Does My Furry Friend Need Veterinary Care?

Your pet can’t tell you when they aren’t feeling well, and you must rely on signs to determine when they need veterinary care. Our Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital team knows you want your pet to receive veterinary care when the situation warrants. Learn about the concerning signs that indicate your pet needs a veterinary visit and when they need emergency care.

Signs that indicate you should schedule a veterinary exam for your pet

In some cases, your pet needs veterinary attention, but you don’t always have to rush your furry pal to the nearest veterinary emergency room. Schedule your four-legged friend’s veterinary care when they exhibit the following signs:

Changes in appetite — Any change in your pet’s appetite is cause for concern. If your pet typically devours their meal, and they suddenly aren’t that interested, they may have a medical condition. In addition, conditions such as diabetes and feline hyperthyroidism can cause an increased appetite.
Changes in thirst — A decrease in your pet’s thirst could indicate they aren’t feeling well, especially if they are nauseated. Extended periods without sufficient water intake can lead to dehydration, and your pet should receive prompt veterinary care. In addition, increased water intake can indicate conditions such as kidney problems, Cushing’s disease, and diabetes.
Decreased activity — Is your cat ignoring their favorite wand toy? Has your usually active dog become a couch potato? Changes in your pet’s activity level could indicate they have an illness or are in pain.
Weight loss — Unexplained weight loss can be the first sign your pet has a medical condition. Weighing your pet periodically can help you determine if they are losing weight. Because you see your furry pal every day, you may not notice their weight is changing.
Itchy skin — Allergies are common in pets, usually manifesting as itchy skin. Your pet can be allergic to anything, and common culprits include fleas, food, and environmental allergens such as pollens, molds, and dust mites. Diagnostic tests are necessary so our Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital team can determine the cause and devise an effective management plan.
Smelly ears — Ear infections are common in certain dog breeds, such as basset hounds, Shar-peis, labradoodles, beagles, and golden retrievers. These infections can become chronic and potentially affect your pet’s hearing. In addition to smelly ears, your dog may have an ear discharge, shake their head often, and scratch their ears excessively.
Bad breath — Bad breath is often dismissed as normal in pets, but halitosis can mean your furry pal has periodontal disease. Oral bacteria form plaque on your pet’s teeth, invading under the gumline. In addition to issues, such as loose teeth, bleeding gums, and tooth root abscesses, the bacteria can damage your pet’s internal organs. Regular professional veterinary exams and cleanings are needed to address periodontal disease.
Excess weight — If your pet is carrying excess weight, they have an increased risk for cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, and arthritis. Our team can help devise a safe strategy to help your pet lose weight.
Scooting — Scooting often indicates your pet has problems with their anal glands. To help relieve your furry pal’s discomfort, we can express these glands.
Limping — If your pet is favoring a limb, our team should perform a lameness examination to determine the cause.
Coughing or sneezing — Coughing and sneezing can indicate your four-legged friend has an infectious disease, laryngeal paralysis, collapsing trachea, or nasal polyps.

Signs that indicate your pet needs emergency veterinary care

If your pet needs emergency veterinary care, they can’t wait for the next scheduled appointment. Immediately call our Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital team or your nearest emergency veterinary hospital if your furry pal exhibits any of the following potentially life-threatening signs:

Difficulty breathing — Signs that indicate your pet is experiencing respiratory distress include open-mouthed breathing, increased respiratory rate and effort, exacerbated abdominal movement while breathing, and holding their neck low and outstretched.
Known or suspected toxin ingestion — Toxin ingestion can cause serious, life-threatening effects. If you know or suspect your pet has ingested a toxin, contact our Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital team or Animal Poison Control for expert advice.
Known or suspected foreign body ingestion — Some pets are prone to ingesting foreign objects such as strings, bones, rocks, or socks. These items can cause a gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction that may require surgical removal.
Concerning vomiting or diarrhea — If your pet vomits once or has one diarrhea episode and otherwise seems fine, you can monitor their condition at home. Concerning vomiting or diarrhea includes multiple bouts during a short time, or exhibiting signs, such as pain, bloating, lethargy, fever, or inappetence.
Excessive bleeding — If your pet has a wound that is bleeding excessively or won’t stop after holding pressure for five minutes, bandage the wound and seek emergency veterinary care.
Trauma — If your pet is hit by a car or falls from an elevated height, they could sustain internal injuries. A veterinarian should evaluate them as soon as possible.
Heatstroke — Heatstroke is a potentially life-threatening condition that causes serious complications throughout the body. Signs include lethargy, excessive panting, thick, ropey saliva, diarrhea, collapse, and seizures.
Fracture — If your pet fractures a bone, they need immediate care to stabilize the area and receive pain relief.
Seizures — If your pet doesn’t have a seizure history, a veterinarian should evaluate them immediately after an initial seizure to determine the underlying cause.
Collapse — Numerous conditions can cause your pet to collapse, and all require emergency veterinary assessment.
Straining to urinate — A urinary tract blockage can quickly lead to serious, life-threatening complications. If your furry pal is straining to urinate, a veterinarian should examine them as soon as possible.