Changes in Appetite, Activity, and Behaviour: How to Recognise the Onset of Illness in Your Pet
Changes in appetite, activity, and behaviour are often the first signs of illness in pets. Paying attention to these changes can help owners identify problems early and seek medical assistance before the condition becomes more serious. Since pets cannot communicate verbally, their behavioural changes may be the only signals of illness. It is therefore important to know what to watch for.
What Changes Could Indicate the Onset of Illness?
1. Loss of Appetite or Decreased Eating
What to observe: Your pet refuses food or eats significantly less than usual. In some cases, they may refuse certain foods they previously enjoyed.
Why it’s important: Loss of appetite can be a symptom of various conditions, from infections to internal organ diseases. It is often the first indicator that something is wrong with your pet.
What to do: If loss of appetite lasts more than a day, or if your pet refuses to eat altogether, it is recommended to consult a vet for a diagnosis.
2. Increased Appetite
What to observe: Your pet starts eating more than usual and seems constantly hungry.
Why it’s important: Increased appetite may be associated with metabolic disorders such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism, as well as parasitic infections.
What to do: If this behaviour continues for several days and your pet either doesn’t gain weight or is losing weight, consult a vet.
3. Decreased Activity and Lethargy
What to observe: Your pet becomes less active, not playing, or showing little interest in activities such as walks, games, or social interaction.
Why it’s important: Reduced activity and lethargy are often signs that your pet is not feeling well. This may be the result of illness, infection, or pain.
What to do: If your pet does not return to its usual level of activity within a few days, it should be checked by a vet.
4. Aggression or Nervousness
What to observe: Your pet becomes more irritable, aggressive, or on the contrary, nervous, fearful of usual things or people.
Why it’s important: These changes in behaviour may be due to stress or pain. When pets are sick, they may feel pain, which can lead to aggression or, conversely, nervousness.
What to do: If your pet’s behaviour changes drastically without obvious causes of stress, seek professional advice to determine the underlying cause.
5. Changes in Hygiene Habits
What to observe: Your pet starts neglecting its grooming, or conversely, begins excessively licking itself.
Why it’s important: Changes in self-grooming behaviour can signal skin problems, infections, or internal organ diseases.
What to do: If your pet is grooming itself less or excessively, it is advisable to consult a vet.
6. Toilet Problems
What to observe: Your pet starts urinating or defecating in inappropriate places, or shows difficulty during toilet time (difficulty defecating or urinating).
Why it’s important: Changes in toilet habits can indicate urinary tract diseases, intestinal issues, infections, or neurological problems.
What to do: If these changes occur, it is best to visit a vet as soon as possible to avoid complications.
What Conditions Could Cause These Changes?
1. Infectious Diseases
Viral and bacterial infections can cause lethargy, loss of appetite, and behavioural changes. Examples include respiratory infections, viral gastroenteritis, and infectious diseases such as feline panleukopenia or canine parvovirus.
2. Parasitic Infections
Parasites can affect a pet’s behaviour, leading to loss of appetite, weight loss, or, conversely, increased appetite and lethargy. This is often seen with intestinal worms or external parasites like fleas or ticks.
3. Endocrine Disorders
Thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism), diabetes, and other hormonal imbalances can cause changes in appetite, weight, and activity levels.
4. Internal Organ Diseases
Problems with the kidneys, liver, or cardiovascular system can affect a pet’s behaviour. For example, a pet may become more tired or lose its appetite due to pain or toxins in the body.
5. Stress and Psychological Factors
Pets may display changes in behaviour in response to stress. Moving house, a new family member, or other changes in their environment can cause anxiety and changes in appetite and activity levels.
When to See the Vet?
If changes in appetite, activity, or behaviour last for more than 24 hours.
If your pet becomes aggressive or overly nervous without an obvious cause.
If your pet refuses to eat or drink for more than a day.
If physical changes are observed (e.g., weight loss or gain, vomiting, diarrhoea).
If your pet behaves oddly or aggressively, showing signs of pain.
Early detection of changes in your pet’s behaviour and timely consultation with a vet can significantly improve the chances of a quick recovery and prevent serious complications.