Most pet owners wish at some point that their pets could just speak to them. It would certainly make caring for them easier if they could tell you what they need. Fortunately, their body language and daily habits can tell you a great deal about how they feel.

The veterinary service experts at Hilton Veterinary Hospital in New York know that there are some common signs that indicate a need to seek professional pet health assistance. They say you should keep an eye out for the four symptoms below that may indicate that your pet is feeling unwell:

• Loss of Appetite: Pay attention to how quickly your pet eats after you place food down and if they typically finish the whole bowl. A sudden loss of appetite or interest in food is a clear sign that something is wrong. Pets that choose not to eat often do so because they aren’t well.
• Change in Bowel Movements: Bowel movements play a crucial role in pet health. A change in the consistency of their stool, as well as how often your pet uses the bathroom, could mean that there’s a change in your animal. It could indicate anything from a simple upset stomach to life-threatening illnesses.
• Disinterest: If your pet starts to lose interest in activities they once loved, such as playing or swimming, this is often an indication that they are physically uncomfortable or depressed. Lethargy, or persistent tiredness, is a common symptom of illnesses such as heart disease, distemper, and kennel cough.
• Excessive Drinking: Polydipsia describes when your pet drinks a lot more than usual without a good explanation, such as hot weather or exercise. It can be a result of sicknesses such as kidney disease, uterine infections, or diabetes.

If you want to talk to someone about pet health tips to keep your animal in great shape, call Hilton Veterinary Hospital at (585) 392-2937. They have a state-of-the-art pet hospital and preventive veterinary clinic facilities. For more information on the services they offer, visit their website.