As a responsible pet owner, the well-being of our furry kid is the top of our priority. Recognising when to take your pet to a vet clinic in Singapore can be a life-saving decision.

While most pet owners know the basics, there are subtle signs that can often be missed by pet owners. That is why we compile a comprehensive guide contributed by our seasoned team of vets for your benefit.

When Should I Bring my Pet to the Vet?

1. 10 Subtle Symptoms to Check for Your Pet's Health

2. The Importance of Annual Check-ups for Pets

3. 5 Serious Symptoms That Require Urgent Vet Attention

10 Subtle Symptoms to Check for Your Pet's Health

Understanding these signs in-depth allows you to act quickly and seek professional vet assistance. It is important to know your pet's usual behaviour and detecting such subtle changes can help you to save your pet’s life in the long run.

1) Change in Appetite

If your pet is suddenly eating less or more, it could signal dental problems, digestive issues, or even cancer. Subtle changes like chewing on one side could also indicate a broken tooth or gum infection.

2) Fatigue

Most pet owners often assume that their pet is being lazy when it suddenly becomes consistently tired. However, this fatigue could be a symptom of heart disease, anaemia, or chronic fatigue syndrome and they can be common in certain pet breeds.

3) Excessive Thirst or Urination

Besides diabetes or kidney issues, excessive thirst or urination could also point to liver disease or a hormonal imbalance like Cushing's disease. That is why it is important to monitor their water intake regularly.

4) Difficulty Breathing

If your pet starts coughing or seems to have difficulty breathing, it could be a sign for underlying heart issues or respiratory diseases such as asthma or bronchitis. Do note that certain pet breeds especially the brachycephalic ones like Pugs, French Bulldogs, Siamese and Himalayan cats, etc. are more prone to respiratory problems as well. This can be an emergency.

5) Unusual Discharges

Always take note of nasal or eye discharges from your pet. These symptoms could be due to respiratory infections or allergies. Persistent ear discharge might indicate an ear infection common in pet breeds with floppy ears.

6) Digestive Issues

If your pet has chronic diarrhoea or vomiting, it could signify food intolerance, parasite infections, pancreatitis, or inflammatory bowel disease. Changes in stool consistency or colour can also reveal underlying problems.

7) Sudden Weight Change

Rapid weight fluctuations could be signs of thyroid problems or underlying metabolic disorders. That is why it is important for pet owners to weigh their pets regularly for early detection of such disorders.

In fact, you can also do a visual check of your cat’s or dog’s body conditioning score regularly, this will inform you if they have lost too much weight or gained too much.

8) Changes in Mobility

If your pet has difficulties in moving around, they can be signs of arthritis, hip dysplasia, or neurological disorders. Specific breeds are more prone to these issues, and early interventions via medication or hydrotherapy can improve quality of their furry life.

9) Behavioural Changes

Sudden changes in behaviour can be a sign of cognitive dysfunction syndrome which is similar to dementia in humans. Pain, anxiety, or neurological conditions might also be the cause as well.

10) Skin Issues

Skin problems are more than just irritants; they might reveal autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalances, or underlying allergies. Specific pet breeds may also have hereditary skin conditions.

The Importance of Annual Check-ups for Pets

Just as humans need regular health check-ups, our pets need check-ups as well.

An annual health check can help to

• Detect potential issues before they escalate.
• Ensure vaccinations are up to date.
• Address nutritional, diet-related queries, and behavioural concerns.
• Provide breed-specific care tips, especially for popular breeds like Siamese cats, Shih Tzus, or Labradors.

5 Serious Symptoms That Require Urgent Vet Attention

These serious symptoms are emergencies and warrant immediate veterinary care.

1) Uncontrolled Bleeding

Whether it is external from a wound or internal manifested as blood in urine or faeces, uncontrolled bleeding can be life-threatening. It might indicate underlying clotting disorders, trauma, or even tumours. Specific breeds are more prone to clotting issues. Seek immediate veterinary care as blood transfusions or surgery could be necessary.

2) Seizures

A single seizure might not be life-threatening but could signal underlying epilepsy, liver or kidney disease, or even brain tumours. Repeated seizures in a short time frame are a definite emergency. Treatment might involve anti-convulsant medications and specific dietary changes tailored to your pet's needs. It is important to note that delaying treatment can cause irreversible neurological damage.

3) Loss of Consciousness

Collapsing or loss of consciousness may be a sign of severe heart disease, neurological issues, or acute metabolic disorders. That is why it is important to understand the underlying causes through a full blood test, radiographs, and even an ECG for heart rhythm analysis.

4) Severe Trauma

Besides visible injuries, trauma (such as being hit by a car or falling from height) can cause internal injuries that aren't immediately noticeable. It could lead to a ruptured spleen, bladder, or other life-threatening internal damages.

Specific breeds have more fragile bones, making them more susceptible to fractures. We recommend immediate imaging like x-rays or ultrasound to assess the extent of injuries.

5) Intense Pain

Continuous crying, aggressive behaviour when touched, or refusal to move can be signs of acute pain. This might be due to gastric torsion (a twisted stomach), pancreatitis, or a ruptured disc.

Going to the vet can provide you with a peace of mind. If you have doubts, don't hesitate to reach out to us.

We’ve recently launched our second vet clinic at Holland Grove Road, offering a comprehensive suite of in-house services including blood tests, X-rays, and other health analysis.

If you need anything, don't hesitate to contact us immediately. We're just a phone call away.