15 Signs Your Dog or Cat May be Sick or in Pain

Seeing your dog or cat sick or in pain can be devastating. Making the decision to take them to the vet can be equally as harrowing. How do you know when it is time for your pet to see a professional? These signs can help you decide.

What is Normal Dog Behavior and Cat Behavior?

Normal dog behavior varies with the breed,¹ as anyone with a Basset Hound or a Jack Russel Terrier can attest! Same goes for cat behavior. A Siamese will act a lot differently than a tabby. There are some general behaviors, however, that will indicate all is well with your furry friend.

First, they should be eating and drinking normally as well as urinating and having bowel moments on a regular schedule, but not in excess. In addition, when your dog or cat is healthy, they will have a normal amount of energy and maintain consistent behavior tendencies for them.

Remember that most dogs and cats spend about 14 hours a day sleeping.² When they aren’t, they should be active, playful, and alert.

When to Call the Vet

Sometimes things just seem to “feel off” with our pet friends. Fido or Fluffy is suddenly not themselves, even if we can’t pinpoint exactly why.

Don’t discount your “gut feeling” about your pet. YOU are the best person to judge your dog or cat’s behavior. In addition, consider these signs of potential sickness or discomfort:

#1 – Panting. Dogs especially will pant in hot weather or when they are tired out from playing. If neither of these conditions are present, however, panting may be a sign of discomfort. Take notice of how long the panting continues and if it is accompanied by other behaviors such as audible noises. Excessive coughing or sneezing are other behaviors to watch out for as well.

#2 – Increased heart rate. Along with panting, increased heart rate could be a sign of a heart condition or other serious issue. Consult your vet if your pet’s heart rate remains elevated.

#3 – Falling over. Lack of balance could be a sign of a severe condition in your dog or cat, such as injury, stroke, poisoning, or ear infections.³

#4 – Not eating or drinking. Refusing to eat or drink for long periods of time, or vomiting when they do eat, is a tell-tale sign of a serious condition. If your pet is very old, it may be the first signs of death.⁴ See your vet if your dog or cat refuses to eat or drink for more than a day or two or if this behavior is accompanied by other symptoms.

#5 – Pacing. Is your dog or cat pacing the floor or displaying other nervous behaviors? This could be a sign of physical pain or an anxiety disorder.

#6 – Change in temperature. Is there an area on your pet’s body that is excessively hot or excessively cold? Changes in temperature are red flags that injury or infection may be present.

#7 – Tension to the touch. Many pets do not like certain areas of their body touched in general, such as the belly or the feet. However, if your dog or cat noticeably tenses up or is “on guard” when you touch other spots, that could be an indication of pain.

#8 – Reduced range of motion. Stiffness when walking or climbing stairs could be a sign of several things including arthritis, injury, diabetes, Cushing’s Disease, or degenerative myelopathy, which is common in older dogs and certain breeds.

#9 – Licking or chewing. Licking or chewing a particular area of the body is a clear sign of discomfort, either in that area or in general. Be sure to check for rashes, sores, and lumps.

#10 – Drinking a lot of water. Excessive drinking and urination could be a sign of bladder, kidney or liver infection, or diabetes.⁶

#11 – Lack of interest. If your dog or cat has lost interest in their favorite toy or treat, this could be a sign they are under the weather in some way. This is especially true if this lack of interest is accompanied by general malaise.

#12 – Change in behavior. Sleeping more than normal is an indication that something may not be right with your furry friend. Outright changes in personality, such as a normally mild-mannered dog turning aggressive, could be a sign of neurological or other issues.

#13 – Odor coming from ears or mouth. Strong odor can be a sign of digestive disorders, dental issues, and other challenges in the internal organs. Excessive drooling in dogs may also be an indication.

#14 – Red, cloudy, or dry eyes. Changes in the eyes could be a sign of cataracts, glaucoma, and eye tumors.⁷

#15 – Going into hiding. Cats especially may “go into hiding” when they aren’t feeling well. Cats are “crepuscular,”⁸ meaning that they are most active at dawn and at dusk. If you notice your cat is nowhere to be found or is lethargic during these times, it may be time to investigate if a problem exists.

Keep Track of Your Pet’s Health With a Pet Journal

A good habit to get into while your pet is in good health is to spend a week or so observing your furry friend’s normal behaviors and schedule. In a journal, write down your dog or cat’s eating habits, play behaviors, favorite sleeping spots, and other habits unique to them. Be sure to update this periodically. You can then use this information as a baseline for when emergencies arise.

Just like humans, pet behaviors will change over time and with age. Any changes in this regard will more than likely be gradual, however. Most dogs and cats thrive with a well-established routine, access to healthy food and clean water, lots of exercise, and plenty of love. When they do not, it may be time to take action.

1. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-behaviorwhats-normal-and-whats-not
2. https://www.nature.com/articles/srep41873
3. https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/dog-falling-down#1
4. https://pets.thenest.com/signs-pet-may-dying-4323.html
5. https://pets.thenest.com/causes-back-leg-weakness-dogs-4626.html
6. https://www.care.com/c/stories/6354/frequent-urination-in-dogs-how-often-should/
7. http://www.akc.org/content/health/articles/cloudy-eyes-in-dogs/
8. http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/how-to-tell-if-your-cat-is-sick-7-symptoms-to-watch-out-for