Annual routine vet visits are a foundation of your pet’s health, so those visits should never be skipped. When it gets tricky is knowing when to schedule a vet visit for an injury or sickness. Some ailments will resolve on their own in a few days, and some minor injuries will heal or can be treated at home—but how do you know when it’s time to visit your vet?
If your pet is having trouble breathing, has lost consciousness, or has a severe injury, the need for an immediate vet visit is clear. Other times, it’s not so obvious that professional medical attention is required.
Here are some signs that you may need to schedule a visit:
Changes in Urination
If your potty-trained pet is suddenly going to the bathroom in the house, or if you notice other changes in your pet’s urination, that can be a sign of a potentially serious medical condition. Examples of changes to make note of include blood in urine, more frequent or less frequent urination, straining when urinating, or if urine is a strange color or odor.
These symptoms could indicate kidney problems, diabetes, or urinary tract infections.
Loss of Appetite
One sign that indicates a possible health problem is loss of appetite. Of course, every time your pet skips a meal isn’t a sign something is wrong, but if your pet turns away from food for more than 24 hours, you should make an appointment.
Lethargy/Other Behavioral Changes
Pets can’t tell you what hurts or let you know verbally that something doesn’t feel quite right, but they can make a medical problem known through changes in their behavior. Lethargy, unusual aggression, or a pet being uncharacteristically withdrawn are all signs of a possible health problem. If any of these changes last for more than a day, contact your vet.
Other signs to take note of include:
- Hair Loss
- Weight Loss or Gain
- Difficulty Rising
- Itchy Skin/Excessive Scratching
- Vomiting/Diarrhea
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