OCT 15 - JAN 15, 2024
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PETJUNCTION411.COM
ver notice something just a little
off with your pet? Maybe they’re
not jumping up to greet you like they
usually do, or their bowl of food is
barely touched. As pet owners, we
get so used to their quirky routines
that even the smallest changes can
slip past us—but they can actually
be huge indicators that something’s
wrong. Your pet might be silently sig-
naling that they’re not feeling their
best. Let’s decode the signs together!
MOOD SWINGS? MORE THAN JUST
A ‘BAD DAY’
Is your normally sweet dog suddenly a
bit snappy? Or maybe your super so-
cial cat is hiding under the bed? Sud-
den changes in behavior could be their
way of saying, “Hey, I don’t feel right.”
Pay attention to these shifts because
they’re often the first clue that some-
thing is brewing beneath the surface.
SKIPPED DINNER… AGAIN?
A pet turning its nose up at food is
never a good sign. Sure, maybe they’re
just picky, but if your pet is consistently
eating less or skipping meals altogeth-
er, there could be an underlying issue.
Keep an eye on their water intake too.
Less drinking could point to dehydra-
tion or other serious health concerns.
OBSESSIVE LICKING OR SCRATCH-
ING: NOT JUST A QUIRK
We all know pets love a good scratch
or lick, but when they’re constantly
going at one spot, that’s a sign you
shouldn’t ignore. This could mean
they’re trying to relieve pain, irrita-
tion, or even infection. Hot spots,
wounds, or even allergies might be the
cause, best not to let it go unchecked.
BATHROOM HABITS OFF THE CHARTS
Ah, the glamorous side of pet owner-
ship, monitoring poop and pee. If you
notice diarrhea, constipation, or your
pet peeing more or less frequently,
don’t brush it off. Changes in bathroom
behavior often mean their digestive
system or kidneys are waving a red flag.
SUDDENLY
SLUGGISH?
THAT’S
NOT NORMAL
Did your usually hyperactive pup trade
fetch for snoozing all day? Lethargy,
or just plain laziness, can mean some-
thing deeper is going on. Sure, we
all love a good nap, but if your pet is
less playful or too tired to even get off
the couch, that’s worth checking out.
WEIGHT ROLLERCOASTER
Can you see your pet’s ribs a bit more
than usual, or are they suddenly pack-
ing on the pounds? Unexplained
weight loss or gain can signal any-
thing from thyroid issues to digestive
problems. It’s not just about food,
it’s about what’s happening inside.
THAT BREATH ISN’T JUST ‘DOGGY
BREATH’
We all know that pets don’t exactly
have minty-fresh breath, but if you’re
backing away every time they open
their mouth, it might be more than just
“doggy breath.” Persistent bad breath
can be a sign of dental problems, in-
fections, or even kidney disease.
BREATHING ISSUES YOU CAN’T IGNORE
A little sneeze here or there is fine,
but if your pet’s coughing, wheezing,
or breathing harder than usual, it’s
time to take note. Respiratory prob-
lems can escalate quickly, so don’t
delay getting them checked out.
WHAT’S UP WITH GROOMING HABITS?
For cats especially, grooming is a full-
time job. But if you notice your cat is
letting themselves go (hey, we’ve all
been there), it’s a clue they might not
be feeling well. On the flip side, dogs
that obsessively groom one area might
be trying to soothe an ache or pain.
These subtle shifts can be easy to over-
look, but they’re often your pet’s only
way of saying, “Something’s not right.”
Trust your instincts. If you’re noticing
even small changes, don’t hesitate to
give your vet a call. Your furry friend will
thank you later!
by harris malone
subtle signs your
pet might be sick