Subtle changes in your pet’s normal behavior or habits can indicate a serious underlying problem that should not be ignored. If you spot the following changes in your four-legged friend, seek veterinary care.

Behavior changes in your pet

Pets cannot communicate verbally, so behavior changes are often their way of signaling that something is wrong. Monitor your pet for the following behavior changes:

  • Lethargy or fatigue — If your pet is less active than usual, seems excessively tired, or has difficulty getting up or moving around, it could indicate pain, illness, neuromuscular disorders, cardiac disease, or other issues.
  • Aggression or irritability — Sudden aggression or increased irritability could be a sign of pain, fear, stress, or discomfort. 
  • Hiding or withdrawal — If your pet suddenly starts hiding or withdrawing from social interactions, it could indicate stress, fear, illness, or discomfort.
  • Excessive vocalization — Increased vocalization, such as whining, howling, or meowing more than usual, could be a sign of distress, pain, anxiety, or cognitive dysfunction.
  • Sleeping pattern changes — Significant changes in sleeping patterns, such as sleeping more or less than usual, restlessness during sleep, or difficulty settling down, could indicate health issues, discomfort, or cognitive dysfunction.

Appearance changes in your pet

Changes in your pet’s outward appearance can indicate an internal issue. Keep an eye out for the following visible changes in your pet:

  • Skin and coat — Hair loss, skin inflammation, dry skin, sores, lumps, or a texture change in your pet’s fur can indicate parasitic infections, allergies, poor nutrition, skin infections, endocrine disorders, or cancer.
  • Eyes — Redness, cloudiness, or excessive discharge can develop for a multitude of reasons that require urgent care. 
  • Weight — Sudden weight gain or loss is often a sign of an underlying health problem, since pets generally consume and burn the same amount of calories each day. Keep an eye out for changes in your pet’s physique, such as loss of muscle mass or a distended abdomen.

Eating and drinking changes in your pet

Changes in your pet’s eating and drinking habits can indicate various health or behavior issues. Potential meanings behind these changes include:

  • Increased appetite — If your pet is eating more than usual, it could be a sign of conditions such as parasitic infections, inadequate nutrition, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or Cushing’s disease. 
  • Decreased appetite — Appetite loss can be caused by a wide range of health issues, including dental problems, digestive disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, infections, cancer, pain, stress, or environmental changes.
  • Increased thirst — Excessive thirst can be a sign of conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, Cushing’s disease, hyperthyroidism, or dehydration. It might also be caused by dietary changes, increased physical activity, or environmental factors like heat.
  • Selective eating or avoidance — If your pet starts avoiding certain foods or refusing to eat altogether, it could indicate gastrointestinal issues, dental problems, food allergies, or stress.
  • Vomiting or diarrhea — Persistent vomiting or diarrhea can lead to changes in eating and drinking habits. These problems could be caused by dietary indiscretions, infections, parasites, gastrointestinal diseases, or other underlying health issues.

Urination and defecation changes in your pet

Changes in your pet’s urination and defecation habits can signify various underlying issues, ranging from minor concerns to potentially severe health conditions. Monitor your pet for the following abnormalities:

  • Increased urination — If your pet is producing more urine than normal or urinating more often, they may have diabetes, kidney disease, a urinary tract infection (UTI), Cushing’s disease, hyperthyroidism, or behavioral issues. Certain medications can also lead to increased urination.
  • Difficulty urinating — If your pet is straining to urinate, producing very little urine, crying while urinating, or has blood in their urine, seek urgent care. Your pet may be suffering from a urinary tract infection or obstruction, which can be a life-threatening problem.
  • Changes in urine color or odor — Cloudy, dark, or bloody urine that has a strong or foul odor can be indicative of dehydration, a UTI, kidney or liver disease, or dietary changes.
  • Changes in stool consistency or frequency — If your pet experiences diarrhea, constipation, changes in stool color or consistency, or straining during bowel movements, they may have a food intolerance, parasites, inflammatory bowel disease, or various other gastrointestinal disorders. A recent diet change or medication may also be to blame.

Breathing changes in your pet

Changes in your pet’s breathing rate and effort can be worrisome, especially if they are struggling or their gums and tongue take on a bluish tint. Monitor your pet for the following issues:

  • Rapid breathing — Fast or shallow breathing can be caused by respiratory infections, heart disease, heatstroke, pain, anxiety, metabolic disorders, or asthma.
  • Labored breathing — If your pet is experiencing difficulty breathing, they may show visible abdominal effort while breathing, flared nostrils, an extended neck, or an increased respiratory rate. These issues may be caused by heart failure, lung disease, heartworm disease, anemia, pleural effusion, or trauma.
  • Noisy breathing — Wheezing, coughing, snorting, or snoring can be caused by upper respiratory infections, foreign objects stuck in the airway, brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, a collapsing trachea, or various other respiratory conditions.

You know your pet best, so if you spot a subtle change in their behavior or habits, it can indicate a serious problem. Schedule an appointment with our Dietz Family Pet Hospital team if your four-legged friend is acting out of sorts.