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Home / Features / The First Signs Of Illness In Your Pet: When Should You Visit The Vet?

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The First Signs Of Illness In Your Pet: When Should You Visit The Vet?

None of us likes being sick, but it is especially difficult to watch our pets—dogs and cats—suffer. When health issues arise, we often turn to doctors. Our pets also have their own doctors who can surely help them in any trouble.

Here’s what an experienced specialist, a veteran veterinarian, has to say: “Do not neglect tests and general medical check-ups… At Modern Vet, a veterinary clinic in Dubai, we work closely with pet owners to provide the highest level of care to extend the lives of our beloved pets and ensure they have a good quality of life” (Dr. Andy Dellert).

Let’s heed the expert's advice and learn what we can do for our pets to help them grow strong and healthy. We’ll discuss the symptoms of diseases, the causes of health deterioration, and the steps you need to take to reduce the risk of illnesses.

Why Do Animals Get Sick?

This is a common question veterinarians hear, especially when a dog is well-fed, gets plenty of walks, and has many toys—what more could they need to be happy? Unfortunately, dogs and cats are prone to many illnesses, and not all of them can be prevented 100%.

Some diseases are hereditary or breed-specific risk factors. Many infectious diseases occur due to weakened immunity. Certain pathological conditions are caused by environmental factors, medications, bites from other animals, or physical injuries.

Just like with human illnesses, there are several key reasons why some pets get sick more often than others:

Poor nutrition. A lack of vitamins, minerals, and fiber affects immunity, the functioning of internal organs, and the overall condition of the pet.
Sedentary lifestyle. This can lead to obesity, cardiovascular problems, musculoskeletal issues, and other ailments.
Poor hygiene. Infrequent bathing, brushing, and neglecting cleanliness in the pet’s living area can lead to skin diseases, poisoning, and various infections.

Some pet owners are so concerned about their pet’s health that they constantly suspect various illnesses, even when there’s no real cause for concern! To ease these worries, learn how to tell if your pet is healthy.

How to Tell if Your Dog or Cat Is Healthy

If your pet has been living in your home for a long time, you’ve probably gotten to know their character, typical behavior, and can tell when they are sad or want something. Any deviation from their normal, familiar behavior should be a cause for concern, but it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a health problem.

For example, as dogs grow older, they may start mimicking your habits and reactions to external stimuli. The first time you see this, you might be surprised, but don’t worry. Your dog loves you, and their quirky habits are just a reason for some extra hugs and smiles!

Here are the clear signs of a healthy dog:

· Clean, shiny coat without bald spots; hair loss is normal, as long as regular grooming is maintained for long-haired breeds.

· Good appetite; your dog eagerly accepts their favorite treats.

· A "smile" on their face, showing that they are in a good mood, relaxed, calm, and ready to interact with their owner.

· Energetic behavior; they play in their usual manner and actively participate in your life.

· No excessive drooling (depending on the breed), and their eyes are shiny without suspicious discharge.

And of course, the well-known sign of a dog’s health—a cold, wet nose that they stick everywhere! If their nose is dry right after waking up, that’s perfectly normal.

Cats share similar signs of health, with the addition of contented purring and grooming with their paws, something dogs, unfortunately, can’t do!

To monitor your pet’s health, it’s important to learn how to measure their vital signs.

Indicators of Your Pet's Health

The parameters are very similar to those measured in humans—pulse, body temperature, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.

The normal range is 38-39.5°C for dogs and cats. Temperature is measured rectally, and it is recommended to lubricate the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly before the procedure.
Respiratory rate. The time calculation is one minute. Count the number of exhalations and corresponding chest movements while the animal is at rest. The normal rate for dogs is 14-25 breaths per minute, and for cats, it's 20-30 breaths per minute. These rates are higher for puppies and kittens.
It is measured on the inner surface of the thigh, at a major artery. The normal pulse rate varies from 70-120 beats per minute for dogs and 100-130 for cats.

Although blood pressure can only be measured in a veterinary clinic, there are still signs that may indicate problems. The data provided are approximate and may differ depending on the breed.

Blood Pressure	Dogs	Cats
Normal	110-145 / 60-95	80-140 / 55-75
High	Swelling of the paws, rapid breathing, infrequent urination, disorientation, hemorrhage in small eye vessels.	Fainting, dilated pupils, nosebleeds, seizures, sometimes vomiting.
Low	Sleeps a lot, cold paws, weak pulse, difficult to feel, apathy.	Cold ears and paws, pale mucous membranes, weak pulse, loss of appetite, lethargy.

In addition to these signs, there are many other symptoms that indicate your pet may have a serious reason to visit the vet..

What Are the Signs of Health Problems?

Poor health in pets is not always easy to notice. Unlike us humans, they can’t tell us where it hurts or how they feel. Fortunately, with careful observation, you can detect an emerging or ongoing illness.

Loss of appetite and lack of interest in treats. This is one of the first signs of illness—do not ignore it!
Breathing problems, shortness of breath, rapid or abnormally slow breathing while at rest.
Trembling in the legs or body, limping, or an unusual head position.
Severe itching, the appearance of bald spots, dull fur, or fur lying "unnaturally."
Vomiting or diarrhea, with possible blood clots in the vomit or stool.
The pet whines without reason, becomes aggressive, or doesn’t let you approach them.

If your pet is lying down all the time, has a glazed look, refuses to eat or drink, don’t hesitate—call the vet clinic immediately!

To avoid or at least minimize such stressful situations, preventive measures are crucial. Not only will you protect your pet from potential risks, but you’ll also significantly reduce the costs of vet visits..

What Can I Do to Keep My Pet Healthy?

According to veterinarians, prevention is a daily responsibility for pet owners, just like feeding and walking. Keep these simple rules in mind, and once they become a habit, they will provide even more opportunities for interaction and bonding with your beloved pet.

Create a comfortable resting area for your pet in a quiet and safe space

Sometimes cats and dogs need to be alone and rest peacefully. This is beneficial for their psychological and emotional well-being, plus it helps protect them from household injuries.

Ensure a proper diet

You can get expert advice at your veterinary clinic, and there are many resources online with recommendations for feeding cats and dogs.

Make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise

Some breeds are naturally less active and prefer lounging or calmly walking around, observing their owners. Even in such cases, regular walks outdoors or indoor play sessions will contribute to better health.

Visit the vet regularly for preventive check-ups

This can be done annually or more often if you notice concerning symptoms. Follow the vaccination schedule and strictly adhere to the veterinarian's recommendations—your pet’s health depends on it!

Take the time to train and properly raise your puppies and kittens. As they grow, they will thank you by avoiding suffering and pain from injuries, trauma, and the consequences of infections.

Want to learn more about pet diseases, prevention, and care? Visit the Modern Vet clinic’s website—there’s plenty of interesting and educational content waiting for you! Wishing you and your pets good health!

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