How to Tell When Your Pet Is Unwell and When to Call the Vet

This guide was AI-drafted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and reviewed before publishing.

Why spotting changes early matters

You know your pet better than anyone else. Because animals cannot tell us how they feel, we have to rely on changes in their behaviour, appearance and daily habits to pick up on problems. Catching something early often means it can be dealt with more quickly and comfortably for your pet. Getting into the habit of a quick, informal check of your pet each day is one of the kindest things you can do for them.

Everyday signs that something may be off

Some of the most common early clues that a pet is not quite right include: eating or drinking noticeably more or less than usual, being quieter or more withdrawn than normal, changes in toilet habits such as going more or less often, straining, or unusual colour or consistency, moving stiffly, limping, or being reluctant to jump or climb, and a coat or skin that looks dull, flaky or patchy. On their own, any one of these might have a simple explanation, but if you notice several together, or if a change persists for more than a day or two, it is worth taking seriously.

Signs that need prompt attention

Some symptoms should prompt you to contact your vet the same day rather than waiting to see how things develop. These include vomiting or diarrhoea that has happened more than once or twice, a noticeable loss of energy or interest in things your pet normally enjoys, visible lumps, swellings or wounds, persistent scratching, head shaking or rubbing at the face, eyes that look red, cloudy or are producing discharge, and any unexplained weight loss or gain over a short period.

When to call the vet straight away

Some situations are emergencies and you should call a vet - or an out-of-hours emergency vet - immediately without waiting. These include: difficulty breathing or noisy, laboured breathing, collapse or inability to stand, seizures or uncontrolled trembling, suspected poisoning or swallowing something harmful, a swollen or hard abdomen, signs of severe pain such as crying out, guarding a body part or being unable to settle, and any serious injury such as a road traffic accident or a deep wound. Do not wait to see if your pet improves - call for advice straight away.

Keeping track and talking to your vet

If you are unsure whether something warrants a call, it is always fine to ring your vet practice and describe what you have noticed. Most practices are happy to give brief guidance over the phone and help you decide whether your pet needs to be seen. It can help to note down when you first spotted the change, how often it is happening, and whether anything else seems different - this gives the vet a clearer picture. Never feel embarrassed about calling; vets and their teams would far rather hear from you early than have you worry alone at home.

Routine care helps you spot problems sooner

Regular vet check-ups, keeping vaccinations and parasite treatments up to date, and maintaining a healthy weight and diet all make it easier to notice when something is genuinely wrong. A pet that is seen regularly by a vet has a baseline record of what is normal for them, which can be invaluable if they do become unwell. Think of these routine visits not just as prevention, but as a way of building a relationship with your vet that benefits your pet throughout their life.