Pet Symptom Checker

Select a symptom to see which conditions may be causing it. Remember: this is educational information, not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis.

Digestive System

Severe vomiting

Persistent vomiting leading to rapid dehydration.

Cat

Bloody diarrhea

Dark, foul-smelling diarrhea with a characteristic metallic odor due to blood in the intestinal lining.

Related to: Canine Parvovirus (Parvo)

Dog

Lethargy

Cat sleeps more, hides, shows little interest in surroundings.

Related to: Feline Pancreatitis

Cat

Loss of appetite

Complete refusal of food and often water as the condition progresses.

Related to: Canine Parvovirus (Parvo)

Dog

Fever

High body temperature (above 103°F / 39.4°C), though temperature may drop to subnormal in late stages.

Related to: Canine Parvovirus (Parvo)

Dog

Rapid weight loss

Noticeable loss of body mass within 24-48 hours due to fluid loss.

Related to: Canine Parvovirus (Parvo)

Dog

Vomiting

May occur with severe obstipation — the colon is so full it compresses the stomach.

Cat

Diarrhea

Often bloody; may be profuse and foul-smelling.

Cat

Abdominal discomfort

Dog may appear restless, adopt praying position, or have a tense belly.

Dog

Decreased appetite

Painful mouth makes eating difficult or impossible.

Reptile

Severe abdominal pain

Guarded or hunched posture, crying when belly is touched, praying position.

Related to: Canine Pancreatitis

Dog

Persistent vomiting

Frequent vomiting that does not resolve with fasting.

Related to: Canine Pancreatitis

Dog

Fever or hypothermia

Temperature may be elevated or dangerously low in severe cases.

Related to: Canine Pancreatitis

Dog

Dehydration

Sunken eyes, skin tenting, weakness from rapid fluid loss.

Hamster

Jaundice

Yellow discoloration of the gums, skin, and whites of the eyes — a hallmark of hepatic lipidosis.

Cat

Chronic intermittent diarrhea

Soft, pale, greasy stool with a foul odor — often described as "cow pie" consistency.

Related to: Giardiasis in Dogs

Dog

Weight loss or failure to gain

Malabsorption leads to poor growth in puppies despite normal appetite.

Related to: Giardiasis in Dogs

Dog

Mucus in stool

Shiny, slimy coating on feces.

Related to: Giardiasis in Dogs

Dog

Persistent fever unresponsive to antibiotics

Waxing and waning fever that doesn't respond to standard treatments.

Cat

Weight loss and muscle wasting

Progressive loss of body condition, especially over the spine.

Cat

Lethargy and decreased appetite

Cats become increasingly withdrawn and stop eating.

Cat

Abdominal distension (wet form)

Fluid accumulation in the abdomen giving a pot-bellied appearance.

Cat

Difficulty breathing (wet form)

Fluid in the chest cavity compresses the lungs.

Cat

Neurological signs (dry form)

Seizures, ataxia, nystagmus, hind limb weakness — indicates brain/spinal cord involvement.

Cat

Ocular changes (dry form)

Uveitis (eye inflammation), color change, or cloudy appearance of the eyes.

Cat

Increased thirst and urination

Water bowl empties quickly; litter box clumps are larger and more frequent.

Related to: Feline Diabetes Mellitus

Cat

Weight loss despite good appetite

Cat eats normally or excessively but loses body mass.

Related to: Feline Diabetes Mellitus

Cat

Increased appetite or anorexia

Early stage: ravenous. Late/uncontrolled: complete appetite loss (a dangerous sign).

Related to: Feline Diabetes Mellitus

Cat

Plantigrade stance

Walking on hocks (heels) instead of toes — indicates diabetic neuropathy.

Related to: Feline Diabetes Mellitus

Cat

Poor coat quality

Dull, dry, flaky coat from metabolic derangement.

Related to: Feline Diabetes Mellitus

Cat

High fever

Temperature often above 104°F (40°C), then may drop subnormal terminally.

Cat

Complete anorexia

Cat has stopped eating entirely — often the primary history. Any cat not eating for 48+ hours is at risk.

Cat

Profound depression

Cat is extremely dull, unresponsive.

Cat

Sudden death

Especially in young kittens — may die without preceding signs.

Cat

Severe oral pain

Cat shows obvious discomfort when eating or when mouth is touched.

Cat

Difficulty eating

Drops food, chews on one side, cries while eating, or refuses dry food entirely.

Cat

Red, inflamed gums and mouth

Bright red, proliferative tissue extending beyond the tooth line — especially at the back of the mouth (fauces).

Cat

Weight loss

Despite often having a good appetite.

Related to: Insulinoma in Ferrets

Ferret

Drooling

Excessive salivation, sometimes blood-tinged.

Cat

Bad breath

Severe halitosis from the inflamed oral tissues.

Cat

Abdominal pain

Often subtle in cats — may only show as hiding or irritability.

Related to: Feline Pancreatitis

Cat

Lethargy and weakness

Bird is less active and may seem weak when perching.

Bird

Hepatomegaly

Enlarged liver, palpable on examination.

Cat

Straining in the litter box

Repeated, unproductive trips — often mistaken for urinary straining.

