How to Diagnose your Pet's Health Symptoms

A brief look at what some common symptoms mean in a pet and where to find more help if you think your pet is sick.  This list is not every symptom, nor is every cause listed it is only to give you some ideas of health concerns in pets.

Vomiting – There are a few different types of vomit pets can have. Food vomit is when there are still undigested chunks of food and can just mean the particular type of food does not agree with your pet's stomach (or is rotten). Bile is yellow liquid containing no food and can mean the pet has an upset stomach but the stomach is empty. Cats sometimes vomit up hairballs. Vomiting can be a sign of poisoning or other health concern. 

Diarrhea – Diarrhea can signal many problems, from a poor food, to a too rich food. Diarrhea can be an indication of worms, bacterial infections, or a viral problem. Black smelly diarrhea can indicate parvo. 

Blood in the Stool – If bright red, blood in the stool indicates a problem (such as worms) in the lower intestine, if dark red it can be a problem in the stomach.

Refusing to Eat – Can be just a minor tummy upset or something more serious. The pet could have bad teeth, or an upset stomach.

Refusing to Drink – This is a very serious problem that can cause body organs to shut down and often means the pet is very ill and should see a veterinarian immediately.

Drinking A Lot – This can be a sign of many health concerns, of which diabetes is one.

Frequent Urination – Again this can be a sign of diabetes, or urinary tract problems.

Change in the Stool Habits – This can be from a change in food or an internal health problem.

Pet Appears to be in Pain – Could the pet have been hit by a car, hurt by a neighbor, or child, could it have fallen down stairs? Could the pet have been bit by a snake? Is the pet old and possibly suffering from arthritis?

Swollen Joints and Pain – This could be a sign of Lyme disease.

Holding Head at a Tilt, Falling Over – This could be a sign of a brain injury, stroke, or vestibular disease, it can be due to an ear infection affecting balance.

Pale Gums – Can be a sign of anemia, poor blood circulation, a weak heart.

Coughing – There are many different types of coughs in pets and a cough can be a sign of any number of concerns including a bacterial or viral infection, heartworm (if coughing after exercise), something stuck in their throat, trachea collapse, and so forth.

Fever – Note that to determine if your pet has a fever you must actually take its temperature, feeling the nose is not an accurate way to judge if your pet has a fever. If your pet does have an elevated temperature this usually means it is fighting some sort of infection.

Lethargy – Can be a sign of an infection, poisoning, or other concerns.

Itching - Can be from fleas, lice, ticks, or even a food allergy or an allergy to chemicals used in the home or yard.

Bad Breath -  May be due to rotten teeth, poor food, or can be a sign of a problem with one of the pet's internal organs.  Diabetes can also make a pet have bad breath.

Above all if your pet is exhibiting any kind of health problem you should consider taking it to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.  Kittens, and puppies, in particular can get worse very quickly but symptoms of a health concern should not be ignored in older pets either.  This list was only very basic. I am including two links for further help regarding diagnosing your pet. 

PetMD lets you ask questions online from a real veterinarian.

Their Symptom checker lets you select either a cat or dog and you click on the body of the pet to see a list of symptoms and then are given information in regards to what the problem could be. Just click on their ad or link below.  

Does your pet have suspicious symptoms? Visit petMD's Pet Symptom Checker today for informative, helpful, veterinarian approved articles.

Remember in most areas vets are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  There is no reason to ignore the health of your pet.

Problems for Pets in the Winter

Winter can be a wonderful time, however the cold weather can present a lot of problems for our pets.

Of course most people are aware of the risks as related to frostbite or just problems with being cold in general but there are other winter concerns and problems for pets.

Arthritis Pains

In cold weather pets with arthritis have more aches and pains then ever. Some people try to help their dog with arthritis pain by giving it aspirin, however aspirin can be risky for dogs, and should never be given to cats. 

There are better medications for helping pets with arthritis, including those with glucosamine and chondroitin.  I personally take glucosamine and chondroitin for my own arthritic pains and can tell you they work.  Some dog foods have these added but there are some claims that say when these are cooked into dog food they are not as effective and should be fed as a supplement. 

Cold weather means aches and pains for arthritic pets with hip and joint issues. Prescriptions like Previcox, Remadyl and Carprofen can help! Shop today at NationalPetPharmacy.com!

In this cold weather, your dog needs everything he can get to stay healthy. Click here to check bone and joint supplements that are great for senior dogs, athletic dogs, or dogs suffering from an injury.

Aches and pains can also be relived by offering your pet a warm heated bed.

Keep your cat warm this winter with heated cat beds that are now UP TO 25% OFF at NationalPetPharmacy.com

Dry Skin

Our pets also tend to suffer dry skin in the winter. You may have already noticed your cat or dog has more dandruff than usual. This can also make pets itchy and uncomfortable. Better food can help as can having a humidifier on in the room where the pet spends most of its time but there are also supplements you can buy to help improve your pets skin and coat in the dry winter months.

Dermatitis is what your pet gets when they've got itchy, dry skin from the cold weather. Shop for brands like Atopica Cyclosporine at NationalPetPharmacy.com to keep your pets feeling comfortable.

Other Winter Worries for Pets

Dogs can burn their paw pads by walking on ice and ice melting chemicals. There are special boots you can buy for your dog, as well as special de-icing chemicals you can use that will not burn your pet's paw pads.

Ice melts can often contain harsh chemicals that are not good for pets. Check out the "pet approved" ice melts that are safe for you and your pet!

Of course a sweater might also be something your pet would benefit from. Small dogs may even need a sweater for indoors when temperatures also cause our homes to be cooler. They particularly will need a sweater after having their hair clipped.

Shop from PetFoodDirect.com's wide selection of cold weather outdoor gear to keep your pet warm and cozy this winter.

Be sure kids know not to let pets outside on cold days, kids often forget to let the pet inside and if left out too long a pet can get frostbite.  Make sure all younger family members know to ask an adult first before letting pets out when temperatures are very cold.

Remember that short nosed dogs have more problems with cold weather and their walks should be kept short.