Even the best cared for pets sometimes develop an illness. Because pets aren̵7;t able to tell their owners they̵7;re sick, owners need to be alert for any symptoms suggesting a problem. While some symptoms are obvious, others are more subtle, so owners should be alert to recognize any changes in a pet̵7;s normal behavior as this could be a major sign that an illness could be attacking.
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Dog Symptoms
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Bloody stools can be a sign of intestinal blockage, while blood-tinged urine can be due to a urinary tract infection, internal bleeding or kidney disease. Shock causes pale tongue and gums. A temperature greater than 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit is cause for concern, according to PetPlace.com. Fever may indicate dehydration, viral infection or heatstroke. Ear scratching with a dog shaking its head may suggest an ear infection, mites or foxtails. If a dog limps and it̵7;s not because of an injury, it could be due to arthritis or dysplasia. Coughing could be a sign of kennel cough, heart disease, heartworm or pneumonia. Other symptoms of illness include bad breath, bleeding gums and disorientation.
Cat Symptoms
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Cats usually aren't complainers, so owners need to be especially aware of symptoms for problems. One of the most common symptoms of a sick cat is vomiting. According to ProfessorsHouse.com, a cat that regularly vomits more than three to four times weekly may be suffering from inflammatory bowel disease. A sudden episode of diarrhea in older cats may be a sign of kidney or liver failure, hyperthyroidism, a mass in the stomach as well as spleen or gastrointestinal lymphoma. Other general signs of illness are blood in feces, failure to urinate or defecate, coughing up blood, fainting, grasping for breath or panting and suspected fractures. Choking on an object, seizures or convulsions are additional signs of illness.
Bird Symptoms
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Because birds can sometimes pretend to be fine, it̵7;s important to carefully observe them. Puffed-up feathers are a common sign of a bird illness. Excessive sleep and bad posture when resting can indicate sickness. A bird that throws up half-digested or undigested food could be a symptom of illness. Other behaviors include wetness around the nose, runny or discolored feces and feces that sticks to the bird's feathers. Frequent sneezing, sudden change in temperature and weight loss are other symptoms that could point to a sickness.
Turtle Symptoms
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Pet turtles are exceptionally susceptible to respiratory illnesses caused by drafts, poor diet and sudden temperature changes. Symptoms indicating sickness are runny or bubbly noses and gasping. Another sign is a fungus that appears as gray or white spots, flakes or lumps on the turtle̵7;s shell and fleshy parts.
Rabbit Symptoms
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Rabbits also try to camouflage illness so it̵7;s harder to detect problems. A few signs of sickness include red, inflamed, open sores, matted fur and diarrhea. Dirty ears that have scaly patches or scabs could indicate sickness. A rabbit that continually shakes its head could suggest an inner ear infection or mites.
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