According to recent studies, people with pets cope better with stress and take trips to the doctor less than non-pet-owners do. As many pet owners know, sometimes our furry friends need our support, especially if there’s something wrong with their health. To keep your pet safe and sound, you should pay attention even to the slightest changes in their behavior and take necessary measures immediately.

Bright Side has made a list of the most unobvious signs and symptoms that could lead you to believe your pet needs medical attention.

7. Coughing

Sometimes your dog or cat may suffer from a kennel cough which doesn’t need any special treatment and usually goes away within 2 weeks.

However, persistent coughing that lasts more than 3 weeks is never a normal thing. Chronic coughing may be related to heart or lung diseases, heartworm, bronchitis, pneumonia, or a tracheal collapse.

6. Vomiting

Cats and dogs can vomit on occasion, often without being seriously ill. However, sometimes vomiting can stem from gastrointestinal illnesses, pancreatitis, kidney disease, or parasite infections.

Blood in the vomit is also a warning sign that could indicate that your pet has gulped down a sharp object that irritated their stomach.

5. A swollen belly

Although sometimes a distended abdomen could be a simple sign of eating too much, it may also indicate that your pet suffers from a digestive disorder, peritonitis, hormonal imbalance, or even internal bleeding.

Undiagnosed abnormal swelling in the stomach area could also be life-threatening as it puts additional pressure on the chest cavity and makes it difficult for your dog or cat to breathe.

4. Listlessness

If your normally active pet suddenly refuses to play with you, it could be the first sign of a larger problem. Weakness or lethargy in dogs and cats usually accompanies all kinds of infections and serious diseases like diabetes, hypoglycemia, and anemia.

3. Abnormal restlessness

While restlessness itself isn’t necessarily a bad sign, it can be your pet’s way of indicating that it doesn’t feel well. If your dog or cat is being anxious or looking scared for no reason and constantly pacing, shaking, or whining, this can point to a range of health issues including mange, rabies virus, Cushing’s disease, or heart problems.

2. Unexplained weight loss

Losing a small amount of weight shouldn’t be a cause for alarm, especially if your pet is eating fine. But if your dog or cat loses 10% of their normal body weight, it is a sign that there may be a bigger underlying problem such as a metabolic disorder, kidney or liver problems, neuromuscular disease, or cancer.

1. Excessive licking

There are a number of medical problems that may result in licking behavior in cats and dogs. The most common reason why your pet is excessively cleaning the same spot could be from pain or itching that may be caused by fleas or an allergy.

How often do you take your pet to the vet for a check up? Share your experience in the comments!

Preview photo credit depositphotos.com