Pets are masters at hiding discomfort. In the wild, showing weakness can be dangerous, and that instinct still exists in our cats, dogs, and other companion animals today. As a loving pet owner, it’s not always easy to tell when something is wrong, especially when symptoms start subtly or develop gradually over time.

Regular wellness exams are essential, but there are certain warning signs that should never be ignored. Recognizing these changes early and seeking veterinary care promptly can make a significant difference in your pet’s comfort, recovery, and long-term health. Below are 13 clear signs that it may be time to schedule a visit with your veterinarian.

1. Changes in Appetite or Thirst

A noticeable change in how much your pet eats or drinks is often one of the first indicators of an underlying health issue. A sudden loss of appetite, refusal to eat favorite foods, or excessive hunger can all point to problems that require professional attention. Increased thirst may signal conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances, while decreased water intake can quickly lead to dehydration. Even subtle changes that last more than a day or two should be discussed with your veterinarian.

2. Unexplained Weight Loss or Weight Gain

If your pet is losing or gaining weight without any changes to diet or activity level, it’s a red flag. Gradual weight loss can be associated with parasites, dental disease, digestive disorders, or chronic illnesses, while sudden weight gain may be linked to hormonal conditions or fluid retention. Because weight changes can happen slowly, they’re often overlooked. Regular weigh-ins and body condition assessments help catch potential issues early, before they turn into more serious health concerns.

3. Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea

An occasional upset stomach can happen, especially if your pet eats something unusual. However, vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours, occurs frequently, or contains blood should never be ignored. Ongoing digestive issues can quickly lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, particularly in young, senior, or small pets. These symptoms may indicate infections, food sensitivities, organ disease, or swallowed foreign objects that require treatment from your veterinarian.

4. Lethargy or Decreased Activity Levels

Every pet has an off day now and then, but a noticeable and ongoing decrease in energy is often a sign that something isn’t right. If your dog who's normally playful avoids walks or your cat stops jumping and exploring, it’s time to pay attention. Lethargy can result from pain, infection, fever, or internal illness. Because it’s a broad symptom, an exam by a veterinarian is important to identify the cause and address the issue before it worsens.

5. Changes in Behavior or Mood

Behavioral changes are one of the most common ways pets communicate discomfort. Increased aggression, withdrawal, hiding, anxiety, restlessness, or unusual vocalization can all signal pain or illness. A pet that suddenly avoids interaction or reacts negatively to being touched may be experiencing joint pain, dental problems, or internal discomfort. Changes in litter box habits, house soiling, or destructive behavior may also have medical causes rather than behavioral ones.

6. Difficulty Breathing or Persistent Coughing

Any change in your pet’s breathing should be taken seriously. Labored breathing, rapid breaths, wheezing, coughing, or open-mouth breathing in cats all require immediate veterinary attention. Breathing issues may be linked to respiratory infections, allergies, asthma, heart disease, or airway blockages. Because these conditions can escalate quickly, prompt care from your veterinarian is essential to protect your pet’s health and safety.

7. Skin, Coat, or Fur Changes

Your pet’s skin and coat often reflect their overall health. Excessive shedding, hair loss, constant scratching, redness, sores, or changes in coat texture may indicate allergies, parasites, infections, or hormonal imbalances. A dull, dry, or greasy coat can also point to nutritional deficiencies or chronic illness. An evaluation by your veterinarian helps identify the root cause and ensures your pet receives appropriate treatment and long-term relief.

8. Signs of Pain or Discomfort

Pets rarely cry out when they’re in pain, instead showing subtle changes in movement or behavior. Limping, stiffness, reluctance to jump or climb, excessive licking, sensitivity to touch, or changes in posture are all warning signs. Chronic pain from arthritis, dental disease, or internal conditions can significantly affect quality of life. Early diagnosis allows for effective pain management and helps keep your pet active, comfortable, and engaged.

9. Changes in Urination or Bowel Habits

Frequent urination, straining, accidents indoors, blood in urine or stool, constipation, or diarrhea should always prompt a visit to your veterinarian. These changes may indicate urinary tract infections, kidney disease, digestive disorders, or blockages. In male cats, difficulty urinating can become life-threatening very quickly. Addressing changes in bathroom habits early can prevent serious complications and reduce discomfort.

10. Bad Breath, Dental Issues, or Oral Changes

While mild pet breath is common, strong or foul-smelling breath is often a sign of dental disease or infection. Red or bleeding gums, tartar buildup, loose teeth, drooling, or difficulty chewing are all signs of oral health problems. Dental disease doesn’t just affect the mouth. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream and impact vital organs like the heart and kidneys. Regular dental care and veterinary checkups help protect your pet’s overall health.

11. Eye or Ear Problems

Changes in your pet’s eyes or ears should never be ignored. Redness, swelling, discharge, cloudiness, excessive tearing, or squinting can indicate infections, injuries, allergies, or underlying diseases. Ear issues such as head shaking, scratching, foul odors, or dark discharge are common signs of ear infections or parasites. Left untreated, eye and ear problems can worsen quickly and may lead to pain, hearing loss, or vision impairment. A veterinarian can determine the cause and provide appropriate medication or treatment to relieve discomfort and prevent long-term complications.

12. Lumps, Bumps, or Swelling

Finding a new lump or bump on your pet can be alarming, but not all growths are dangerous. However, any new, growing, or changing mass should be examined by a vet. Swelling may be caused by infections, cysts, abscesses, benign tumors, or cancer. Early evaluation is important, especially if the lump is firm, painful, rapidly enlarging, or interfering with movement. Your veterinarian may recommend monitoring, testing, or removal to determine whether the growth is harmless or requires treatment.

13. Seizures or Sudden Loss of Coordination

Seizures, tremors, collapse, or sudden loss of balance are serious symptoms that require immediate veterinary attention. These episodes may involve convulsions, muscle twitching, confusion, or temporary unresponsiveness. Neurological issues can be caused by epilepsy, toxins, infections, head trauma, metabolic disorders, or brain disease. Even a single seizure is reason enough to consult a vet. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help manage the condition and reduce the risk of future episodes.

You know your pet better than anyone else. If something feels off, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult your vet. According to IBISWorld, the total revenue of the U.S. veterinary services industry exceeds $69 billion, and a big piece of this comes from early intervention, which often leads to better outcomes, lower treatment costs, and less stress for both you and your pet. When you need to see a veterinarian in Dobbs Ferry, NY, our team is for you. We offer over 25 years of experience of industry experience, and we absolutely love all the furry friends that come to us! Contact Dobbs Ferry Animal Hospital today to schedule an appointment.