5 Signs to get your pet to the vet

June 20 2018 By MyKittyPup

We love our pets. They are an important part of our lives. So, it goes without saying that when they start behaving strangely or look sick we get worried. They can't communicate with us and therefore aren't able to tell us if they feel ill.

We hear things like if their noses are dry and hot they may be running a temperature. And, we know they sometimes eat things they shouldn't and then it upsets their stomachs. They vomit and a few hours later they are usually their old selves again.

So, when should we take our pets to the vet? Here are the 5 main reasons you should get your pet to the vet:

1. Extremely lethargic
   Don't mistake chronic fatigue for laziness. When a dog or cat is being lazy it is usually short-lived and they will be up and about in no time. If your pet is tired and sluggish for longer than a 24-hour period, you should take them to the vet because there may well be something wrong.
2. Not eating well
   If your pet doesn't eat anything over a 24-hour period, then take them to the vet as they may be suffering from any number of serious or not so serious digestive issues.
3. Vomiting
   This is one issue with our pets that we are never sure of when it comes to taking them to the vet. Why? Because our pets - and especially dogs - will chomp on just about everything and quite often can upset the digestive system. The best way to decide on whether your pet needs the vet is to wait out the vomiting for a full day. If it stops, then your pet is most likely fine but if they are still vomiting the next day, then immediately get them to the vet.
4. Sudden or extreme weight loss or weight gain
   Losing a lot of weight or putting it on quickly can be signs of serious health problems. Take your pet to the vet as soon as possible to get to the bottom of the problem.
5. Struggling to breathe
   Immediately get your pet to the vet if they are breathing irregularly or there is anything strange about the way they are inhaling and / or exhaling.

Always use your gut instinct and a healthy dose of reasoning when it comes to deciding on whether to take your beloved pet to the vet. Better to have peace-of-mind than worry about whether your furbaby is suffering from something that only the vet can fix.

Do you have a good vet for your pet? If the answer is no, then go to our listings of veterinary practices and find a vet close to you.