Every pet owner wants a happy, healthy animal. But pets can’t speak, so they show illness through small changes. The trick is to notice these signs early and act fast. If you’re unsure what’s normal and what’s not, this guide will help.
Whether it’s a sleepy dog or a sneezing cat, learning the early signs could save a life. And if you’re looking for a trusted vet clinic in Camberwell, this could be the first step to getting expert care for your furry mate.
Changes in Eating or Drinking
When pets stop eating or drink less, it’s a sign something’s wrong. Even if it seems small, don’t ignore it.
A healthy dog or cat eats with interest. If your pet turns away from food or water for more than a day, call your vet. Skipping a meal once may be okay. Skipping more than that could mean pain, nausea, or worse.
Look for:
- No appetite or drinking too much
- Weight loss or gain
- Vomiting or gagging after eating
Take Bella, a two-year-old Beagle. She stopped eating breakfast for two days. Her owner thought it was nothing. On day three, she vomited foam. At the clinic, she was diagnosed with pancreatitis. Early treatment helped her recover fast.
Noticing a small shift in eating saved Bella. This is why the importance of regular vet check-ups can’t be overstated. Regular visits help catch problems before they get serious.
Digestive Upsets and Toilet Habits
Your pet’s poo and wee say a lot about their health. Diarrhoea, constipation, blood, or strong smells can all signal a problem.
Dogs or cats that strain, cry out, or skip the litter box may be in pain. Watch how often your pet goes, the colour, and the texture. Sounds gross? It matters.
Common red flags:
- Runny poo or blood
- Peeing often or not at all
- Licking bottom too much
Frankie, a ginger cat, had loose stools for a week. Her owner thought it was stress. But then she stopped using her litter box. At the vet, tests found a parasite. Treatment cleared it up, but delay could’ve made it worse.
Understanding how to monitor your pet’s digestive health gives you the power to protect your pet from bigger problems.
Body Temperature and Fever
A fever isn’t just for humans. Pets get them too. But you can’t always tell by touch. They may feel warm, but that’s not enough.
Pets with a fever might seem lazy or hide. They may shake, breathe fast, or lose interest in food. If this happens, check their gums. Pale or bright red gums are bad signs.
Know what’s normal:
- Dogs: 38.3°C to 39.2°C
- Cats: 38.1°C to 39.2°C
If it’s over 39.5°C or under 37.5°C, call your vet.
Milo, a Border Collie, seemed fine in the morning but by lunch was shivering and wouldn’t eat. His owner took his temperature—it was 40°C. He had an infection from a scratch no one saw. Caught early, it didn’t spread. You can learn more by reading about understanding your pet’s normal temperature range.
Breathing Problems
Healthy pets breathe smooth and steady. If your dog pants when it’s not hot or your cat breathes with its mouth open, that’s a red flag.
Coughing, wheezing, or noisy breathing can mean:
- Infection
- Heart issues
- Allergies
- Blocked airways
Keep an eye out if they:
- Cough more than once or twice
- Snore when awake
- Struggle to breathe after rest
Storm, a rescue Staffy, started wheezing during walks. His owner thought it was from excitement. But the vet found he had early-stage heart disease. He’s now on meds and breathing much better.
Quick care leads to better outcomes. Waiting too long can cost more than money—it can cost your pet’s life.
Changes in Energy and Behaviour
Is your pet hiding under the couch? Sleeping all day? Snapping when touched? These may be signs of pain or stress.
Cats often hide pain. Dogs may seem “off.” Trust your gut. You know what’s normal for your pet.
Watch for:
- Not greeting you at the door
- Sleeping more
- Avoiding play
- Growling or whining without cause
Ellie, a six-year-old Labrador, stopped jumping on the couch. Her owner thought she was just getting older. The vet found arthritis in her back legs. With care, she’s back to her old self.
Don’t brush off changes in behaviour. Even small shifts matter.
Vomiting and Nausea
Pets vomit sometimes. But if they do it more than once or throw up yellow foam, grass, or blood, that’s a problem.
