Whether you have a dog, cat, parrot, reptile, or anything else furry or scaly, you love your pet. They’re more than just an animal. They’re part of your family. Just like any other member of the family, if your pet is sick, you want to take them to a veterinarian in seattle to ensure they’re healthy. However, because you can’t always communicate with your pet like you can your child or parent, it can be difficult to know when your pet is actually sick. After all, if a cat hacks up a hairball, you may think it’s just part of being a cat. However, it could be a sign of something worse. To ensure that your pet is healthy, here are a few signs that indicate you should take your beloved pet to the veterinarian.
1. Bad Eating Habits
A lot of attention has gone into the eating habits of pets. With many pet owners concerned about whether they’re feeding their pet something that they’re allergic to or not, it can be understandable to worry if something is wrong with your pet in regards to their diet. You should always monitor your pet’s eating habits. It may not seem odd for a pet to skip a meal every now and then. This is especially true in the summer when dogs and cats are out in the sun and playing and require less food to keep them warm. However, if they start to skip multiple days without eating, then something might be wrong. It’s also a good idea to check and see if your pet is looking for food elsewhere and not touching the food in their bowl. They may have a problem or are ill. Taking them to their local vet can help you figure out the problem.
2. Thirst
While it may not be uncommon for a dog to drink half its bowl after coming inside from a run during a hot day, it’s also a good idea to monitor just how much water they drink. For example, if they seem to drink a lot in a short amount of time, then it may indicate that they have a problem. Diabetes and kidney problems are potential reasons for excessive thirst. In both cases, it’s vital that they see a vet in order to determine their state of health.
3. Rough Or Dry Coat
When you pet your dog or cat their coat should be thick and soft. In many cases, it’s often shiny due to oil. However, if you find that your dog’s fur coat is rough or dry–continuously–then it may indicate that they have a health problem. In many cases, it may be tied to a food allergy. It may also just be because they’re not receiving the right nutrition from their food. Finally, it may also be due to the development of a skin condition. Visiting your vet can inform you what steps to take.