Common Pet Health Symptoms
Learn to recognise common signs and symptoms of veterinary conditions in dogs and cats. Understand when to seek veterinary care to keep your pet healthy and safe.
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What to watch for and when to seek veterinary care
Pets can’t tell us when something’s wrong, so it’s important to recognise warning signs that may indicate health problems. Below, we outline common symptoms in dogs and cats that warrant your attention. Some signs may require prompt veterinary care, while others can be monitored for a short period.
If your pet shows any of these symptoms, or seems “off” for more than a day—even without obvious signs—keep a close eye on them and consider scheduling a veterinary checkup.
When in Doubt
If your pet’s condition does not improve or worsens, don’t hesitate to seek veterinary advice. Early intervention can make a significant difference.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. If your pet is unwell or experiencing an emergency, please seek immediate veterinary assistance. Always consult your veterinarian for personalised diagnosis and treatment.
Warning sings
Any condition that causes pain or systemic discomfort has the potential to cause sleeplessness and this behaviour at night. This includes any number of possible injuries or diseases. However, if this behaviour chronically recurs together with vocalization in a senior to geriatric (age 10 or older) dog with no other accompanying signs of disease, this often indicates: Canine Cognitive Dysfunction/Senility
Paralysis or weakness can develop either gradually or very suddenly. Regardless of how it presents, both situations require veterinary assessment. However, a sudden and unexpected onset is typically considered more urgent and should be treated as a potential emergency.
In many cases, weakness or paralysis is accompanied by other signs of illness. These may include:
- Changes in behaviour or responsiveness
- Altered appetite, thirst, or weight
- Differences in toileting habits (urination or defecation)
- Laboured or abnormal breathing
- Sleep disturbances
- Irregular heart rate
Additional symptoms may also include discoloured gums or mucous membranes, vomiting, coughing, poor balance or coordination, and changes to the skin or coat.
If you notice any of these signs in your pet—especially in combination with weakness—prompt veterinary attention is strongly recommended.
Seizures are temporary episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to a range of physical and behavioural symptoms. These may include sudden changes in mental state, muscle rigidity or jerking (tonic or clonic movements), full-body convulsions, and other unusual behaviours or signs.
Seizures can occur in both dogs and cats and may be caused by an issue within the brain itself (such as epilepsy or a brain lesion) or as a result of systemic or metabolic disorders, including liver disease, low blood sugar, or toxin exposure.
If your pet experiences a seizure, even if it is brief or isolated, it’s important to seek veterinary advice to determine the underlying cause and whether treatment is needed.
Skin issues—such as redness, itchiness, flakiness, or hair loss—are among the most common reasons pets are brought to the vet. While many skin conditions are limited to the skin itself (such as allergies, parasites, or infections), others may be symptoms of an underlying systemic illness.
If your pet is showing signs of a skin problem along with other symptoms like weakness, changes in weight, reduced appetite, or increased thirst, it’s important to consider the possibility of a broader health issue. In these cases, a thorough veterinary assessment is recommended to identify and address any underlying causes.
The presence of blood in your pet’s urine is a concerning sign and should never be ignored. It may appear as a pinkish tint or a bright, undiluted red, and is sometimes accompanied by signs of discomfort or pain during urination.
If you notice any change in the colour of your pet’s urine—especially blood—prompt veterinary assessment is essential to determine the underlying cause and begin appropriate treatment.
Stiffness is a general sign that can be linked to a wide range of issues, including injury, pain, or systemic illness. If stiffness appears localised—such as in the limbs, back, or abdomen—it may relate to more specific causes like limping, abdominal pain, or spinal discomfort and should be assessed by a veterinarian.
Difficulty breathing is a serious and potentially life-threatening sign. If your pet is struggling to breathe, seek veterinary care immediately.
Excessive drinking is a sign that is often overlooked or mistaken for unusual behaviour. However, it can indicate serious underlying systemic conditions. If possible, providing a fresh urine sample at your pet’s veterinary consultation can greatly assist in diagnosing the cause.
Weight loss is a common but non-specific clinical sign that can result from many different diseases. If it occurs alongside poor appetite, lethargy, vomiting, or other signs of illness, prompt veterinary evaluation is essential. Some conditions causing weight loss may not affect appetite but still require timely veterinary attention.
Coughing is a common reason pets are brought to the veterinarian. It can indicate a wide range of conditions, including infections, heart disease, inflammation, or even cancer. The severity of these conditions varies from mild to potentially life-threatening, so any persistent cough should be evaluated by a vet.
Occasional diarrhoea is common in pets, especially dogs, due to dietary indiscretion or ingestion of unsuitable items. In mild cases, feeding a bland, easily digestible diet or a prescribed gastrointestinal diet can help resolve symptoms within a few days. Such diarrhoea should not be severe, contain blood, or be accompanied by loss of appetite, vomiting, depression, or pain.
However, persistent or severe diarrhoea may indicate a more serious underlying condition and can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. If diarrhoea lasts longer than a few days or is accompanied by other concerning signs, prompt veterinary evaluation is essential.
A distended abdomen refers to a bloated or enlarged belly that may also feel tense or firm to the touch. This condition can be associated with a variety of serious diseases. Other signs that may occur alongside a distended abdomen include difficulty moving, vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Because many causes of abdominal distension are potentially serious, prompt veterinary attention is strongly recommended if you notice this in your pet.
Redness, pain, excessive blinking, tearing, or cloudiness in one or both eyes are signs of an eye problem. Eye conditions can range from mild irritations to serious diseases that cause severe pain and may lead to blindness if not treated promptly. Any of these signs warrant timely veterinary evaluation.
Limping in dogs and cats can result from many causes, such as muscle sprains, ligament or tendon strains, bruises, fractures, cuts on the foot pads, foreign objects stuck between the toes, or joint infections. Any limp lasting more than a day or worsening should be examined by a veterinarian.
Lumps or growths are common on the skin of dogs and cats. While many are harmless, some can be cancerous. Because there are many different types of growths, any new or changing lump should be evaluated by a veterinarian to determine its nature and whether treatment is needed.