Pet Symptom Checker - why is my dog or cat unwell?

Vomiting

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A swollen belly and retching that brings nothing up: UF's emergency service calls bloat (GDV) a rapidly progressive, life-threatening condition that needs emergency surgery. (UF vet hospital)
Your pet may have eaten something toxic (chocolate, grapes, medications) or something that could block the gut, such as a toy or a sock. (Cornell, dogs)
Repeated vomiting within 24 hours, especially with blood, lethargy or refusal to eat. (Cornell, dogs)

When the sources say to call your vet

Dogs: make an appointment if there is blood in the vomit or matter like coffee grounds (digested blood); call your vet for lethargy, vomiting for more than 24 hours, a painful belly or a fever. (Cornell, dogs)
Cats: vomiting more often than once a week, or with lethargy, weakness, less appetite, blood in the vomit, more thirst, more or less urination, or diarrhea at the same time - the cat should be seen promptly. (Cornell, cats)

Causes the sources name

Dogs: vomiting now and then, for example after eating grass, is likely a one-off; vomiting even once a week may point to a disease. (Cornell, dogs)
Cats: a hairball now and then (once every week or two can happen without lasting problems); poisonous plants, spoiled food, human medications, string or yarn, antifreeze, chocolate or onions, swallowed objects; parasites, bowel disease, a blockage, growths, diabetes, kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. (Cornell, cats)

Diarrhea

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Repeated diarrhea within 24 hours, especially with blood, lethargy or refusal to eat. (Cornell, dogs)

When the sources say to call your vet

Dogs: call the vet if loose stool lasts more than two days, or sooner if the dog stops eating, is lethargic, the stool is black or tarry or has fresh blood, or there is vomiting as well. (Cornell, dogs)
Cats: if diarrhea lasts longer than a day or two and the cat also eats poorly, is lethargic or vomits, seek veterinary care as soon as possible. (Cornell, cats)
Human medicines such as Pepto-Bismol or Imodium should not be given unless a vet says so; some over-the-counter medicines can harm cats. (Cornell, dogs; Cornell, cats)

Causes the sources name

Dogs, passing causes: eating something they should not, a too-quick food change, stress (a vet visit, boarding), internal parasites. More serious: infection or inflammation of the gut, viruses such as parvovirus, a foreign body, allergies, cancer, toxins, pancreatic disorders, Addison's disease, liver or heart disease. (Cornell, dogs)
Cats: an abrupt change of diet or a stressful event such as a long car trip can cause a few days of diarrhea; kittens are at higher risk while they adjust to solid food. (Cornell, cats)

Not eating

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A kitten younger than six weeks that has not eaten for 12 hours: Cornell says this can be a lethal threat. (Cornell, cats)

When the sources say to call your vet

Cats: refusing food can seriously affect an adult cat if it lasts as little as 24 hours. Cornell's advice is to consult a vet as soon as you notice it; a cat that is not eating deserves a full veterinary workup, including the teeth and gums. (Cornell, cats)
Dogs: the sources we read set no time limit for a lost appetite alone. Cornell's canine center lists a dog that stops eating among the reasons to get veterinary care when it has diarrhea, and refusal to eat with repeated vomiting or diarrhea among the reasons for the emergency vet. (Cornell, dogs)

Causes the sources name

Cats: diabetes, kidney disease, hepatic lipidosis, hyperthyroidism, pancreatitis, conjunctivitis, asthma, a fever; dental pain is a common cause; a new food or a new animal in the home. Cornell notes it is never simply a cat deciding not to eat. (Cornell, cats)
Cats: dental disease can make a cat stop eating. (Cornell, cats)

Itching and scratching

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Facial swelling, hives or trouble breathing after a sting or a bite - a severe allergic reaction. (Cornell, dogs)

When the sources say to call your vet

The sources we read give no time limit; they describe what the vet does. For an itchy dog, Cornell says there is no single test for atopy: fleas and other parasites (such as sarcoptic mange) and bacterial or fungal infections of the skin and ears are ruled out first. (Cornell, dogs)
Cats: ringworm can pass from a cat to people, so a suspected case is one for the vet, who first rules out look-alikes such as flea allergy. (Cornell, cats)

Causes the sources name

Dogs: atopic dermatitis, an allergy to pollens, molds, dust mites or dander that affects 10-15% of dogs; flea allergy; food allergy; hot spots; ear and skin infections. Itchy dogs scratch behind the elbows, lick and chew their feet, rub their faces and scoot. (Cornell, dogs)
Cats: ringworm - circular patches of hair loss, an itchy rash, scaling or crusty skin, excessive grooming and scratching. (Cornell, cats)

Lethargy, low energy

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Sudden collapse, severe weakness or trouble using the legs: Cornell says the dog should be seen immediately, as this can be linked to internal bleeding, neurologic disease or heart problems. (Cornell, dogs)
Pale gums, a weak or rapid pulse, a change in body temperature, difficulty standing or loss of consciousness. (ASPCA)
Weakness or collapse after time in the heat (possible heatstroke) - immediate cooling and veterinary care are crucial. (Cornell, dogs)

When the sources say to call your vet

Dogs: if a dog with an upset stomach does not bounce back to normal quickly, veterinary attention should be sought. (Cornell, dogs)
Cats: lethargy together with vomiting is a reason to have the cat seen promptly. (Cornell, cats)

Causes the sources name

Cats: in kidney disease, anemia can make a cat very lethargic, with a poor appetite and pale or white gums. (Cornell, cats)

Coughing

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Any trouble breathing: breathing faster or harder at rest, noisy breathing, stretching the neck out to breathe, a blue-tinged tongue or gums. (Cornell, dogs)
Cats: Cornell describes an asthma attack as fast, shallow breathing with the mouth open and the chest and belly heaving, sometimes with a wheeze; rapid breathing is on the ASPCA's emergency list. (Cornell, cats; ASPCA)

