It can be difficult to know when your pet is unwell. Dogs and cats are very good at hiding discomfort, and changes can be subtle at first. You know your pet better than anyone! Trust your instincts. If something is not right, discuss it with your vet.
While this article cannot diagnose illness, understanding early warning signs can help you recognise when veterinary advice should be sought.
Changes in appetite or drinking
A sudden loss of appetite, increased thirst, or changes in eating habits can indicate underlying issues. If you’ve got a foodie, you’ll know instantly. While occasional fussiness isn’t unusual, persistent changes should always be checked by your veterinary practice.
Lethargy or behaviour changes
If your pet seems unusually quiet, withdrawn, restless, or “not quite themselves”, this can be an early indicator that something isn’t right. Sometimes gastro intestinal upset and pain can make your pet grumpy or lash out rather than withdrawn. If you pet is reactive rather than quiet, this could also be an indicator they’re unwell.
In cats especially, subtle behaviour changes are often the first sign of illness.
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Occasional digestive upset can happen, but repeated vomiting, diarrhoea, or symptoms lasting more than 24 hours should be assessed by a veterinary professional — particularly in puppies, kittens, or elderly pets.
Changes in breathing
Rapid, laboured, noisy, or open-mouth breathing (especially in cats) should never be ignored and requires urgent veterinary attention.
Weight loss or weight gain
Unexpected weight changes can be difficult to notice, especially in long-haired pets. Regular weight monitoring at your veterinary clinic can help detect issues early. While steady weight gain isn’t always a cause for concern, excessive weight gain can lead to serious health problems such as diabetes, joint pain, and mobility challenges. Many pet owners find it hard to resist spoiling their furry companions, but overfeeding can unfortunately result in obesity. This condition poses significant risks to your pet’s overall health and well-being.
Significant weight loss in cats (especially elderly cats) should be investigated as soon as possible.
Lameness or reluctance to move
Stiffness, limping, difficulty jumping, or reduced activity may indicate pain or injury. Even if symptoms appear mild, ongoing changes should be discussed with your vet.
Changes in toileting habits
Straining, increased frequency, accidents in the house, or changes in urine or stool appearance can all indicate health concerns. If your pet has diarrhoea for longer than 24 hours, contact your vet for advice.
In cats, difficulty urinating is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary care. If your cat is struggling to pass urine, do not ignore this symptom and contact your vet immediately.
When should I contact my vet?
If you notice:
- Persistent symptoms
- Rapid deterioration
- Pain, breathing changes, or collapse
- Any concerns in young, elderly, or chronically ill pets
…it’s always safest to contact your veterinary practice for advice.
A final note
This information is intended to support pet owners, not replace veterinary care. If you are worried about your pet, always seek professional veterinary advice.