Updated on October 15th, 2025
AD | Having a pet can be a wonderful experience that is cherished by many. It can also really put fear into you when you find out that your cat has somehow eaten a bunch of crayons, or your new puppy thought they would sample the bubble bath. Keeping your eye on an animal can sometimes be a full-time job, depending on the pet you have and their temperament. Not only that, it is important to be aware of your animal’s well-being at all times as a pet parent and when it is time to take them to the vet.
It can be the little things that say to an owner that something is not quite right. When these moments strike, you might ask yourself, should I call the vet? Here are a couple of examples of when it is best to pay the vet a visit.
They Are Behaving Lethargically
It is common for pets to get tired from time to time, especially after a long walk or trip away. However, if you find that your furry friend is showing persistent signs of lethargy, or they do not seem like their usual energetic self, this could be an indicator that something is not quite right. It could be nothing, or it could be something that needs immediate attention.
The good news is that if you are able to get your pet to the vet soon after you start to notice a change, the sooner they will be able to tackle the problem.
They Are Off Their Food
Plenty of animal lovers know a pooch that would eat several bags of dog food without even stopping to blink, so when that same dog starts to become uninterested in someone’s sandwich that has been left on the side, it can be a cause for concern.
Everyone has days where they have a bit of a dodgy stomach, and this can extend to our precious pets, too. If appetite loss is accompanied by other symptoms such as an upset stomach, diarrhea, or sickness, for example, it is best to get your pet seen by a professional as soon as possible.
If you are in the Carmel Valley area, then take a look at a Carmel Valley pet clinic near you to get your furry family member seen quickly.
Difficulty or Rapid Breathing
If you have just taken your beloved pup for a run, it makes sense that they will need a little while to catch their breath. However, if you find that your pet is breathing rapidly despite doing no exercise, or they appear to have difficulty breathing, you must find a vet right away. Oxygen starvation can cause serious damage to the brain and body, so it is important to determine the cause immediately.
You Are Just Not Sure
All species of animals of all shapes and sizes can experience symptoms that suggest they are feeling under the weather. As their primary caregiver, it is up to you to spot the signs. The most important rule is that if you are not 100% certain why your pet is showing unusual symptoms, it is best to get to the vet sooner rather than later.
This is such an important post! I really wish there was a way to email this to every pet owner so they could know the signs before it’s too late. Very informative, thanks for sharing x
Thank you and I agree it is so important to know the signs. Also, when in doubt, it’s always on the safer side to see a vet.