According to VetStreet.com, any behavior that\u2019s unusual for your dog or cat is reason to call your veterinarian. Lethargy \u2014 defined as decreased energy or activity, listlessness or tiredness \u2014 is a common sign your dog doesn\u2019t feel well<\/a> and is associated with a wide range of health issues.<\/p>\n The most common sign that suggests your cat doesn\u2019t feel well<\/a> may be that he or she is\u00a0hiding in an out-of-the-way, quiet place. If they are purring, don\u2019t be fooled into thinking all is well. Not only do cats purr when they\u2019re happy or content, but they also purr when they\u2019re in pain or sick.<\/p>\n Cats and dogs stop eating or reduce how much they eat for many reasons, including stomach upset, pain and stress. If your pet\u2019s lack of appetite lasts for 24 hours or more, you should contact your veterinarian. Cats in particular are at risk for a serious condition, fatty liver syndrome (aka hepatic lipidosis), if they stop eating for more than 36 hours.<\/p>\n Some health concerns, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid disease) or diabetes, can increase your pet\u2019s appetite. If your dog or cat suddenly seems hungrier than usual, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.<\/p>\n Increased thirst and urination often occur in tandem. These signs can signal a number of health concerns, including diabetes and kidney disease. Pets who urinate frequently, strain to urinate or pass blood-tinged urine may have a urinary tract infection, stones or partial blockage. If these signs are seen in a neutered male cat, you\u2019ll want to seek immediate veterinary attention for a urinary obstruction, which is a potentially life-threatening condition.<\/p>\n Dogs and cats regurgitate or vomit on occasion (for example, drinking too much water too fast or expelling hairballs) without being truly sick. If your dog vomits once or twice (assuming only food, bile or water is in the vomit) but is otherwise acting normally, you should be able to withhold water and food for two hours while monitoring him or her\u00a0at home. But any pet that vomits several times in one day, has no appetite and seems lethargic needs veterinary care. If you\u2019re unsure about what\u2019s appropriate for your best furry friend, don\u2019t hesitate to consult your veterinarian.<\/p>\n Changes in diet or water, nervousness, food sensitivities, internal parasites, infections, poisonings and several other health issues can trigger diarrhea in our pets. If your dog or cat has one or two occurrences of loose stool but is otherwise behaving normally, you may be able to monitor him or her at home. But watery diarrhea, diarrhea with blood or diarrhea accompanied by vomiting or other symptoms merits a trip to the veterinary clinic. You\u2019ll also want to speak with your veterinarian before giving your pet any medication to help manage their\u00a0diarrhea.<\/p>\n Some cats experience constipation. A constipated cat may strain to have a bowel movement; cry or meow when in the litter box; pass only small, hard feces; or pass small amounts of watery feces. In fact, it can sometimes be challenging to tell difference between a constipated cat and a cat with a urinary tract blockage based on their litter box behavior. If you have any concerns about your cat\u2019s litter box activities, consult your veterinarian.<\/p>\n Coughing, especially chronic coughing, is a sign that requires evaluation by a veterinarian. That\u2019s because coughing can signal many different problems, including foreign bodies, allergies, heart disease, heartworms, collapsing trachea, asthma, tumors or contagious diseases such as kennel cough and canine influenza. If your pet\u2019s cough persists for more than a day, call your veterinarian. If your pet is coughing violently, has difficulty breathing or has blue-gray colored gums, seek immediate veterinary attention.<\/p>\n Fleas, allergies and certain mange mites are common reasons for dogs and cats to scratch, lick or bite at their skin nearly nonstop. Itchy skin and hair loss are also caused by bacterial and yeast infections and endocrine (hormone-related) diseases. If your pet is scratching frequently, call your veterinarian for an appointment. Your veterinarian can perform a battery of tests to rule in or out the potential causes of your pet\u2019s itching and recommend options to help your pet ditch their itch<\/a>.<\/p>\n A healthy dog\u2019s gums are typically pink, unless they\u2019re darkly pigmented or mottled. A healthy cat\u2019s gums should be a deep pink. In addition, their gums should be moist and not tacky to the touch. If you press on your pet\u2019s gums with your thumb or index finger, the tissue should whiten and then return to pink within two seconds after lifting your finger. Very pale gums or slow color return may indicate anemia, blood loss or poor circulation. Bluish gums can signal a life-threatening lack of oxygen. Bright red gums may be associated with carbon monoxide poisoning or overheating (hyperthermia or heat stress). Yellow gums result from jaundice, which suggests liver disease.<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
![\"10](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/10-signs-your-pet-could-be-sick-100421.png\")
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"