🐶 Something’s Off With Your Pet – Should You Be Worried?
Your cat is pacing the hallway. Your dog won’t eat, or is licking something weird. 😟 As a pet parent, you know your furry friend’s habits better than anyone. But when their behaviour shifts suddenly, it can be hard to know if it's serious or just a passing phase.
In this blog, we’ll walk through 10 real pet cases from Dial A Vet’s online consultation service that started with an owner asking: “Is this normal?”
Spoiler: sometimes it wasn’t. And in every case, peace of mind came from speaking with a vet. 🩺
🧼 1. "My Cat Licked Ant Bait. Should I Panic?"
One cat owner panicked when their curious feline licked a Terro ant bait trap left on the floor. These products contain borax, which in small amounts may not be deadly, but can irritate the mouth and gut.
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Unusual licking or pawing at the mouth
🐕 2. "My Dog Keeps Eating His Own Poop"
Gross but common – one pet owner was worried about their 1-year-old dog eating poop. The condition is called coprophagia, and it can be caused by boredom, nutrition gaps, or attention-seeking.
🦴 3. "Why Is My Dog Limping After a Run?"
A playful run around the yard led to limping in this case. The dog hadn’t been injured visibly, but something wasn’t right.
🧪 4. "Vet Suspects a Tumour – What Now?"
A pet parent was overwhelmed after being told their dog may have a tumour. What are the next steps?
🧼 5. "Should I Clean My Cat’s Teeth? It Stresses Them Out"
Many cat owners skip dental care due to the stress it causes. But skipping it altogether can lead to serious health issues.
🐕 6. "My Dog Hasn't Been to the Vet in Months… Is That Bad?"
Routine care matters. One owner felt guilty after skipping vet visits for over a year. It’s more common than you think.
🌡️ 7. "My Dog Stopped Eating and Drinking Suddenly"
When a Golden Retriever stopped eating, the owner knew something was wrong.
🌊 8. "Help! My Cat Drank Pool Water"
Yes, it’s dangerous. Even small amounts of chlorinated pool water can upset a cat’s stomach and irritate the kidneys.
🧶 9. "My Cat Is Shedding Like Crazy – Is This Normal?"
Shedding can increase due to seasonal changes, but excessive fur loss may mean stress, parasites, or diet issues.
🐕 10. "My 10-Year-Old Dog Is Stiff and Slowing Down"
As dogs age, arthritis and joint stiffness creep in. One owner noticed their 10-year-old struggling to get up and walk.
💬 FAQs – When Your Pet’s Behaviour Seems Off
- Why is my pet suddenly acting strange?
Changes in behaviour can indicate pain, illness, or stress. A video vet consult is a fast way to investigate. - How do I know if it’s an emergency?
If your pet is vomiting, lethargic, not eating, or seems in pain – book a vet consult immediately. - Can I wait and see if it gets better?
Sometimes, but waiting can worsen treatable issues. When in doubt, consult a vet early. - Do indoor cats need regular vet checks?
Yes! Cats hide illness well. Annual checks help detect problems early. - Is eating poop (coprophagia) dangerous?
It can lead to parasite exposure and is often a behavioural or nutritional issue. Consult your vet.
✅ When to Book a Vet
Your instincts as a pet parent are valid. If something feels wrong – even if it seems small – a vet can help.
👉 Book a $49 online vet consult now at:
https://www.dialavet.com/book-a-vet-consultation
🔗 Internal Links Referenced
- https://www.dialavet.com/vet-answers/post/cat-drank-pool-water-bad-166491
- https://www.dialavet.com/vet-answers/post/10-year-old-dog-stiff-slow-concern-160392
- https://www.dialavet.com/vet-answers/post/cat-shedding-excessively-concern-166177
- https://www.dialavet.com/vet-answers/post/golden-retriever-stopped-eating-drinking-160144
- https://www.dialavet.com/vet-answers/post/vet-suspects-tumor-next-steps-147908
- https://www.dialavet.com/vet-answers/post/teeth-cleaning-stress-cats-153780
- https://www.dialavet.com/vet-answers/post/one-year-old-dog-eating-poop-155084
- https://www.dialavet.com/vet-answers/post/dog-limping-after-yard-run-159088
- https://www.dialavet.com/vet-answers/post/cat-licked-terro-ant-bait-167170
- https://www.dialavet.com/vet-answers/post/dog-hasnt-been-to-vet-months-161551