A Pet Owner’s Guide to Common Pet Symptoms
The information on this page is a general guide only and isn’t a substitute for professional veterinary care. Every pet is different — if you’re ever unsure or something just doesn’t feel right, please contact us. We’re always happy to help.
Pets can’t tell us what’s wrong, so it’s natural to be concerned when something seems off. This guide walks through what’s generally nothing to worry about, what’s worth keeping an eye on, and when it’s time to give us a call.
Is This Normal? Common Behaviors Explained
Usually, eating grass is nothing to worry about. Dogs nibble grass out of boredom, for the taste, or to settle a mildly upset stomach, and most do it now and then with no issues at all. It’s worth a call if it becomes constant or comes alongside repeated vomiting.
That sudden honking, snorting fit sounds alarming, but it’s typically a harmless spasm of the soft palate, often triggered by excitement, dust, or a tight collar. It usually settles within a minute. Give us a call if it becomes frequent or comes with nasal discharge.
This is an old instinct passed down from wild ancestors who circled to pack down grass and make a comfy, safe spot. Totally normal. The only time to take note is if the circling looks more like new disorientation or pacing.
Just like us, dogs dream. Twitching, “running,” soft barks, and whines during sleep are signs of a healthy REM cycle. Reach out if you ever see violent, prolonged movements while your dog is awake or hard to rouse.
“Making biscuits” is a contented, comforting behavior carried over from kittenhood. It’s a sign your cat feels safe and happy.
That chirping, chattering sound is pure hunting instinct kicking in at prey they can’t quite reach. It’s a normal (and very entertaining) part of having a cat.
Cats naturally sleep 12–16 hours a day, so a very sleepy cat is usually just being a cat. It’s worth a call only if the sleepiness comes with hiding, not eating, or a sudden drop in energy.
Common Dog Symptoms & Conditions
| Condition | What it is | Signs to watch for | When to contact us |
| Gastroenteritis (upset stomach) | Irritation of the stomach or intestines, often from eating something they shouldn’t, a bug, or stress. | Vomiting, diarrhea, low appetite, low energy. | If it lasts more than 24 hours, you see blood, or your dog seems weak or won’t drink. |
| Intestinal parasites (worms) | Common worms picked up from the environment, especially in puppies. | Diarrhea, “rice grain” segments near the tail, pot-belly, poor coat, weight loss. | To arrange testing and preventative care. Routine deworming keeps this easily managed. |
| Condition | What it is | Signs to watch for | When to contact us |
| Kennel cough | A contagious respiratory infection, common after boarding, grooming, or dog parks. | Persistent honking cough, sometimes a runny nose or mild tiredness. | If the cough lingers beyond a few days, worsens, or your dog is off their food or breathing hard. |
| Canine influenza | A contagious flu-like virus spread between dogs. | Cough, nasal discharge, fever, reduced appetite, low energy. | If symptoms appear. Ask us about vaccination if your dog socializes often. |
| Condition | What it is | Signs to watch for | When to contact us |
| Allergies (environmental or food) | Reactions to pollen, dust, or ingredients that often show up in the skin. | Itching, licking or chewing (especially paws), redness, recurring ear issues. | If the scratching is constant or the skin looks raw or infected. |
| Fleas & flea allergy dermatitis | Flea bites that can trigger intense itching in sensitive dogs. | Scratching, biting at the base of the tail, scabs, visible fleas or “flea dirt.” | To set up year-round preventative care. Preventing fleas is far easier than clearing an outbreak. |
| Condition | What it is | Signs to watch for | When to contact us |
| Urinary tract infection (UTI) | A bacterial infection of the bladder or urinary tract. | Straining, frequent small pees, accidents, blood-tinged urine, licking. | If you notice these signs — UTIs are very treatable and shouldn’t be left to linger. |
| Bladder stones | Mineral stones that form in the bladder and cause irritation. | Straining, bloody urine, frequent urination, discomfort. | Promptly — and if your dog can’t urinate at all, treat it as an emergency (see below). |
| Condition | What it is | Signs to watch for | When to contact us |
