Is Your Pet Secretly Sick? 5 Hidden Signs Every Pet Owner Must Know!
Nikita Kanyal | Apr 24, 2025, 12:30 IST
Is your pet silently suffering without you knowing? Pets hide their pain, and by the time symptoms appear, it might be too late! From sudden weight loss to bad breath and excessive licking, these 5 hidden signs could mean serious illness like diabetes, kidney disease, or infections! Most Indian pet owners ignore these red flags, assuming their pet is just lazy or moody.
As an Indian pet parent, you do everything to keep your furry friend happy and healthy but what if I told you that your pet could be secretly sick, and you don’t even know it? Unlike humans, dogs and cats can’t tell us when something is wrong. In fact, pets are masters at hiding pain and illness until it’s too late! By the time visible symptoms appear, the disease may already be severe.
1. Changes in Eating Habits – Is Your Pet Suddenly Eating Too Much or Too Little?
Most pet parents only panic when their pet stops eating, but did you know that eating more than usual can also be a warning sign?
Signs of a Potential Health Issue:
What Should You Do?
✔ If your pet skips more than two meals in a row, call the vet immediately.
✔ Monitor changes in eating speed or chewing difficulty.
✔ Check for bad breath, swollen gums, or excessive drooling (signs of dental issues).
2. Unexplained Weight Loss or Weight Gain – A Silent Killer!
Have you noticed your pet looking thinner despite eating normally? Or is your pet suddenly gaining weight without a change in diet? Both could be warning signs of a serious illness!
Causes of Sudden Weight Loss:
Causes of Sudden Weight Gain:
What Should You Do?
✔ Weigh your pet monthly to track changes.
✔ If weight drops or increases by more than 10%, visit a vet ASAP!
3. Lethargy & Low Energy – Is Your Pet More ‘Lazy’ Than Usual?
Your once-playful pet now prefers sleeping all day? Not showing excitement for walks, food, or playtime? This is a major red flag!
What Could Be Causing This?
What Should You Do?
✔ Check if your pet’s nose is warm and dry—a possible fever sign.
✔ If your pet refuses to move much for 24+ hours, get them checked.
4. Bad Breath & Drooling – Not Just a ‘Normal’ Dog Smell!
Does your dog’s breath smell worse than usual? Bad breath is NOT normal—it’s often a sign of serious health issues!
What Bad Breath Can Mean:
What Should You Do?
✔ Brush your pet’s teeth 2-3 times a week (use pet-safe toothpaste, NOT human toothpaste).
✔ Visit the vet if there’s excessive drooling, swollen gums, or difficulty chewing.
5. Excessive Scratching, Licking, or Hair Loss – More Than Just an Itch!
If your pet is constantly scratching, licking paws, or losing fur, it’s NOT just a minor skin issue—it could be a sign of a bigger problem!
Possible Causes:
What Should You Do?
✔ Check for fleas & ticks every week—especially behind the ears and between the paws.
✔ Switch to a hypoallergenic diet if allergies are suspected.
✔ Use coconut oil or vet-recommended lotions for dry skin.
Don’t Ignore These Signs!
Most Indian pet owners miss the early warning signs of illness because they seem "normal" or "harmless." But waiting too long could put your pet’s life at risk!
What You Should Do NOW:
✔ Monitor your pet closely—small changes could mean big problems!
✔ Schedule regular vet check-ups (at least twice a year).
✔ Act FAST if you notice sudden weight loss, low energy, or unusual behavior.
Your pet can’t tell you when something’s wrong but now YOU know what to look for! If you love your pet, don’t wait until it’s too late!
1. Changes in Eating Habits – Is Your Pet Suddenly Eating Too Much or Too Little?
Changes in Eating Habits
( Image credit : Pexels )
Most pet parents only panic when their pet stops eating, but did you know that eating more than usual can also be a warning sign?
Signs of a Potential Health Issue:
- Loss of appetite – Could indicate kidney disease, dental problems, infections, or even cancer.
