Pet symptoms library
Warning symptoms in dogs and cats: what to do at home, when to call the vet. Triage for 12 common complaints.
Vomiting in Dogs and Cats
A single episode of vomiting is common, but repeated vomiting, blood, or accompanying lethargy needs same-day veterinary attention.
UrgentDiarrhoea in Dogs and Cats
Short-term diarrhoea often resolves on its own, but dehydration develops in puppies and kittens within hours — watch closely.
UrgentLethargy and Weakness in Pets
A sudden drop in activity is non-specific but important. Often the first sign of serious illness.
MonitorLimping in Dogs and Cats
Limping signals pain. Mild cases may resolve in 1–2 days, but acute or swollen limbs need a vet.
UrgentCoughing in Dogs and Cats
Coughing is never normal. It can signal infection, heart disease, lung disease, or a foreign body.
EmergencySeizures in Dogs and Cats
Seizures always require veterinary evaluation. A seizure over 5 minutes or repeating without recovery is status epilepticus and life-threatening.
UrgentBlood in Stool in Dogs and Cats
Bright red blood usually points to the lower bowel; black tarry stool to the upper GI tract and is often more serious.
UrgentPet Not Eating
Cats should not fast for more than 24 hours — hepatic lipidosis risk. Dogs over 48 hours need a vet.
EmergencyRapid Breathing and Panting
Laboured breathing in cats is almost always an emergency. In dogs, panting is normal in heat, exercise, or stress.
MonitorConstant Itching and Scratching
Persistent itching wrecks quality of life and usually means parasites or allergy. Needs a combined approach.
UrgentWeight Loss in Pets
Loss of more than 5–10% body weight in a month without dieting warrants a full work-up.
EmergencyChanges in Urination
A male cat unable to urinate is a life-threatening urethral obstruction. Any urinary red flags need immediate care.
MonitorBad Breath in Dogs and Cats
Persistent bad breath almost always means dental disease or illness — it is not normal aging.
UrgentEye Discharge in Dogs and Cats
Clear tears from wind or dust are normal. Pus, blood, or squinting needs evaluation.
UrgentPet Scratching Ears and Shaking Head
Constant ear scratching and head shaking almost always means otitis or ear mites. Treat only after a vet exam.
MonitorSneezing in Dogs and Cats
A single sneeze from dust is fine. Repeated bouts with discharge or lethargy need a vet.
MonitorRunny Nose in Pets
Colour and side matter: one-sided bloody discharge needs to rule out a tumour or foreign body.
MonitorHair Loss and Alopecia in Pets
Seasonal shedding is normal. Bald patches, scaling, and itching need a dermatology work-up.
UrgentShaking and Trembling in Pets
Trembling can come from cold and fear but also signals pain, hypoglycaemia, or poisoning.
UrgentDrooling (Hypersalivation) in Pets
Excessive drooling almost always means nausea, oral pain, or poisoning.
UrgentConstipation in Dogs and Cats
No stool for over 48 hours warrants evaluation. Cats can develop megacolon; dogs may have an obstruction.
EmergencyBloated Abdomen in Dogs (GDV)
Acute bloat in large dogs is gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Without surgery within 4–6 hours — fatal.
UrgentExcessive Thirst in Pets
Normal water intake is up to 50–60 ml/kg/day. Regular excess needs blood and urine testing.
UrgentFever in Pets
Normal for dogs and cats is 38.0–39.2 °C. Above 39.5 °C is fever; above 40 °C — urgent vet.
MonitorDog Scooting (Anal Gland Problems)
Most often this means full anal glands. Less commonly worms, allergy, or skin irritation.
EmergencyJaundice (Yellow Gums or Eyes) in Pets
Yellow tissues are always a serious sign — liver injury, haemolysis, or bile duct obstruction.
EmergencySwollen Face in Pets (Allergic Reaction)
Facial swelling usually means an allergic reaction to a bite or drug. Risk of progressing to airway swelling.
UrgentTick Bite in Pets
Ticks are active in Russia from March to November. They transmit babesiosis, Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis.
MonitorPet Eating Grass
Eating grass is common and often harmless. Regular vomiting afterwards points to a GI problem.
EmergencyHind Leg Weakness in Pets
Acute hind limb weakness or paralysis is a neurological emergency. Every hour reduces recovery odds.
MonitorExcessive Licking of Paws or Belly
Persistent licking of one area is almost always a sign of discomfort: itch, pain, or anxiety.
EmergencyBleeding Wound in Pets
Heavy bleeding is life-threatening within minutes. Main job: stop the bleed and get to the clinic.