Common Pet Health Problems: When to Call the Vet

Pets can experience a variety of health issues, and recognizing when to seek veterinary care is crucial for their well-being. Below is a list of common pet health problems for dogs and cats, along with signs that indicate it’s time to see a veterinarian. If you're ever unsure about your pet's condition, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult your vet.

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1. Vomiting and Diarrhea

• Common Causes: Dietary indiscretion (eating something they shouldn’t), infections, parasites, stress, or underlying diseases (e.g., pancreatitis, kidney disease).


• When to See a Vet:


• Vomiting or diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours.


• Blood is present in vomit or stool.


• Your pet seems lethargic, dehydrated (dry gums, sunken eyes), or refuses to eat.


• Vomiting is frequent or forceful (projectile vomiting).


• Suspected ingestion of toxic substances (chocolate, antifreeze, medications, etc.).

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2. Lethargy or Weakness

• Common Causes: Pain, infection, anemia, dehydration, or chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes.


• When to See a Vet:


• Lethargy lasts more than a day or is accompanied by other symptoms (e.g., vomiting, fever, loss of appetite).


• Sudden collapse or inability to stand or walk.


• Pale gums (could indicate anemia or shock).

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3. Loss of Appetite

• Common Causes: Stress, dental pain, nausea, infections, or serious conditions like kidney or liver disease.


• When to See a Vet:


• Refusal to eat lasts more than 24-48 hours (especially critical for cats, as they can develop hepatic lipidosis, a life-threatening liver condition).


• Accompanied by weight loss, vomiting, or lethargy.


• Sudden or complete refusal of food or water.

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4. Respiratory Issues (Coughing, Sneezing, or Difficulty Breathing)

• Common Causes: Allergies, infections (e.g., kennel cough in dogs, upper respiratory infections in cats), heart disease, or foreign objects in airways.


• When to See a Vet:


• Breathing is rapid, labored, or noisy.


• Coughing or sneezing persists for more than a few days or worsens.


• Blue or pale gums (indicating lack of oxygen).


• Sudden onset of breathing difficulty (emergency—seek immediate care).

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5. Skin Issues (Itching, Redness, Hair Loss)

• Common Causes: Allergies, fleas, ticks, infections, or underlying conditions like hypothyroidism.


• When to See a Vet:


• Persistent scratching, biting, or licking leads to sores or infections.


• Hair loss or red, inflamed skin doesn’t improve with basic care.


• Visible parasites (fleas, ticks) or unusual lumps/bumps.

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6. Urinary Problems

• Common Causes: Urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, kidney issues, or blockages (especially in male cats, which can be fatal).


• When to See a Vet:


• Straining to urinate, frequent attempts with little output, or crying while urinating.


• Blood in urine or accidents outside the litter box/crate.


• Complete inability to urinate (emergency—seek immediate care, as this can be life-threatening).

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7. Eye or Ear Issues

• Common Causes: Infections, allergies, trauma, or foreign objects.


• When to See a Vet:


• Excessive discharge, redness, or swelling in eyes or ears.


• Squinting, pawing at the face, or sensitivity to light.


• Foul odor or dark discharge from ears (possible ear infection).


• Cloudiness or sudden vision loss.

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8. Lameness or Difficulty Moving

• Common Causes: Arthritis, injuries, sprains, or neurological issues.


• When to See a Vet:


• Limping persists for more than a day or worsens.


• Refusal to bear weight on a limb or sudden inability to walk.


• Visible swelling, deformity, or signs of pain when touched.

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9. Behavioral Changes

• Common Causes: Pain, stress, anxiety, or underlying medical issues.


• When to See a Vet:


• Sudden aggression, hiding, or excessive vocalization.


• Disorientation, confusion, or seizures (emergency).


• Significant changes in sleep, activity, or interaction with family.

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10. Wounds or Injuries

• Common Causes: Fights, accidents, or self-inflicted injuries from scratching/licking.


• When to See a Vet:


• Deep cuts, puncture wounds, or bleeding that doesn’t stop after a few minutes.


• Signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus) in a wound.


• Suspected broken bones or trauma from a fall or car accident (emergency).

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General Guidelines for Emergency Situations

Seek immediate veterinary care if your pet experiences:

• Seizures or convulsions.


• Unconsciousness or collapse.


• Severe bleeding or trauma.


• Ingestion of toxic substances (call a vet or poison control immediately).


• Difficulty breathing or choking.


• Extreme pain or distress (whining, crying, or trembling).

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Preventative Care and Monitoring

Regular vet checkups, vaccinations, parasite prevention (fleas, ticks, worms), and a balanced diet can help catch or prevent many health issues before they become serious. Keep an eye on your pet’s normal behavior, appetite, and bathroom habits so you can quickly notice changes.

Final Note

Even if a symptom seems mild, trust your instincts as a pet owner. Pets often hide pain or illness, so subtle changes can indicate a bigger problem. If in doubt, contact your veterinarian for advice—many clinics offer phone consultations for non-emergency concerns. For after-hours emergencies, locate a 24-hour vet or emergency animal hospital in your area ahead of time.