Warning Signs in Pets: When to Seek Urgent Vet Care

Why Regular Vet Visits Are Important

Routine veterinary care is essential for maintaining your pet’s health and well-being. Regular checkups help monitor overall health, prevent diseases, and catch potential issues early. These visits include not just vaccinations but also physical exams, dental care, and nutritional advice.

Establishing a health baseline allows veterinarians to detect subtle changes that could indicate developing problems. Early intervention can improve treatment outcomes and enhance your pet’s quality of life. By prioritizing regular vet visits, you invest in your pet’s long-term health and foster a trusting relationship with your veterinarian.

Detecting Health Issues Early

Regular checkups are vital for detecting health issues early, often before they become serious. Doing routine physical examinations reveals subtle signs of illness and also helps identify weight and nutrition checks. Pet parents should get laboratory tests like blood, and urine done once in 3-6 months at least to identify early signs of nutritional deficiencies if any. Regular checkups also help pet parent discuss their pet's behavioral changes and if they are casual mood swings or need some immediate attention.

10 Signs Your Pet Needs Immediate Veterinary Attention

1. Sudden Change in Appetite or Weight Loss

Sudden changes in appetite due to gastrointestinal issues like gastritis or intestinal blockages can cause discomfort, leading pets to avoid food. Oral health issues, such as periodontal disease, can make eating painful thus causing your pet to avoid eating. Systemic illness or infection are other possible causes that lead to foof aversion & decreased appetite.

Sometimes, pets also experience unexplained weight loss which can be attributed to more serious issues like diabetes or cancer which causes significant weight loss due to metabolic disruptions. Hormonal imbalance, aging & parasite infection also steal nutrients, causing weight loss even in well-fed pets.

2. Vomiting or Diarrhea

Vomiting or diarrhea is caused when your pet ingests spoiled food or toxins or has viral/ bacterial infections. Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, and pancreatitis also cause frequent vomiting and lead to dehydration. In all of these cases, monitor symptoms closely and consult a Zigly veterinarian if they persist.

3. Lethargy and Lack of Energy

If your dog is showing decreased activity or lack of energy there are high chance that they are suffering from viral or bacterial infections, anemia, hormonal imbalance, chronic pain or they are stressed about sudden environmental change.

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All of these cases are a warning sign that requires veterinary attention to identify underlying causes.

4. Difficulty Breathing or Persistent Coughing

Difficulty in breathing is caused when the airway gets inflated, making it hard for your pet to breathe. This inflammation can be caused by asthma, pneumonia where lungs are inflamed or a sudden allergic reaction which eventually leads to wheezing. In extreme cases, congestive heart failure can cause fluid buildup in the lungs which leads to difficulty in breathing.

Your pet experiences persistent coughing when they have chronic bronchitis or if they have lung tumors in which abnormal growths can disrupt respiratory function. In certain dog breeds, collapsing trachea disease causes coughing due to a collapsing trachea.

All these issues mentioned above are extremely critical hence, you must bring your pet to Zigly Vet centers and get them checked.

5. Changes in Drinking or Urination Habits

If your pet shows signs of changes in their drinking or urination habits which are different from their routine, chances are they are going through something abnormal. Excessive drinking or Polydipsia is caused due to 3 main concerns:

Kidney Disease: Increased thirst due to impaired kidney function leads to more water intake as pets compensate for fluid loss.
Diabetes Mellitus: High blood sugar causes the kidneys to excrete excess glucose, resulting in increased thirst.
Cushing’s Disease: This hormonal disorder leads to heightened thirst and urination due to excess cortisol production.

Frequent Urination or Polyuria is caused due to:

Kidney Disease: Pets often urinate more frequently as kidneys fail to concentrate urine effectively.
Diabetes Mellitus: Increased urine production accompanies excessive drinking.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Can cause increased urination, often with straining or discomfort.

Any noticeable changes in drinking or urination habits warrant a veterinary consultation with Zigly specialists to identify potential health issues.

6. Persistent Scratching or Skin Issues

If your pet is constantly scratching themselves, chances are they either have allergies, skin infections or there is a parasite infestation in their body.

