Your furry friend relies on you for more than just food and belly rubs; they depend on you to keep an eye on their health and well-being. Pets can’t tell us when they’re feeling off, so you must be vigilant about any changes in their behavior, appearance, or routine. While some changes might be minor and temporary, others can indicate serious health issues. Read our Fort Mill Animal Hospital team’s guide to key health changes in your pet that you should never ignore.

Changes in your pet’s appetite or thirst

If your pet starts eating significantly more or less than usual, they likely have a health problem. Increased appetite can indicate diabetes, thyroid issues, or digestive disorders, while a decrease might suggest dental problems, infections, or cancer. Similarly, excessive thirst can be a diabetes or kidney disease sign.

What to do: Monitor your pet’s eating and drinking habits closely. If changes persist for more than a day or two, schedule a veterinary visit. Bringing in a log of your pet’s food and water intake can provide valuable information to help reach a diagnosis.

Fluctuations in your pet’s weight 

Unexplained weight gain or loss can be a red flag. Rapid weight loss might indicate gastrointestinal (GI) issues, parasites, or metabolic diseases. On the other hand, sudden weight gain could be hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease sign.

What to do: Regularly weigh your pet and note any significant changes. If you notice your pet gaining or losing weight rapidly, schedule an appointment with our Fort Mill Animal Hospital team to rule out serious conditions.

Changes in your pet’s bathroom habits

Altered bathroom habits are an important clue to hidden health problems in pets. Frequent urination, straining to urinate or defecate, or finding blood in the urine or stool can indicate urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder stones, kidney disease, or GI issues.

What to do: If you observe any change in your pet’s bathroom habits, no matter how inconsequential it seems, collect a urine or fecal sample if possible and bring it in for analysis. Early detection can prevent more severe complications.

Vomiting or diarrhea in your pet

While occasional vomiting or diarrhea that resolves promptly might not be alarming, frequent or severe episodes can indicate a serious problem. Potential causes include infections, toxin or foreign object ingestion, or chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or renal failure.

What to do: Monitor the frequency and severity of vomiting or diarrhea. If the issue persists for more than 24 hours or is accompanied by other problems, seek veterinary care immediately.

Unusual lack of energy in your pet

While pets do sleep a lot, a sudden increase in sleep or a noticeable lack of energy can signal that something is wrong. Lethargy can be an infection, pain, heart disease, or cancer sign.

What to do: Keep track of your pet’s activity levels. If your normally active pet becomes unusually lethargic, schedule a veterinary visit to check for underlying issues.

Respiratory issues in your pet

Coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing are serious respiratory issues that should never be ignored. They can be caused by heart disease, respiratory infections, allergies, or tumors.

What to do: If your pet is experiencing respiratory issues, seek veterinary care immediately. Difficulty breathing is a medical emergency that requires prompt attention.

Changes in your pet’s skin or coat

Any new lumps, bumps, or unexplained hair loss can be concerning. While some lumps may be benign, others can be malignant tumors. Hair loss or skin irritation can indicate allergies, parasites, or skin infections.

What to do: Regularly check your pet’s skin and coat. If you find any new growths or areas of hair loss, have them examined. Early detection and treatment are crucial for skin and coat issues.

Changes in your pet’s behavior

A behavioral change can be a health problem or pain sign. If your pet becomes unusually aggressive, withdrawn, or anxious, their behavior could be caused by discomfort, neurologic issues, hormone imbalances, or organ dysfunction.

What to do: Observe your pet’s behavior closely and note any changes. Discuss these with our Fort Mill Animal Hospital veterinarian to determine if an underlying health issue is the cause or if behavioral intervention is needed.

By being closely attuned to your four-legged friend’s health changes, you can ensure they receive prompt veterinary attention if needed. Schedule an appointment with our Fort Mill Animal Hospital team if your pet is exhibiting changes in their habits, behavior, or health.