As responsible pet parents, we all want our furry loved ones to be happy and healthy. However, unlike our human children, pets cannot tell us when they’re not feeling well. In addition, pets are by nature pain and discomfort masters of disguise—it’s an evolutionary trick from their days in the wild to not show predators they’re vulnerable and susceptible to attack. Therefore, it’s a crucial ability that all pet owners can master to recognize these early signs and symptoms that something is awry.
This way, issues can be diagnosed and treated sooner rather than later, changing not only the course of treatment but your beloved pet’s quality of life.
Changes in Eating or Drinking Habits
Eating and drinking is one of the most subtle signs that there’s something wrong with your animal. That isn’t to say that if your dog skips a meal (even if it’s his favorite one) that you should be alarmed, but a well-tuned owner should sense when something is amiss. If your pet has been on a strictly predictable eating schedule and suddenly, there is an upsurge or downturn in appetite, this should be addressed.
The same applies to drinking. If your dog goes through a bowl of water daily but suddenly won’t touch it or if a gallon lasts three days instead of one, this should be addressed. In addition, if dogs become increasingly thirsty—downing every bowl they encounter in the house or relentlessly seeking water in the toilets or laundry sinks—or day by day someone finds themselves filling the bowl with more water than before or finding other vessels in which to quench their thirst, this is a sign of diabetes, kidney disease, liver issues or other metabolic concerns.
Behavioral Shifts and Lethargy
Behavioral concerns are an obvious giveaway that something might be wrong. If your family dog who greets you every night at the door with a wagging tail and slobbery kiss suddenly remains on the couch all day and doesn’t greet anyone by their name or if your family cat who loves to bat at string on the floor suddenly sits silently and doesn’t pounce with any energy anymore, your animal is either aging or young but somehow sick.
Sleeping too much, not wanting to exercise or work out as a previously happy puppy would, or hiding when visitors arrive (to avoid meeting new guests) typically means that your pet is either very unhappy or even more than happy if they relish in more sleeping instead of running and playing!
Conversely, some pets become restless or anxious when ill. Pacing, inability to get comfortable, or increased vocalization—especially at night—can all signal pain or distress.
Digestive Troubles
Occasional stomach upset happens, but persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation warrants veterinary attention. Watch for blood in vomit or stool, which always requires immediate care. Straining to defecate or urinate, frequent unproductive trips to the litter box, or accidents in the house from a previously housetrained pet are all concerning signs.
Healthy pets breathe quietly and comfortably. If you notice labored breathing, persistent coughing, wheezing, or excessive panting when your pet isn’t hot or exercised, this could indicate respiratory infection, heart problems, or other serious conditions. Any blue or pale gums require emergency veterinary care.
Physical Appearance Changes
You spend enough time with your pet to recognize changes in its body. While petting, you can slowly assess their body for masses, tenderness, or changes. You will also see if they are losing hair, having skin problems, rashes, or scratching or licking themselves more than usual.
Look at their eyes—they should be bright and clear, not cloudy, red, or producing discharge. Ears should be clean inside without odor, redness, or excessive wax. Bad breath that develops suddenly or worsens can indicate dental disease, kidney problems, or diabetes.
Weight Changes
Gradual weight gain or loss can be hard to notice when you see your pet daily. Make it a habit to weigh your pet regularly, or have your vet do so at checkups. Unexplained weight loss is particularly concerning and can indicate everything from parasites to cancer. Sudden weight gain might suggest hypothyroidism or other hormonal issues.
Mobility Issues
Limping, being stiff after extended periods of rest, not jumping on and off of furniture they once did with no problems, or avoiding going up and down the stairs may indicate arthritis, injury, or even certain neurological issues. Animals are incredibly stoic and when they display signs of true discomfort, it’s likely that something is already very far gone.
Grooming Habits
Cats are meticulous groomers, so a greasy, matted coat suggests they’re not feeling well enough to maintain themselves. Dogs who suddenly stop enjoying brushing or recoil from touch may be experiencing pain. Conversely, excessive grooming or licking of one area often indicates irritation, pain, or anxiety.
What to Do When You Notice Changes
Trust your gut. If something seems amiss, it likely is. Maintain a running log of symptoms and when they began/when they’ve changed over time. If it’s something that’s visual, snap a picture or two. The more the vet has to go on, the better.
Don’t wait for symptoms to go away on their own, either—symptoms that should not be ignored include wheezing or respiratory issues, suspected toxins or poisons, seizures, fainting, not urinating for extended periods, vomiting or diarrhea with blood, extreme distress and pain, or if it happens to your younger, older, or ailing pets.
For less urgent symptoms that are still concerning and ongoing for 24-48 hours after onset, you should make an appointment. When you call, be as specific as possible about what you’re seeing. “He’s been more lethargic and hasn’t really eaten in three days,” is better than, “He’s just off”.
Prevention is the Best Medicine
Regular veterinary checkups—typically annual for healthy adult pets, more frequent for seniors or those with chronic conditions—catch many issues before symptoms appear. Bloodwork and other screening tests can reveal kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, and other conditions in early, more treatable stages. Responsible breeders tend to screen out these health issues, which can prevent issues down the line. Make sure to verify your breeders before getting pets to avoid issues later on.
At home, maintain routines that help you monitor your pet’s health: regular mealtimes make appetite changes obvious, daily walks reveal mobility issues early, and consistent bathroom schedules highlight urinary or digestive problems quickly.
The bond we share with our pets is built on thousands of daily interactions. Use that familiarity to your advantage. Your attentive observation and quick action when something seems wrong can add healthy, happy years to your pet’s life. After all, they depend on us to be their voice and their advocate in staying well.