(Dr. Iulia Mihai, DVM) We love our pets and always want the best for them to live as long and happy a life as possible! Just like people, pets can get sick. However, sometimes the signs of illness are not clear and can be easily overlooked, especially since pets cannot tell us what is wrong with them. That is why it is important to take your pets to the vet for an evaluation at the slightest sign that something is wrong with them.

In this article, you will learn what the most common early clinical signs that are often overlooked are and how you can be a proactive pet parent.

1. Changes in Eating and Drinking Habits 

One of the easiest signs to overlook in dogs and cats is when they experience subtle changes in their appetite. They may start eating more, less, or refuse food altogether. Changes in their appetite are often an early indicator of illness. If your pet suddenly eats less, this could indicate dental pain, digestive problems, or even stress. On the other hand, a sudden increase in appetite could suggest problems such as a thyroid imbalance or diabetes.

You may also notice changes in the amount of water they drink. Dogs or cats that drink more water than usual may be suffering from diseases such as Cushing's syndrome, diabetes, or kidney or thyroid disease. Reduced water intake or refusal to drink can quickly lead to dehydration, which can be fatal.

So, if these changes last for more than 24-48 hours, it is time to contact your veterinarian. In the meantime, you can write down how much your pet is eating or drinking. This way, you can tell your veterinarian exactly what you have observed.

2. Unusual Weight Changes 

Sudden weight loss in dogs or cats can signal hidden health problems (e.g., diabetes, intestinal parasites, thyroid disease, or cancer). However, weight changes occur gradually in most cases, which can be easily overlooked by pet owners. Suppose your pet has a normal appetite but is losing weight. In that case, it means their body is still not absorbing nutrients properly, which could be due to an underlying condition.

Rapid weight gain can signal a slower metabolism. This can happen with thyroid disease, hormonal disorders, or other conditions. Extra weight also puts pressure on joints and organs, worsening other health problems.

Check your pet's weight regularly to notice any changes in their weight. Take your pet to the vet if there is any significant change without a clear reason.

3. Behavioral Shifts You Might Overlook 

Some of the behavioral changes such as sudden aggression, anxiety, or withdrawal can raise questions for pet owners. These can be signs of discomfort or pain and can be difficult to interpret.

For example, subtle changes like increased irritability, sudden clinginess, more vocalizing than usual, or withdrawal from various activities, can be a sign that something is wrong with your pet. A normally playful dog that suddenly seems uninterested in toys, or a cat that hides more than usual, may be a sign of pain or discomfort.

Restlessness and anxiety are also red flags. Dogs and cats with underlying health problems may pace at night, vocalize for no reason, or seem unable to calm down. A decrease in energy, such as sleeping much more than usual or being reluctant to exercise, walk, or play, can indicate various conditions (e.g., joint pain, heart disease, or metabolic problems).

If your pet's behavior changes noticeably or it seems strange for more than a few days, contact your veterinarian.

4. Coat, Skin, and Grooming Habits 

A pet's fur, skin, and grooming habits can provide valuable clues about their health. Changes at this level can be indicators of parasites, allergies, infections, or hormonal problems. These changes may include excessive licking, excessive fur loss, excessive scratching or biting of an area, or the appearance of spots or bumps on the skin or hairless areas.

Cats groom themselves more often than dogs. When they suddenly stop grooming, it can be due to dental or oral disease, arthritis, or pain. On the other hand, excessive licking in both dogs and cats can indicate a skin problem, internal discomfort, or anxiety.

Also, skin lesions such as wounds, lumps, or areas of redness should be checked by a veterinarian ASAP. These can indicate cancer, bacterial or fungal infections, parasites, or injuries resulting from trauma. 

5. Digestive and Urinary Signs

Sometimes it may seem like urinating outside the litter box or in the house is just an accident. In some cases, it really is an accident, but when these “accidents” happen frequently, you should take your pet to the veterinarian because it may be a medical problem (e.g., urinary tract infections, kidney problems, or locomotor disorders). The same applies to constipation, frequent bowel movements, watery stools, or diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days. If you notice any clinical signs of urinary or digestive problems (nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea), consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.

So, an episode or two may not be alarming, but if they occur frequently or persist for a longer period of time, it is advisable to contact your veterinarian for a proper evaluation.

6. Dental and Oral Health Red Flags 

Most of the time, owners perceive food refusal as a whim or attribute it to their pet being bored with the usual food. Although this is true in some situations, it can also signal dental or oral problems. Therefore, you should also pay attention to other signs that may appear within these conditions: excessive salivation, bad breath, pawing at the mouth, facial swelling, and difficulty eating. The causes are multiple and can include: broken teeth, oral ulcers, oral cancers, gingivitis, tartar, and periodontitis. In addition, food refusal can also be a clinical sign in cases of systemic conditions, not just at the oral level.

Therefore, if you notice changes in food consumption, consult your veterinarian to prevent the worsening of a possible oral or dental disease. 

7. Mobility and Activity Level 

Dogs and cats with mobility difficulties may not show obvious signs early on. For example, dogs may become reluctant to climb stairs or onto the couch, or may start to prefer slower, shorter walks. Cats may also begin urinating outside the litter box and have trouble jumping. As joint disease progresses, they may refuse to move around much or at all (due to stiffness) and may show signs of pain (dogs may be more protective of the affected limb or area, lick the area more often, whine, or become aggressive). So, if you notice even the slightest changes in your pet, contact your veterinarian.

Being a Proactive Pet Parent 

A proactive pet parent is alert to any changes, no matter how small, that occur in their dog or cat. These changes can be behavioral, appetite, energy level, urinary, digestive, mobility, or oral. Regular inspection of the coat, skin, mouth, and joints can help identify problems at that level early before they become serious. Also, timely vaccinations and regular veterinary examinations can reduce the risks of illness or worsening of a condition.

In other words, by being vigilant and taking quick action, you can prevent complications and ensure a healthier and happier life for your dog or cat.

Iuliana graduated from the University of Agronomical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in 2012, Romania. She has a Master’s degree in Small Animal and Equines Pathology and a strong affinity for Veterinary Parasitology and Laboratory. In 2013 she started her Ph.D. in epithelial cancer in dogs and cats. She volunteered at the faculty’s clinic in her 3rd year of study, and continued her career in small animal pathology and laboratory. She has one cat and eleven rats. Her interests outside of work include traveling, writing, and crafting.