- Increased hunger – Sudden overeating may point to diabetes, thyroid issues, or digestive problems.
- Refusing specific foods – Your pet might be avoiding hard food due to tooth pain or mouth ulcers.
✔ If your pet skips more than two meals in a row, call the vet immediately.
✔ Monitor changes in eating speed or chewing difficulty.
✔ Check for bad breath, swollen gums, or excessive drooling (signs of dental issues).
2. Unexplained Weight Loss or Weight Gain – A Silent Killer!
Weight Difference
( Image credit : Pexels )
Have you noticed your pet looking thinner despite eating normally? Or is your pet suddenly gaining weight without a change in diet? Both could be warning signs of a serious illness!
Causes of Sudden Weight Loss:
- Diabetes – Causes rapid weight loss despite increased hunger.
- Thyroid problems – Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) in cats can cause weight loss, restlessness, and excessive thirst.
- Cancer or parasites – Unexplained weight loss is a red flag for both.
- Hormonal imbalances – Common in aging dogs, leading to fat accumulation and bloating.
- Liver or kidney disease – Can cause fluid buildup, making your pet look swollen.
✔ Weigh your pet monthly to track changes.
✔ If weight drops or increases by more than 10%, visit a vet ASAP!
3. Lethargy & Low Energy – Is Your Pet More ‘Lazy’ Than Usual?
Lethargy & Low Energy
( Image credit : Pexels )
Your once-playful pet now prefers sleeping all day? Not showing excitement for walks, food, or playtime? This is a major red flag!
What Could Be Causing This?
- Heart disease – Reduced energy levels, labored breathing, and weakness.
- Arthritis or joint pain – Common in senior dogs, but early signs appear much earlier!
- Fever or infection – A sluggish pet could have a hidden fever (especially in summer).
What Should You Do?
✔ Check if your pet’s nose is warm and dry—a possible fever sign.
✔ If your pet refuses to move much for 24+ hours, get them checked.
4. Bad Breath & Drooling – Not Just a ‘Normal’ Dog Smell!
What Bad Breath Can Mean:
- Dental infection or gum disease – If left untreated, bacteria can spread to the heart and kidneys!
- Liver disease – If the breath smells musty or foul, it could indicate a damaged liver.
- Diabetes – A sweet or fruity breath odor is an early symptom of diabetes in pets.
✔ Brush your pet’s teeth 2-3 times a week (use pet-safe toothpaste, NOT human toothpaste).
✔ Visit the vet if there’s excessive drooling, swollen gums, or difficulty chewing.
5. Excessive Scratching, Licking, or Hair Loss – More Than Just an Itch!
Scratching, Licking, or Hair Loss
( Image credit : Pexels )
If your pet is constantly scratching, licking paws, or losing fur, it’s NOT just a minor skin issue—it could be a sign of a bigger problem!
Possible Causes:
- Fleas or ticks – The most common reason for itching, but it can also lead to tick fever (deadly if untreated!).
- Food allergies – Many Indian dogs react badly to wheat, dairy, or chicken, causing severe skin irritation.
- Thyroid disease – Can cause dry, flaky skin and bald patches.
✔ Check for fleas & ticks every week—especially behind the ears and between the paws.
✔ Switch to a hypoallergenic diet if allergies are suspected.
✔ Use coconut oil or vet-recommended lotions for dry skin.
Don’t Ignore These Signs!
Most Indian pet owners miss the early warning signs of illness because they seem "normal" or "harmless." But waiting too long could put your pet’s life at risk!
What You Should Do NOW:
✔ Monitor your pet closely—small changes could mean big problems!
✔ Schedule regular vet check-ups (at least twice a year).
✔ Act FAST if you notice sudden weight loss, low energy, or unusual behavior.
Your pet can’t tell you when something’s wrong but now YOU know what to look for! If you love your pet, don’t wait until it’s too late!