Don’t wait if your pet:
- Vomits more than once in 24 hours
- Seems tired after vomiting
- Refuses food and water
Aussie, a Kelpie, ate part of a toy and threw up. His owner didn’t notice the missing piece. After more vomiting, he had X-rays and needed surgery. Fast action saved him.
If vomiting pairs with no appetite or bloated belly, call your vet now.
Skin, Coat, and Eyes
You can spot health problems by looking at fur, skin, and eyes. Dry fur, bald spots, or red eyes often point to something deeper.
Signs to watch:
- Itchy skin or rashes
- Bald patches or dull fur
- Eye discharge or cloudiness
Sooty, a ragdoll cat, had gunky eyes for weeks. His owner thought it was dust. But it was a virus needing vet care. The delay led to eye damage.
Regular brushing and checks help catch these signs early.
Sudden or Ongoing Pain
Pets don’t cry out like humans. But they show pain by limping, licking a spot, or not moving much.
Look for:
- Limping or not using a leg
- Flinching when touched
- Not jumping or climbing stairs
Luna, a young Whippet, yelped when playing. Her owner thought she just landed wrong. A vet found a torn ligament. Rest and physio got her back on track.
Pain that lasts more than a day needs a check-up.
FAQs
1) What should I do if my pet won’t eat for more than a day?
If your pet skips one meal but acts normal, it might be nothing. But if it skips more than one or also seems tired or sick, call your vet. Loss of appetite is often the first sign of illness.
Check for:
- Gums (should be pink)
- Other symptoms like vomiting or diarrhoea
- Changes in mood or activity
Keep fresh water nearby. Offer plain food like boiled chicken. Don’t give milk or fatty food. If they still won’t eat, don’t wait. Even short fasting can cause liver problems in cats. Dogs may get dehydrated fast.
A vet can run tests, rule out infections, check for mouth pain or blocked intestines. Early help means faster recovery.
2) How can I tell if my pet has a fever?
You can use a digital thermometer in the pet’s bottom for a true reading. Use lube and have someone help. If that’s not possible, look for signs like:
- Warm ears or nose
- Fast breathing
- Shivering
- Red gums
A vet will check temperature and may look for infection, inflammation, or injury. Never give human medicine like Panadol or Nurofen. These are toxic to pets.
If you’re unsure, ring your vet for advice. They’ll guide you on next steps.
3) When is vomiting an emergency?
One vomit? Maybe they ate too fast. More than that, or paired with weakness, pain, or no appetite? That’s urgent.
Watch for:
- Blood in vomit
- Belly looks big
- Weak or shaky
- Vomits after eating or drinking
In puppies and kittens, vomiting causes fast fluid loss. Same for senior pets. If you see more than one vomit in a day, or any blood, call the vet.
Your pet could have swallowed something or be reacting to a toxin. Only a vet can tell for sure.
4) Is it normal for cats to hide when sick?
Yes, cats are experts at hiding pain. In the wild, sick animals become targets. That’s why cats often act normal even when they’re sick.
Hiding more than usual, not jumping on furniture, avoiding food, or grooming less could mean trouble. Some cats become clingy instead.
Know your cat’s normal. If their habits change, even a little, trust your gut and book a check-up.
5) What if my dog seems tired all the time?
A sleepy dog after play is fine. But if they’re always tired, skip walks, or lie down mid-activity, that’s not normal.
Common causes:
- Infection
- Pain
- Heart disease
- Anaemia
Tired dogs may also pant more, drink more, or eat less. If this keeps going for a day or more, get a vet check. Don’t wait for other signs. Energy loss can show up early in many conditions.
Keep Your Pet Safe: Don’t Wait, Call the Vet
You know your pet better than anyone. You notice when they’re off. Don’t brush it off. Early signs matter. Small changes often point to bigger problems.
From food changes to skin issues, catching illness early helps treatment work better, costs less, and saves stress for everyone.
Regular visits, good food, playtime, and knowing your pet’s normal habits build a strong base for health. If anything feels off, don’t second guess. Trust your instincts and speak with a vet.
For those in the Camberwell area, the team at Toorak Road Veterinary Clinic is ready to help. With expert care, honest advice, and a warm approach, we’ll treat your pet like family.
Please do not hesitate to call us today on (03) 9809 2700 or make an appointment.
