We know how important your pet’s health is to you. They are a best friend and a beloved family member. However, it’s not always easy to tell when our pet might not be feeling their best. They don’t like us to worry. We have put together some common signs to look out for that might indicate your pet isn’t feeling themselves and could become unwell. The sooner we see your pet, the sooner we can get them feeling better.

1) Irregular Eating Habits

While it’s normal for your pet to skip the occasional meal, it is important to observe the patterns and frequency of their eating habits. It may be an idea to book an appointment if you notice your pet:

Avoids eating regularly
Seems hungry all the time
Starts eating more or less food than usual
Loses interest in food

Any of these symptoms could signify underlying health conditions, so it’s always best to double-check.

Certain conditions can cause your pets to develop irregular or odd eating habits. For example, your pet may start eating non-food items such as soil and grass, or chewing and eating household objects. When this behaviour is habitual and compulsive, it can be indicative of a disorder known as pica.

If you’re concerned about your pet’s weight, why not drop by for a weigh-in on our practice scales, or a consultation with one of our nurses to see how their body condition score lines up.

2)Increased Water Intake

Have you noticed your pet drinking much more? Are you having to refill their water bowl multiple times a day?

Increased drinking can indicate early signs of conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease. With increased thirst, we sometimes also see an increase in urine output. These are both things to keep an eye out for.

If you notice your pet is straining to urinate, or if you see any blood in their urine, why not drop in a urine sample for us to have a look at using our in-house laboratory? We have sample pots available in reception, alternatively a Tupperware container works just fine! Make sure the container is well washed out otherwise remnants of sugary or fatty food can interfere with results. We can analyse the sample for signs of any infection or disease.

On our Family Health Plan you receive unlimited free-of-charge consults with a vet or nurse — meaning you can bring your pet in for a full health check whenever you are worried at no extra cost.

3) Excessive tiredness, sleeping or lethargy

If your pet seems more lethargic than usual, it might be time to take them to the vet. Are they slowing down on their walks, maybe less enthusiastic about playing with their favourite toy? When a dog or cat is lethargic, they are typically uninterested in activities they usually enjoy such as walking or playing.

Just like us humans, our pets may be less active during times of hot weather. However, prolonged periods of tiredness, inactivity and general hesitance to walk would be a good indication to bring them in to see us.

As dogs and cats get older they are more at risk of developing joint disease. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease which affects the tissue in joints that allows them to move smoothly and easily. As these tissues break down, the joints become progressively more stiff and painful to move. It is estimated that 8-20% of dogs suffer from OA with over 6.5 million dogs diagnosed in the UK alone. This condition is also very prevalent in the cat population so if they are less active, less mobile, and more reluctant to engage in physical activity, why not make an appointment and bring them in for a check with one of the lovely veterinary nurses at Pet People who can assess their mobility and lifestyle. We are here to support you and your pet and make a plan to return that spring to their step!

Click for more information about: Canine Osteoarthritis and Feline Osteoarthritis

4) Sudden noticeable weight change

As your pet grows older, naturally they might become less active and therefore lose muscle from certain areas of their body. However, losing weight quickly, without any direct cause, could be an indication of an underlying health issue. We recommend bringing your pet in for regular weighing so we can track any weight changes and address them as quickly as possible. If you notice any sudden swelling of your pet’s tummy you should contact your vet immediately.

Following neutering procedures such as keyhole spays, dogs are more likely to gain weight due to a change in their hormone levels. This makes it extra important to consider a nutritionally balanced diet for our neutered pets, to prevent excessive weight gain and keep them in tip top shape.

Did you know, the nurses at Pet People can see your pet for a weight clinic. This can be to either lose or gain weight where appropriate.

5) Out of Character or aggressive behavioural changes

If your pet starts to display new aggressive or reactive behaviours, this could be an indication of pain. Snarling, snapping, biting or growling could indicate that your pet is in pain. If you’ve noticed changes like these, an appointment with the vet would be advised to ensure your furry friend isn’t suffering.

Older pets can suffer from neurological diseases which may cause confused, unpredictable and even aggressive behaviours. A neurological exam can be conducted by one of the vets to assess what might be causing these changes.

Additionally, aggressive behaviour can occur in a pets who feel threatened by another family member or pet in the home. We can prescribe medication to help anxious animals however, it is usually best to get to the root of the problem first by seeing a behaviourist.

Finding a vet practice your pet likes is vital to their health and happiness — and to yours. As a team of people who absolutely love pets, we dedicate our lives to improving theirs. We use the latest approaches in technology and wellness to give them the exceptional care they deserve, and get all the cuddles we need in return.

Book an Appointment at Pet People for a Check-Up Today!