Or when your cat rubs against your leg looking for a head scratch.
These pleas for affection aren’t exactly subtle.
Why do pets hide illness and injury?
For cats and dogs alike, hiding illness and pain is something like a natural instinct.
Signs of weakness would alsoput them in dangerof being bullied or abandoned.
It’s up to you to detect their sly signs of discomfort and then do something about it.
Hill’s even has aHidden Condition Checkerto help us figure out next steps.
We can’t read their minds (unfortunately), but we can look out for these telltale signs.
8 signs your pet might need to see a veterinarian
1.
Changes in body language
You and your pet are perfectly simpatico (or, sim-paw-tico).
They know when you’re upset; you know when they’re upset.
Staying attuned to your pet’s body language can help you decipher when something is wrong.
Cats might sit in a more hunched position or carry their head differently.
Your dog might walk in an unusual way.
This is your cue to take a closer look.
Aggression or restlessness can also be telling.
If the strange behavior sticks around, investigate further and discuss it with your veterinarian.
Poor appetite
If your pet doesn’t want to eat or drink water, watch out.
Consult with your vet about how to help, and they might recommend therapeutic nutrition likeHill’s Prescription Diet.
Hiding from you
This one is for the cat owners out there.
Making more noise than usual
Some of us have extra-expressive pets.
But when the noisemaking becomes abnormal or excessivethat’s a red flag.
For cats, excessive meowing or unusual vocalizations are signs to watch out for.
But if the weight change is happening slowly over time, it can be hard to catch.
Staying up to date on your vet visits can help you keep tabs on their weight.
But keep an eye on their figure, particularly as it pertains to eating habits.
Our pets love to be active and engaged.
If they stop, it’s for a reason.
You know all their quirks and preferencesprobably better than you realize.
But it’s also our responsibility to pay close attention.
If our pets could talk, the world would be a better place.
Our pets can try, but there’s no hiding from the love of a caring pet parent.
