When should you see a veterinarian? Recognise the signs of pain and illness in your pet early

Pets are naturally inclined to hide signs of illness. This behaviour originates from the survival instincts of their ancestors: showing weakness could lead to becoming prey.

Owners should learn to observe small and subtle signs that something may not be right. In general, the earlier a disease is diagnosed, the better the treatment possibilities.

Pain can manifest in many different ways

Pain in pets does not always mean whining or limping. Often it appears as changes in normal behaviour.

A dog may become irritable, avoid being petted, or withdraw and keep to itself. A cat may stop grooming itself, causing its coat to become matted and unkempt. On the other hand, a pet may compulsively lick a specific area of its body. Problems with eating, urination, or defecation can also indicate pain.

Changes in appetite, drinking, and weight

Loss of appetite is always a serious sign and almost always requires a veterinary visit. Both dogs and cats may stop eating, and the reasons are often varied. For example, overweight cats that do not eat for several days can quickly develop fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis). On the other hand, a sudden increase in appetite combined with weight loss may indicate conditions such as thyroid disorders, malabsorption problems, or cancer.

Increased thirst is often the first sign of kidney disease, diabetes, or pyometra (in unspayed female dogs). If a cat visits the litter box frequently but produces little or no urine, this is an emergency that requires immediate treatment (especially in male cats, where a urinary blockage can be life-threatening).

Respiratory symptoms and coughing

Coughing in dogs may indicate heart disease, tracheal collapse, or lung problems. Sometimes the underlying cause is a respiratory infection, such as kennel cough. If the coughing worsens during exercise or at night, it is advisable to examine the heart with an ultrasound.

Coughing in cats, on the other hand, often resembles coughing up a hairball, but it can also be a sign of conditions such as feline asthma. Cat coughing is often mistaken for vomiting.

When is it an emergency?

The following symptoms always require immediate contact with a veterinarian:

• Difficulty breathing or bluish mucous membranes
• Severe swelling or tenderness in the abdominal area
• Severe pain
• Unusual bleeding or inflammatory discharge
• Persistent vomiting, especially if even water cannot be kept down
• Unconsciousness, seizures, or loss of coordination
• Accidents
• Ingestion of a toxic substance (e.g. xylitol, chocolate)