| Arthritis (osteoarthritis) | Age-related “wear and tear” on the joints, common in older and large-breed dogs. | Stiffness, slowing on walks, trouble with stairs, reluctance to jump. | If you notice stiffness or slowing down. There’s a lot we can do to keep them comfortable. |
| Cruciate (CCL) injury | A tear of a key knee ligament, one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs. | Sudden limp or holding up a back leg, swelling, reluctance to bear weight. | If your dog goes suddenly lame, as early assessment gives the best outcome. |
Common Cat Symptoms & Conditions
| Condition | What it is | Signs to watch for | When to contact us |
| Gastroenteritis (upset stomach) | Irritation of the digestive tract from diet changes, illness, or stress. | Vomiting, diarrhea, hiding, low appetite. | If it lasts more than 24 hours, you see blood, or your cat stops eating. |
| Intestinal parasites (worms) | Worms picked up from hunting, fleas, or the environment. | Diarrhea, weight loss, pot-belly, segments near the tail, dull coat. | To arrange testing and preventative care. |
| Condition | What it is | Signs to watch for | When to contact us |
| Upper respiratory infection (“cat flu”) | Common viral infections that often flare in shelters or multi-cat homes. | Sneezing, runny eyes and nose, congestion, reduced appetite. | If your cat stops eating, is very congested, or has eye irritation — these need attention. |
| Feline asthma | An allergic airway condition that narrows the airways. | Coughing, wheezing, a hunched “hacking” posture, open-mouth breathing. | Promptly. Open-mouth or labored breathing in a cat is always urgent (see below). |
| Condition | What it is | Signs to watch for | When to contact us |
| Fleas & flea allergy dermatitis | Flea bites that trigger itching and overgrooming. | Overgrooming, scabs (often neck and back), hair loss, visible flea dirt. | To set up year-round preventative care — even for indoor cats. |
| Ringworm | A contagious fungal infection of skin and fur (despite the name, not a worm) that can spread to people. | Circular patches of hair loss, flaky or crusty skin. | For diagnosis. As it’s contagious to humans and other pets, early treatment matters. |
| Condition | What it is | Signs to watch for | When to contact us |
| Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) | An umbrella term for bladder and urethral conditions, often linked to stress. | Straining, frequent litter box trips, blood in urine, peeing outside the box, crying. | If you see these signs. Please read the urgent note below, especially for male cats. |
| Urethral blockage | A life-threatening obstruction that stops a cat from urinating, most common in males. | Straining with little or no urine, crying, restlessness, vomiting, lethargy. | This is a true emergency. If your cat can’t urinate, contact us or an emergency vet immediately. |
| Condition | What it is | Signs to watch for | When to contact us |
| Arthritis (osteoarthritis) | Joint wear that’s very common but easy to miss in cats. | Less jumping, hesitation on stairs, sleeping more, grooming less. | If your cat is slowing down — subtle changes are often the first clue. |
| Soft-tissue injury / limping | Strains or sprains, often from a fall or an awkward jump. | Limping, holding up a leg, tenderness, hiding. | If a limp lasts more than a day or your cat seems to be in pain. |
When to Call Right Away
Some symptoms shouldn’t wait. Contact us (or your nearest emergency vet after hours) right away if your pet has any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing, choking, or open-mouth breathing (especially in cats)
- Straining to urinate or an inability to pass urine (an emergency, especially in male cats)
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea, or any blood in either
- A swollen, hard, or bloated belly
- Collapse, extreme weakness, or unresponsiveness
- Seizures
- Suspected poisoning, or eating a foreign object
- Pale, white, or blue-tinged gums
- A sudden inability to walk or stand
- Signs of severe pain (crying out, trembling, or aggression when touched)
- Any difficulty during pregnancy or birth
Questions About Your Pet?
This guide is a starting point, not a diagnosis. When it comes to your pet’s health, there’s no such thing as a silly question! If something seems off or you’re just not sure, contact us. We’re always happy to help you figure out the next step.