Visiting the vet is all part of being a pet owner, whether you have a cat, dog, hamster or even a snake. We all want the best for our furry (and scaly) friends, so their health and well-being are always a priority, but would you know when it’s best to see the vet?
Much like deciding to go to the hospital or visit your GP for your own health concerns, it’s not always easy to know what to do. After all, you don’t want to trouble your vet over something minor, but you equally don’t want to miss telltale signs of something that could be much worse. Add to this that pets cannot easily tell you if there is something wrong, it can be a difficult decision. Below you will find some tips that may help to make this easier.
Recognizing both the subtle and not-so-subtle cues that indicate a trip to the vet might be necessary, you’ll have the long-term health and happiness of your furry family members under control.
Is Your Pet’s Behaviour Normal?
We all like to think we know our pets better than anyone, and to some extent this is true. You see and interact with them every day, and if you’ve had your pet since they were very young, you should have a good idea of what’s normal behaviour and what isn’t, right?
However, even if you have had your pet for years, there may still only be subtle changes when something is wrong which can easily be missed. Dogs may experience a change in appetite, excessive panting, or even sleeping more than usual, whilst in cats they may meow more to show signs of pain. Each pet has its own set of typical behaviours, eating habits, energy levels, and routines you’ll be used to, so having familiarity with these is a good start.
What are they like on a good day? How much do they typically eat and drink? What are their normal play habits and energy levels throughout the day? Also, pay attention to their sleep patterns and how they interact with other pets or family members in the home. Changes in these can often be the first indicator of health issues.
By knowing what is ‘normal’ for your pet, you’ll be better prepared to notice when something is definitely off. So, what common signs could indicate a problem for your pet?
Common Signs That May Require a Vet Visit
- Changes in Appetite or Weight – If you notice a significant decrease or increase in appetite or sudden weight loss or gain this can signal various health problems. If you notice they are struggling to eat normally, such as difficulty chewing, it could be an issue with their teeth or gums.
- Difficulty Breathing – If your pet is panting excessively, coughing, or seems to struggle for breath, this can sometimes just be that your pet is too hot, such as after running around or on a hot day, but it can also be a sign of a medical emergency especially if they look agitated or have widened eyes.
- Excessive Vomiting or Diarrhea – While occasional vomiting or diarrhea can occur in pets, persistent or severe cases can lead to dehydration and indicate more serious conditions.
- Obvious Pain or Limping – Signs of pain such as whimpering, shaking, or reluctance to be touched, along with limping or difficulty moving, can indicate injuries, arthritis, or other issues. These are usually more obvious than other types of problems.
- Changes in Urination or Defecation – Increased frequency, straining, or pain during urination and defecation could be a problem. According to PetMD, dogs should defecate at least once a day and most animals produce a reasonable amount of urine at least every 12 hours. Any differences with this could indicate a problem.
- Unusual Behaviour – Increased aggression, sudden fearfulness, stress, or unusual lethargy can sometimes be linked to underlying illnesses that affect your pet’s physical health and mental well-being.
Whenever you notice these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult your vet promptly. Some issues may warrant an emergency vet appointment such as broken bones, severe bleeding, open wounds and, as mentioned above, difficulty breathing. You’ll need to consider that emergency appointments come at a cost and will vary depending on whether you are already registered with the vet practice.
According to leading pet insurance provider Petsure, you may need to pay a consultation fee and an out-of-hours fee, depending on the time of day – this can be as much as £59 for bank holidays and evenings before 11pm and £129 for appointments overnight between 11pm and 8am based on figures from the Animal Trust, so you’ll want to ensure it’s for emergencies only.
The Benefit of Preventative Care & Regular Check-Ups
Maintaining your pet’s health and ensuring a long, vibrant life is made much easier through regular check-ups at your vet. Routine visits are essential, as they can help with early detection and treatment of potential health issues before they become a serious problem for your furry friend.
A regular check-up will help check their general health and look for signs of infection, inspect teeth and gums for signs of dental disease, and assess heart and lung health. These visits also provide an opportunity for vaccinations when needed, parasite control (including flea, tick, and worm treatments), and essential blood tests. They are also a perfect time for pet owners to discuss nutrition, behaviour, and any other concerns with their vet.
Having regular preventative care tailored to your pet’s breed, age, and health status is a proactive approach to their health. It’s not just about treating illnesses when they happen, but also about preventing them wherever possible.
Once at the Vet, Help Your Pet Feel Relaxed
If you’ve decided going to the vet is the best option, remember that this can be quite a stressful situation for your pet. Try to use calming techniques to help your cat or dog feel comfortable such as rubbing their ears or belly when they are being seen by the vet, and don’t forget the power of distracting and rewarding them too – as the Dog’s Trust recommends, use treats as incentives unless there’s a good reason not to (such as an upset stomach) or you’ve been asked not to feed them. Sometimes, there’s nothing better than their favourite treat and toy to help them feel relaxed.
Talk to your vet too about how your pet is feeling, such as if they are nervous or showing anxiety. This can be helpful if say it is an emergency appointment with a different vet, such as if you were away from home. The vet will always do their best to accommodate this and help your pet feel comfortable. Remember it’s also important that you stay calm too – your pet can pick up on your body language, so anything you can do to destress the situation the better.
Make The Best Decision For You and Your Pet
Knowing when to seek veterinary care is crucial for the well-being of your pet. Recognizing your pet’s normal behavior, being alert to urgent symptoms, and ensuring regular check-ups are key steps in providing them with the best possible care. Trust your instincts; if you’re ever uncertain about a symptom’s severity, don’t hesitate to consult with your vet for peace of mind.
We urge you to stay observant and proactive with your pet’s health. When in doubt, book that vet visit—it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Your pet’s health is in your hands, so take action today and schedule their next check-up, ensuring many more happy, healthy years together.
