Recognizing Subtle Signs That Indicate Your Pet Needs Urgent Attention

Noticing signs and symptoms of significant illness or injury in your pet can sometimes be challenging. Pets are excellent at hiding their afflictions, causing pet owners to wonder whether or not their pet needs urgent attention. Recognizing subtle signs of injury or disease in your pet is crucial for ensuring it receives prompt treatment to prevent significant health complications. Lakewood Pet Vet in Lakewood, CA, is here to educate pet owners on signs that your pet requires urgent attention.

Low Energy and Activity Levels

Pets naturally slow down as they age, but abrupt lethargy or unwillingness to exercise sparks concern. Decreased enthusiasm for play, walks, or engaging with family members can signal uncontrolled pain, injury, or illness. Contact your vet if your pet appears less energized or willing to participate in activities. They can track these changes and monitor your pet’s health between veterinary visits. Your vet can then provide appropriate treatment to relieve the underlying cause of your pet’s low energy levels.

Appetite and Thirst Fluctuations

Your pet may have a disease when it stops eating its favorite food and has fluctuations in thirst. Another symptom that accompanies several gastrointestinal issues is vomiting. Several gastrointestinal, kidney, and diabetic diseases manifest subtly at first before spiraling into severe health problems. Your veterinarian near you can determine the cause of your pet’s changes in hunger and hydration and provide prompt treatment.

Unexplained Weight Loss and Gain

Sudden weight drops often correlate with malnutrition, dental disease, parasites, diabetes, or cancer. Unexplained weight gain in your pet could be the result of hypothyroidism or other endocrine disorders. Keeping tabs on your pet’s weight assists your vet in assessing subtle developments early when treatment works best.

Breathing or Bowel Changes

Labored, rapid, or wheezy breathing can signal severe respiratory conditions in your pet that require immediate attention. You should also seek urgent care from your animal hospital if your pet has severe coughing, bloody stools, or significant bowel changes. Getting alarming respiratory or digestive issues addressed quickly maximizes the effectiveness of your pet’s treatment.

Contact Lakewood Pet Vet to Protect Your Pet’s Health and Well-Being Today

Catching subtle symptoms in your pet early on can reduce its risk of requiring significant interventions later in life, so contact Lakewood Pet Vet in Lakewood, CA, for the urgent care necessary to protect your pet’s health. Call us and schedule an appointment at (562) 925-2300 and get your pet the preventative care needed to ensure it lives a long, healthy life.