When the sources say to call your vet

Dogs: kennel cough is usually mild and gets better on its own; the cough eases over the first 5 days and the illness lasts 10 to 20 days. Fever, pus-like discharge from the nose, depression, loss of appetite or a wet cough - especially in puppies - usually means a further infection such as distemper or pneumonia. (Merck, dogs)
Dogs: in puppies kennel cough can turn into fatal pneumonia, and in weak, ill or old dogs into long-term bronchitis. (Merck, dogs)

Causes the sources name

Dogs: kennel cough, which spreads fast where dogs are kept close together, such as kennels or veterinary hospitals; chronic bronchitis (a cough lasting at least 2 months, more common in small breeds); heart or lung disease; parasites. (Merck, dogs)
Cats: asthma, the respiratory disorder vets diagnose most often in cats; suspected triggers include tobacco smoke, dusty litter, cleaning sprays and aerosols, pollen, mold, dust mites and smoke from fireplaces and candles. (Cornell, cats)

Limping

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A dog that suddenly cannot use one or more legs should be seen immediately. (Cornell, dogs)
Wounds and broken bones need urgent care; after an accident such as being hit by a car, internal injuries may not be visible, so have the dog checked right away. (Cornell, dogs)
Crying out, shaking or being unable to move. (Cornell, dogs)

When the sources say to call your vet

Dogs: stiffness or limping, favoring one leg, or difficulty walking, sitting, climbing stairs or getting up are signs of pain - schedule a vet visit. Photos, videos or notes from home help, because fear can hide pain at the clinic. (Cornell, dogs)

Causes the sources name

Dogs: injuries such as wounds and broken bones; long-term pain from conditions such as osteoarthritis. (Cornell, dogs)

Drinking or peeing more

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Straining to pee and producing no urine or only drops: a urinary blockage, more common in males, very painful and deadly if untreated. In male cats Cornell and UF call it an emergency. (Cornell, dogs; UF vet hospital; Cornell, cats)

When the sources say to call your vet

Cats: more thirst and urination is one of the most common signs of diabetes and of hyperthyroidism, and comes with chronic kidney disease; the vet tells them apart with blood and urine tests. (Cornell, cats)
Cats: more thirst together with vomiting is a reason to have the cat seen promptly. (Cornell, cats)
Dogs: the sources we read do not cover more drinking in dogs - ask your vet.

Causes the sources name

Cats: diabetes (often with weight loss despite a good appetite), hyperthyroidism (weight loss, a bigger appetite, sometimes vomiting, diarrhea or restlessness), chronic kidney disease. (Cornell, cats)

Bad breath

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A pet that has chewed an electrical cord: Cornell lists this among reasons for the emergency vet, as it can cause internal injury or fluid in the lungs later. (Cornell, dogs)

When the sources say to call your vet

Cats: a healthy cat's breath should not be offensive, and consistent bad breath should be checked by a veterinarian, says the former director of Cornell's dental referral service. A strong smell right after fishy food can be harmless. (Cornell, cats)

Causes the sources name

Cats: by far most often periodontal disease; food, hair or string stuck between the teeth; also kidney, respiratory or liver disease, diabetes, skin disease around the lips, or an injury in the mouth such as an electrical cord burn. (Cornell, cats)
Cats: 50 to 90% of cats older than four have some form of dental disease; it can cause pain and make a cat stop eating. (Cornell, cats)

Scooting or licking the rear

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Dogs: scooting, licking or biting at the anal area and painful, straining bowel movements are the signs of anal sac disease, which a vet diagnoses and treats. (Merck, dogs)

Causes the sources name

Dogs: clogged, infected or abscessed anal sacs - the most common disease of the anal region in dogs; small breeds are more prone. (Merck, dogs)
Dogs: scooting is also one of the signs of atopic dermatitis (allergy). (Cornell, dogs)

Red, watery or goopy eyes

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Squinting, redness, swelling, pawing at the eye, or sudden cloudiness or discharge: Cornell lists eye injuries among reasons for the emergency vet - have it evaluated promptly to avoid more serious damage. (Cornell, dogs)

When the sources say to call your vet

Cats: conjunctivitis often clears without medicine, but a cat with apparent eye discomfort and discharge should see a vet to rule out more serious eye disorders. (Cornell, cats)

Causes the sources name

Cats: conjunctivitis - squinting, frequent blinking, a watery or thick dark discharge; it can come back from time to time in cats that carry the herpesvirus. (Cornell, cats)
Dogs: allergic conjunctivitis (excessive tearing and red eyes) often goes with atopic dermatitis. (Cornell, dogs)

Hair loss, bald patches

When the sources say to call your vet

Cats: circular patches of hair loss, broken stubbly hair, scaling or crusty skin can mean ringworm, which can pass to people - a case for the vet. Left alone it may clear in an otherwise healthy cat, but Cornell warns not to take it lightly. (Cornell, cats)
Dogs: in atopic dermatitis, hair loss follows scratching and licking; the vet checks the skin and ears for infections. (Cornell, dogs)

Causes the sources name

Cats: ringworm (a fungal infection, not a worm); flea allergy can look similar. (Cornell, cats)
Dogs: atopic dermatitis, flea allergy, food allergy, skin infections. (Cornell, dogs)

Why is my pet unwell?

Vomiting

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Diarrhea

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Not eating

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Itching and scratching

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Lethargy, low energy

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Coughing

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Limping

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Drinking or peeing more

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Bad breath

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Scooting or licking the rear

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Red, watery or goopy eyes

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Hair loss, bald patches

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Sources

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