Your pet might be suffering from environmental allergies like pollen or dust which leads to itching and skin inflammation. If they are suffering from so, we would recommend you to not take your pet in dusty parks or in orchards with too many flowers around. Flea Allergies can be another possible cause that triggers intense itching and dermatitis. And finally, you should also check if they get an allergic reaction a few hours after eating food, If such is the case, the food ingredient is causing skin reactions and gastrointestinal upset.

Infections can either be bacterial which can be easily located with redness and discharge around the area or fungal causing localized hair loss and irritation.

Parasites infestation from fleas, ticks, and mites causes significant itching skin irritation, and eventual hair loss.

7. Unexplained Lumps or Bumps

Lumps are mostly caused due to infected cysts or inflammatory conditions which are often a side effect of some other health issues that your pet might be going through. If such is not the case, it can be a sign of potential cancer. If your dog has lumps, they can be benign or malignant. Hence it’s advised that you immediately rush to Zigly vet clinic. Some lumps can be metastasis and may indicate secondary growths from existing cancers.

8. Limping or Difficulty Moving

If you have a puppy or adult dog and they are lumping, you should check for fractures, sprains/strains. Dogs can get the same while they are playing, or if they are overweight. Soft tissue injuries like tendonitis or joint infections also lead to pain and swelling.

For senior dogs, joint problems are mostly due to abnormal tissue growth in the bone or arthritis; eventually leading to pain and stiffness. Hip/elbow dysplasia is also a genetic condition leading to joint pain and mobility issues.

9. Unusual Behavior or Aggression

If your dog/cat is showing unusual behavior or aggression, they may be either in pain, or stressed or there is an underlying medical condition. In either of them, the pet may become irritable or aggressive due to discomfort or they may hide in closed corners and avoid interactions.

Stress

Environmental Changes: New surroundings or routines can lead to stress-related behaviors.
Loud Noises: Stress from loud sounds can cause fear or aggression.
Social Stressors: Conflicts with other pets can trigger defensive behaviors.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Medical Issues: Conditions like hyperthyroidism can alter mood and behavior.
Neurological Disorders: Affecting the brain, these can lead to erratic behavior.
Infections or Illness: Can result in behavioral changes due to discomfort.

10. Discharge from Eyes, Ears, or Nose

Eye discharge is caused due to conjunctivitis which causes redness and discharge, or environmental allergy which leads to watery eyes, or if foreign bodies have entered their eyes causing excessive tearing.

Ear Discharge is caused by wax buildup in the ear which leads to blockages and infections or if there is an ear infection in your dog’s ear in which cases, there will be an odor and inflammation.

Nasal Discharge is caused by dental issues if they spread or due to a symptom of allergies or if they have upper respiratory infections like kennel cough cause nasal discharge

Whatever may be the case, you should take it very seriously,y and it's a sign that you have to focus on your pet's health and hygiene.

Zigly’s Comprehensive Veterinary Services

Vaccination Services: Customized vaccination schedules to protect against common illnesses.
Diagnostic Services: Blood tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds for accurate diagnosis of health issues.
Parasite Prevention and Treatment: Effective solutions for fleas, ticks, and worms, with expert guidance on prevention.
Emergency Care: Immediate attention for urgent situations to ensure your pet’s safety.
Surgery and Specialized Treatments: Safe surgical procedures and specialized care for various conditions.
Nutritional Counseling: Personalized diet advice tailored to your pet's specific needs.
Behavioral Support: Consultations to address behavioral changes and improve well-being.

Routine Health Checkups

Doing routine checkups with the vets is essential for your pet's long-term health. While planning a routine checkup, the following are the list of things you should take care of:

Physical Examination: Assessment of vital signs, hair and coat health
Vaccination Updates: Review and administration of necessary vaccinations.
Weight and Body Condition Assessment: Guidance on diet and exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
Dental Health Evaluation: Assessment of oral health to prevent dental issues.
Laboratory Testing: Routine tests for early detection of health concerns.
Parasite Prevention Assessment: Review of parasite prevention plans tailored to your pet’s lifestyle.
Behavior and Lifestyle Evaluation: Discussion of any behavioral changes with expert advice.

