Your Pet's Health Signs

[Texasmujer]

Sympton: Lack of Appetite WHAT IT COULD BE: In cats, an ill-ness, such as feline distemper, or a respiratory infection. A dog may not like his food, or he may be eating "secret meals", such as house plants, or food he found outside. Your dof may be nauseated from a bacterial or viral infection. WHEN TO SEE YOUR VET: If your dog won't eat for more than two days, or your cat skips meals for more than a day, which puts it at risk for a potentially fatal liver disease. Call immediately if your dog or cat refuses food and has diarrhea or vomits; they may have a serious virus.


Sympton: Frequent vomiting WHAT IT COULD BE: A virus or a parasite, such as heartworm. Your pet may have ingested poison or a foreign object. WHEN TO SEE YOUR VET: If your pet vomits moore than once in a day, you see blood in the vomit or he has diarrhea.
thge latter could indicate a tear in the stomach or intestine.


SYMPTON: Coughing or wheezing WHAT IT COULD BE: Something like a hair ball. If mild wheezing occurs regularly, you pet cold have allergies, asthma or an upper-respiratory infection, which is common in cats. WHEN TO SEE YOUR VET: If your pet is struggling to breathe, call immediately. There may be something trapped in his airway.


SYMPTON: Increased thirst WHAT IT COULD BE: An early sympton of diabetes, kidney disease or thyroid disorder. WHEN TO SEE YOUR VET: If you notice that your pet is drinking or urinating more tham usual (the litter needs changing or your dog needs to go oumore often) over a period of several weeks.

SYMPTON: Bad breath WHAT IT COULD BE: Gingivitis, or an abcessed tooth. WHEN TO SEE YOUR VET: If your pet paws at his mouth or has inflamed gums. If dental problems are not treated, bacteria can enter the bloodstream through he digestive tract and damage the heart and kidneys.


Sympton: Grouchy behavior, sensitivity to touch WHAT IT COULD BE: Arthritis or knee or hip problems. WHEN TO SEE YOUR VET: If your animal is limping, moves stiffly or has difficulty climbing stairs. Your vet can prescribe medication to relieve the pain.


Sympton: Bumping into things WHAT IT COULD BE: Cataracts, which require surgical removal. WHEN TO SEE YOUR VET: If you start to notice couldiness or small opaque areas in your pet's eyes.