As pet parents, our most important responsibility is ensuring the health and well-being of our furry family members. All animals, like humans, can contract illnesses from time to time, but unlike us, they can't verbally communicate their condition. So, it's up to us to notice subtle warning signs that may indicate that our pets are sick.

Recognising early signs of illness can significantly improve treatment effectiveness and your pet's overall health. Here's what you need to know.

How to Tell If Your Pet Is Sick: Warnings Signs

Change in Appetite

Any change in your pet's appetite should be closely monitored. If your usual food-obsessed pooch suddenly declines food at its regular meal time or even turns its nose up at treats, it could indicate anything from digestive issues to something as serious as an intestinal obstruction. Either way, it's time to book an appointment with the vet and get your furry best friend checked.

Difficulty Breathing

It's normal for dogs to pant after excessive exercise or on one of our Australian scorching hot days, but if your pet's breathing doesn't return to normal after a drink of water, a rest, and a cool down, it is a warning sign that should not be ignored.

Allergies could be the culprit for breathing difficulties. However, you should still seek professional advice to ensure it's manageable.

Vomiting or diarrhea

Vomiting or diarrhea isn't a massive cause for concern if it's just a once-off. Let's face it—our hounds and feline friends LOVE to ingest all sorts of scraps that could give them a brief case of an upset stomach. But if the condition is chronic or you become unsettled, professional advice should be sought as soon as possible.

Lethargic & Change In Energy

If your usual ball-of-energy pet suddenly becomes less than interested in walks or activities that would usually have them jumping for joy - something is not right.

Unusual Behaviour

Anytime your pet's behaviour changes for the worse, it is a warning sign that something is not right. Similarly to people, when we're tired or sick, we become irritable, cranky, and, let's face it, a little bit unreasonable; the same goes for our pets. It's a natural instinct but one that should not be ignored.

If your pet suddenly starts barking and growling more, pacing, or showing aggression to things that normally wouldn't phase them, pick up the phone and make an appointment. Don't assume it's a behavioural problem when there could be a more serious underlying issue.

Excessive thirst or Urination

If your pet's water bowl is being drained more often than usual, it may be a warning sign of diabetes or kidney disease.

Inability To Have Bowel Movements or Urinate

If your pet struggles to relieve itself, it's a serious concern. It could be a warning sign that your pet may have a UTI, blockages, or other serious health issues that need attention.

Bad Breath

While you may think that all dogs have bad breath after eating something they shouldn't or running around playing fetch, chronic bad breath can also be a warning sign of underlying health issues. It can indicate problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral infections.

Emergency Warning Signs

While the warning signs of sickness in pets mentioned above are cause for worry, some symptoms would be classed as emergency warning signs and should be checked immediately. These include:

Seizures
Bleeding from their mouth, eyes or nose.
Possibility they ate something poisonous
Excessive vomiting and/or diarrhea
Trouble breathing
Extreme pain
Open wounds or possible broken bones
Inability to stand up.

What To Do When Your Pet Is Sick

When you suspect your pet may be sick and they are displaying one or more warning signs, closely monitor them and book an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. If the symptoms don't warrant an emergency, monitor their symptoms and behaviour and note any changes until your appointment. Provide a safe and comfortable space for them to rest with access to plenty of fresh water and lots of love and cuddles to help support them.

Due to the survival instincts of pets, especially dogs, they will work to appear healthy to their owners. As a pet owner, it's important to be observant and notice any subtle changes. If you notice any of the warning signs mentioned above, the best thing you can do is take your pet to the vet. It's better to be safe than sorry.