Signs Your Pet Needs to See a Vet

Dogs and cats cannot tell us when they are in pain. In fact, they often hide that they feel unwell. That is why it helps to know which signs need a vet straight away and which need an appointment soon.

Go now: emergency signs

These signs can be life threatening. Do not wait to see if they pass.

1. Difficulty breathing. Struggling to breathe, breathing with the mouth open (especially in cats), or blue or very pale gums.
2. A male cat straining in the litter tray and passing little or no urine. The bladder may be blocked, which is very dangerous.
3. A dog with a swollen, hard belly trying to vomit with nothing coming out. This happens more often in large, deep-chested dogs and is very dangerous.
4. Collapse or a seizure.
5. Suspected poisoning, for example from chocolate, rat poison, human medicines or plants. Do not try to make your pet vomit at home. Bring the packaging with you if you have it.
6. Heavy bleeding or a serious injury, such as being hit by a car, even if your pet seems fine.
7. Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, or vomiting or diarrhoea with blood.

Book an appointment soon

These signs are not always an emergency, but they should not be left for long.

• Not eating for more than a day. Cats in particular should not go without food for long.
• Drinking or peeing much more than usual.
• Limping that does not improve in a day or two.
• Weight loss without any change in food.
• Red or cloudy eyes, or squinting.
• Constant scratching or head shaking.
• Lumps that grow.
• Bad breath together with a lot of drooling.

Cats need extra attention

Cats hide pain even better than dogs. If your cat is hiding more than usual, stops grooming, goes to the toilet outside the litter tray or does not want to be touched, something may be bothering them. Small changes like these are worth a phone call.

A simple check at home

Once a week, take two minutes to check your pet:

• Look at the eyes, ears and mouth. Are they clean, with no bad smell?
• Run your hands over the whole body. Are there lumps, wounds or sore spots?
• Check the paws and between the toes.
• Notice if your pet eats, drinks and goes to the toilet as usual.

This way you learn what is normal for your own pet, and it is easier to notice when something changes.

What to have ready when you come in

It helps a lot if you can tell us when the problem started, whether your pet is eating and drinking, and if they take any medicine. If there was vomiting or diarrhoea, a photo on your phone gives us useful information. If your pet ate something suspicious, bring the packaging.

If you are not sure, call us

Nobody knows your pet better than you do. If something does not seem right, do not hesitate to call us. It is always better to ask than to wait and let a problem grow.

Regular check-ups catch problems early

Many problems, such as kidney, dental or heart problems, show no signs at first. A check-up once a year, and more often for older pets, helps us find them before they become serious.

This article is for information only and does not replace an examination by a vet. If you are worried about your pet, please contact us.