How can I tell if my female pet is sick or has health issues?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would be happy to help and give you an idea of what may be going on, but would need a photo or description. You can try attaching a photo to a newly submitted question or request a consultation for a one-on-one conversation with a vet.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I’m sorry Scully is sick. Perhaps you can post again with a bit more information such as what he is doing, how long it has been going on, sizeof tank, other fish, etc and we can try to help.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Please provide us with more information as far is what is going on with him so that we can try to help you to start sorting this out. We are looking forward to hearing from you. Best of luck!

Hi, thanks for usnig Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry your dog is sick! It would be helpful to know your dogs age and if she is spayed. Also if she is having trouble urinating or defecating? Anytime an animal is not breathing normally it is an emergency. Sometimes the breathing can look abnormal when they are in pain or have a fever but there are more serious causes for trouble breathing that are life threatening: heart failure, pneumonia, pleural effusion, cancer. The abnormal breathing alone is a reason to take her to an emergency room now. If you mean she is straining to urinate and is NOT passing urine, that is also a life threatening problem and see should be taken to an open emergency room. Causes of being unable or urinate are most commonly from a bladder stone stuck in the urethra or a bladder tumor. When dogs strain to pee they can vomit and pant due to pain If she is straining to poop, then that likely means she has diarrhea and feels the urge to go but doesn't have any stool to pass. Since she is also vomiting she could have an upset stomach from: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infection, ate something gross, food change, new treat or table food, pancreatitis, toxin ingestion. If she is straining to poop then that can wait for your vet to open. Trouble breathing and urinating shouldn't wait. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Please consider giving us a bit more information than that so that we can do our best to help you. Describe the issue that she has been having lately and if she is on any medications for example. Have a good day!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Tyty's symptoms sound rather serious and can be an indication of certain cancers, infections, or even foreign bodies. I recommend having him seen by a vet as soon as possible - especially because he is having trouble urinating, which can result in build up of toxins in the body normally filtered by the kidneys. I am happy to answer any other questions you may have and hope all is well with your dog!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! What clinical signs was she exhibiting that indicated she was ill: vomiting, coughing, sneezing, inappetance, etc? It is not uncommon for kittens to acquire respiratory infections if they were obtained from a shelter/rescue setting and this can certainly make them feel ill. If Luna appears back to her normal self and is eating/drinking normally, no vomiting/diarrhea, or other signs are noted then I would suspect she is okay at this point. If she is still exhibiting any abnormalities of any kind I would certainly have her evaluated by her veterinarian. Based on her physical examination with the doctor, a minimum database (complete blood count, serum chemistry, +/- urinalysis, +/- FeLV/FIV test), fecal diagnostics, or radiographs may be recommended.