As your pet’s best friend, you’re in the best position to notice if anything is amiss. Subtle changes that outside family members or friends may not detect, you see as a blaze of warning. Oftentimes, minor changes can indicate that major problems are lurking below the surface. So, if you spot any of the following changes in your pet, you need to schedule a physical exam with our Caldwell Animal Hospital team.

Eating or drinking habit changes in your pet

Only an apocalypse would put some pets off their food, but for the majority, changes in eating and drinking habits indicate an issue. 

Potential causes for your pet’s increased thirst or appetite include:

  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Cushing’s disease
  • Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) disease
  • Intestinal parasites
  • Certain medications (e.g., steroids, diuretics, phenobarbital)
  • Inadequate nutrition or hydration
  • Cognitive dysfunction
  • Heatstroke

Potential causes for your pet’s decreased thirst or appetite include:

  • GI upset or blockage
  • Pancreatitis
  • Organ dysfunction
  • Dental disease
  • Pain
  • Sudden diet change
  • Infection
  • Stress or anxiety 
  • Cancer

If your pet’s eating and drinking habits change abruptly and significantly, your pet clearly needs to visit Caldwell Animal Hospital. But, watch for slow, subtle changes, which also indicate your pet needs veterinary care.

Urination or defecation changes in your pet

What goes in, must come out. When it doesn’t, that’s a sure sign your pet needs veterinary attention. Whether your furry pal is straining to urinate or defecate, flooding their litter box, or depositing diarrhea all over the rug, deviations from your pet’s normal bathroom habits are cause for concern.

Potential causes for altered elimination habits in your pet include:

  • Organ dysfunction (e.g., kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatitis)
  • GI distress or obstruction
  • Urinary tract inflammation, infection, or obstruction
  • Endocrine disorders (e.g., diabetes, hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s disease)
  • Bacterial or viral infections
  • Incontinence
  • Reproductive tract issues
  • Poor nutrition
  • Intestinal parasites
  • Litter box problems
  • Pain
  • Impaired mobility
  • Certain medications
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Cancer

Skin and hair coat changes in your pet

If your pet’s once lustrous coat becomes dull and brittle or their skin develops a funky odor, they need more than a moisturizing oatmeal bath. A multitude of health issues can change your pet’s skin or fur color, coat quality and thickness, oil production, or skin odor, including:

  • Hormonal imbalances (e.g., hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, diabetes, reproductive hormones)
  • Allergies
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Anal gland issues
  • Improper nutrition
  • Arthritis
  • Obesity
  • Stress
  • External parasites (e.g., fleas, mange mites, ear mites, ticks)
  • Fungal, bacterial, or viral infections of the skin or ears
  • Benign or malignant masses
  • Skin cancer

Your pet’s outward appearance can be a good indicator of what’s happening on the inside, so take note of changes in their skin and hair coat.

Behavior changes in your pet

Behavior changes in pets are often a sign of a hidden illness or injury. Cats and dogs instinctively try to hide that they are unwell, but subtle changes in their normal behaviors can indicate something is wrong.

Common behavior changes in pets and their potential causes include:

  • Decreased activity — Pets are like people, and don’t want to do much of anything when they do not feel well. Impaired mobility, such as difficulty jumping or using stairs, can indicate musculoskeletal pain, while a generalized lethargy can signify a deeper problem, like infection or disease.
  • Restlessness — A restless pet who constantly paces and cannot relax may be anxious or stressed. They may also be in pain if they won’t lie down and rest. If your pet is older and their restlessness occurs during the night, cognitive dysfunction may be the problem. 
  • Irritability — If your pet’s normally sunny disposition turns stormy, they may be in pain, nauseous, stressed, or feeling unsettled in some way. A warning growl or hiss when you pet a certain spot can be a sure sign that they hurt, especially if their mood does not improve.

You know your pet best, so any change that you notice likely indicates an underlying problem that needs veterinary attention, and you should schedule an appointment with our Caldwell Animal Hospital team.