Obviously, pets can’t talk. Things would be a lot easier if they could. If they could, they’d be able to tell us whether they were hungry, wanted to play, or needed to go out. They’d also be able to tell us if they weren’t feeling well.

Unfortunately though, they can’t, and so it’s up to pet owners to decide whether they should take their furry friends to the veterinarian if they think they’re unwell. There are luckily a few signs you can watch out for to see if your pet needs to go to an advanced veterinary care center or not.

If your cat is being unusually vocal…

If your cat is being unusually vocal, you may need to take it to the veterinary hospital to get looked at. But first, make sure all of its needs are met. Feed your cat, and give it attention. If your cat continues to be vocal, do a visual inspection for signs of trauma, and feel along the back, legs, and tail. Even if you don’t feel a wound or swelling, you may need to go to the vet still.

If your dog is acting oddly…

If your dog is acting oddly, it may have to go to the veterinary hospital. You know your dog better than anyone, so you’ll be the first to realize it’s acting different. Maybe it’s appetite isn’t there. Maybe it’s excessively thirsty. Maybe its coat is rough or dry. Maybe it’s sluggish or lethargic. Maybe it’s vomiting. It could be a number of things. Although many of these behaviors aren’t unusual for dogs, they may indicate that something’s wrong, and that the dog needs medical attention.

If the vet says to bring it in…

The most important thing you can do if you think your pet is unwell is to call your veterinary hospital and ask. Chances are they’ll make you an appointment to get your pet looked at, but if it’s an emergency, they’ll tell, and have you bring your pet in immediately. Either way, calling your vet is the best course of action if you think something’s up.

If you have any questions, feel free to share in the comments.