the body as well. So instead of accepting those stinky kisses as a fact of life, get your pup or kitty checked for oral disease.
4. Changes in Behavior
Is your normally social cat hiding in her favorite spots more often? Is your laid-back dog suddenly irritable and snappy (literally)? These behavioral shifts are classic symptoms that something may be off in your pet’s body. Oftentimes, illness, pain, and stress can cause that unusual behavior.
If your pet is acting off in any way, reach out to your veterinarian for a checkup.
5. Coat or Skin Changes
A dull coat, excessive shedding, or persistent scratching can all be signs of issues in dogs and cats. Allergies, thyroid issues, skin infections, parasites…the list goes on. The only way to know why your pet is suddenly pawing at her face, chewing off chunks of hair, or scratching incessantly?
You guessed it: a vet visit.
Veterinary Care: The Answer to Any Early Signs of Illness
As veterinarians, it’s our honor to help catch and treat illnesses as early as we can. If you notice anything that sets your gut on edge—no matter how seemingly small—reach out to the caring veterinary team at Branch Vet.
Even better, establish preventive vet care so we have a baseline of health we can compare your pet to every time she comes in. This makes everything from diagnosis to treatment much easier for our team, which leads to better outcomes for your pet.
Give us a call at (830) 885-5443 to schedule your pet’s appointment!