signs and symptoms

As a caring pet owner, you cherish your animal and strive to maintain their health and well-being. It's a significant responsibility that involves continuous monitoring, management, and the ability to notice any unusual behaviors that could signal illness or injury. Since animals communicate through actions rather than words, it's crucial for you to keenly observe and interpret subtle changes in their behavior that could be early indicators of health issues.

Not every change in behavior warrants worry. This very basic list of signs and symptoms can guide you in safeguarding your pets' well-being, promoting a vibrant and healthy life for them.

Disclaimer

It's important to note that this list provides a fundamental overview and may not encompass all signs and symptoms an animal could display. The aim is to spotlight the most commonly observed indicators, aiding pet owners in identifying potential disorders. This is not an attempt to diagnose or treat any specific illness. If a pet exhibits any unusual symptoms or behaviors, the owner should promptly seek advice from their animal's veterinary healthcare provider.

Dog signs and symptoms

  • Pain when being touched, pet or lifted

  • Reluctance or difficulty when climbing stairs or jumping

  • Difficulty when getting up after lying down

  • Negative changes in attitude or behavior

  • Altered sitting (“Puppy Sitting”)

  • Changes in eating or eliminating

  • Constantly licking or chewing paws

  • Lameness or changes in gait

  • Changes in performance

  • Lying on one side

CAT signs and symptoms

  • Obvious pain or discomfort (difficulty jumping, reluctance to climb stairs, cries when being picked up)

  • Loss of appetite

  • Increased thirst (often a sign of diabetes)

  • Unexplained changes in weight

  • Bad breath

  • Diarrhea or changes in litter contents, urinating outside the box

  • Prolonged or repeated vomiting (though eliminating hairballs is normal, continual vomiting is often a sign of infection and can cause dehydration)

  • Discharge from the eyes and/or nose (common sign of upper respiratory infection)

  • Lump or lesions evident to touch or sight

  • Finally, cats tend to hide if injured or ill. If your cat has suddenly gone into hiding, it’s generally a sign that something is amiss.

horse signs and symptoms

  • Pain and stiffness when moving or being touched

  • Reduced performance

  • Negative changes in behavior or attitude

  • Abnormal gait, shortened stride or lameness

  • Inability or difficulty in taking a lead

  • Bucking

  • Difficulty or inability to collect

  • Pinning ears or snapping when being cinched

  • Difficulty flexing at poll

  • Changes in posture

  • Resistance to being ridden