Preventive care services at Zigly include regular health examinations that can help you monitor your pet's health and catch early signs of illness, parasite control to prevent fleas, ticks, and worms, personalized nutritional counseling dental care & behavioral assessment to help manage anxiety, and stress for overall well-being.

Emergency Vet Visits

Zigly is prepared for pet emergencies with timely and effective care. Our Kailash Colony Experience Center & Janapuri Center in Delhi are equipped with best-in-class infrastructure and are 24x7.

Comprehensive diagnostics like X-rays, ultrasounds, and laboratory testing for accurate diagnosis, immediate care for wounds, pain management, stabilization of critical cases, soft tissue surgeries, and trauma monitoring, our Zigly vets will always handhold you every step of the way. We ensure

Emergency Surgical Services: Skilled veterinarians ready to perform necessary emergency surgeries.
Critical Care Monitoring: Ongoing observation for pets needing recovery support.
Support for Pet Owners: Clear communication and guidance throughout the emergency process.
Follow-Up Care: Scheduled appointments to monitor recovery and address any ongoing health concerns.

Zigly is dedicated to ensuring your pet receives the highest standard of emergency care. If your pet is in distress, reach out to us for immediate assistance. Your pet’s health is our priority!

FAQs About When to Take Your Pet to the Vet

1. How often should I take my pet to the vet?

The frequency of visits depends on the age group, breed & health conditions:

Age:

Puppies and Kittens (0-1 year): Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks for vaccinations, deworming, and health checks.
Young Adults (1-3 years): Every 6-12 months for vaccinations and general health monitoring.
Adults (3-7 years): Every 1-2 years for health assessments and disease prevention.
Senior Pets (7+ years): Every 6 months to detect age-related health issues early.

Additional Considerations:

Breed-Specific Needs: Certain breeds may require more frequent monitoring for health issues.
Health Conditions: Pets with chronic illnesses may need more regular visits.
Behavior or Health Changes: Any sudden changes in behavior or health should prompt an immediate vet visit.

2. What should I do if my pet refuses to eat for a day?

Your pet can refuse to eat for several reasons. If you have changed their surrounding, or if you have made some dietary changes. If either is the case, we would advise you to coddle your pet a little or even serve them their old food mixed with new one to bring back their appetite. If such is not the case, you can try luring them with their favorite treat or wet food.

If it is more than 24 hours and your pet still refuses to eat, there can be an underlying health condition and you should take them to the vet.

3. Can behavioral changes be a sign of illness?

Yes, behavior illness is always a sign of illness. If your pet is showing increased aggression or irritability, is not moving the entire day, has stopped eating and drinking, are soiling the house frequently there is a very high chance that there is some kind of illness they are going through. We would strongly advise you to seek medical help as early as possible.

4. How do I know if my pet’s skin issues are serious?

If your pet shows symptoms like open wounds, excessive itching or scratching which leads to a compromised skin barrier, swollen or inflammation on their coat, experiencing heavy hairfall, are smelling unpleasant, then they need immediate attention. Bring them to Zigly Experience Center or take them to your nearest vet for a comprehensive evaluation of their skin and coat health.

5. What should I do if my pet has diarrhea or vomiting?

If your pet has vomiting and diarrhea, our immediate advice would be to withhold food for 12-24 hours to rest the digestive system; and ensure hydration with fluid therapy. Once the vomiting reduces a bit, start with bland diets if symptoms improve. Ensure that your pet has access to water and watch them closely for dehydration signs.

If vomiting or diarrhea lasts over 24 hours or if your pet is experiencing blood in stool or vomit, please rush them to the doctor. These are severe signs and should only be taken care by your nearest vet or Zigly vet. At Zigly, our Kailash Colony Delhi & Janakpuri centers are 24x7 and we have advanced infrastructure and an in-house pharmacy to help you get everything in one place.

These guidelines will help you manage your pet’s health and well-being effectively!