What Abnormal or Irregular Drinking or Eating Really Means

Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital, serving San Diego and the surrounding area, would like you to note that you need to monitor how much your pet eats or drinks carefully. While they may have minor fluctuations, take notice if there's a drastic change in their intake. This could mean that your pet has an illness or chronic condition. Fortunately, when you notice the symptoms early, you can prevent complications by getting your pet in for an exam as soon as possible.

Eating Less or Not at All

Our veterinarian in San Diego wants you to pay special attention if your pet is eating a lot less or isn't eating at all. Both dogs and cats are at risk if they don't eat or eat a reduced amount over an extended period.

Some reasons why your pet has a decrease in how much food they consume include:

- Viral or bacterial infection

- Poison

- Ingesting a foreign object

- Kidney or liver problems

Eating More Than Usual

Though this isn't as serious as not eating enough, eating too much can lead to obesity and obesity-related health problems. Your pet could have worms that are sucking the nutrients out of him, so he's compensated by eating more. Diabetes, a stressful home environment with other cats, and certain cancers could also cause this. We recommend scheduling a visit for this if it progresses.

Drinking More

Diabetes, kidney problems, and liver issues are three reasons why a pet may drink more than usual. Therefore, if you notice it's not hot out or your pet isn't more active than usual, you should schedule a visit if they continuously are drinking more than usual.

Not Drinking

Sickness can make your pet not feel like drinking. And it doesn't take long for dehydration to set in, so we recommend getting your pet to see us to prevent this complication. Especially if these symptoms are accompanied by others, we recommend having your pet see our veterinarian in San Diego to diagnose the problem since it could be an illness that could have complications.

Contact Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital in San Diego, CA

Are you looking for a veterinarian near me? Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital, serving San Diego and the general vicinity, recommends bringing your pet in for an exam if you notice the aforementioned symptoms, especially if they go along with other symptoms. Call us at 858-292-6116.