Cat

Hard, dry feces

Small, rock-hard stools or complete absence of bowel movements for days.

Cat

Lethargy and hiding

Cat feels unwell from systemic absorption of colonic toxins.

Cat

Not eating or drinking

Complete refusal of food including favorite treats — a rabbit emergency within 12-24 hours.

Related to: GI Stasis in Rabbits

Rabbit

No or reduced fecal pellets

Small, misshapen, or absent droppings. Poop is the best indicator of rabbit gut health.

Related to: GI Stasis in Rabbits

Rabbit

Lethargy and hunched posture

Hamster sits hunched, eyes half-closed, barely moving.

Hamster

Abdominal distension

Swollen, firm belly that may sound hollow when tapped (gas) or feel doughy (impacted).

Related to: GI Stasis in Rabbits

Rabbit

Teeth grinding (bruxism)

Loud grinding of teeth — a sign of significant pain in rabbits.

Related to: GI Stasis in Rabbits

Rabbit

Difficulty eating or dropping food

Rabbit approaches food eagerly but drops it or chews abnormally.

Rabbit

Preference for soft foods

Rabbit stops eating hay and only wants pellets or greens.

Rabbit

Drooling / wet chin

"Slobbers" — fur around the mouth and chin is constantly wet from drool.

Rabbit

Facial swelling

Lumps on the jaw from tooth root abscesses or elongated roots.

Guinea Pig

Obesity

Bird is visibly overweight with excess fat deposits on the chest and abdomen.

Bird

Overgrown beak

Beak grows abnormally fast and may be flaky or soft.

Bird

Breathing difficulty

Fat deposits compress air sacs, causing respiratory effort.

Bird

Sudden collapse

Birds with severe fatty liver can die suddenly from liver rupture or hemorrhage.

Bird

Watery diarrhea

Profuse, watery stool that soaks the area around the tail — hence "wet tail."

Hamster

Ruffled fur

Coat appears dull, greasy, and unkempt.

Hamster

Irritability

Hamster may squeak or bite when handled due to abdominal pain.

Hamster

Difficulty eating / drooling

Drops food, chews at side of mouth, has wet chin ("slobbers").

Guinea Pig

Selective eating

Eats only soft foods; refuses hay and hard vegetables.

Guinea Pig

Reduced fecal output

Less poop because they're eating less — often smaller, misshapen pellets.

Guinea Pig

Episodes of weakness

Ferret becomes weak, wobbly, or collapses — especially after not eating for a few hours.

Related to: Insulinoma in Ferrets

Ferret

Drooling and pawing at the mouth

Classic sign of nausea associated with hypoglycemia.

Related to: Insulinoma in Ferrets

Ferret

Staring or "spacing out"

Ferret appears dazed, stares at nothing, is slow to respond.

Related to: Insulinoma in Ferrets

Ferret

Hind limb weakness

Wobbly gait, dragging hind legs.

Related to: Insulinoma in Ferrets

Ferret

Seizures

Severe hypoglycemia can cause seizures and loss of consciousness.

Related to: Insulinoma in Ferrets

Ferret

Red, swollen gums

Inflamed gingiva; may bleed easily when touched.

Reptile

Caseous pus/plaques in mouth

Thick, cheese-like yellow/white material in the mouth — reptiles produce solid pus (not liquid like mammals).

Reptile

Drooling or excess saliva

Wetness around the mouth; stringy saliva.

Reptile

Swollen face or jaw

In advanced cases where infection extends into the jaw bone (osteomyelitis).

Reptile

Urinary System

Straining to urinate

Cat repeatedly visits the litter box, postures to urinate, but produces little to no urine.

Cat

Blood in urine

Pink-tinged or visibly bloody urine in the litter box or on surfaces.

Cat

Vocalizing while urinating

Crying, howling, or yowling when attempting to urinate due to pain.

Cat

Licking genital area excessively

Constant grooming of the urinary opening due to irritation and discomfort.

Cat

Urinating outside litter box

Cat urinates in unusual places — bathtub, sink, tile floors — often in small amounts.

Cat

Increased thirst and urination

Cat drinks and urinates more than usual — often the earliest sign.

Cat

Weight loss

Progressive loss of body mass and muscle wasting.

Cat

Decreased appetite

Picky eating developing gradually over weeks to months.

Cat

Vomiting

Intermittent initially, progressing as uremic toxins accumulate.

Cat

Poor coat quality

Unkempt, dull, or matted fur from decreased grooming.

Cat

Bad breath

Ammonia-like odor due to uremia. May have oral ulcers in advanced stages.

Cat

Respiratory System

Thick nasal and eye discharge

Initially watery, progressing to thick yellow/green pus-like discharge from eyes and nose.

Related to: Canine Distemper

Dog

Fever

Usually mild but may spike in complicated cases.

Dog

Coughing and pneumonia

Dry cough progressing to productive cough; secondary bacterial pneumonia is common.

Related to: Canine Distemper

Dog

Vomiting and diarrhea

GI signs often accompany the respiratory phase.

Related to: Canine Distemper

Dog

Neurological signs

Muscle twitching, seizures, chewing gum fits, partial or complete paralysis — may appear weeks after apparent recovery.

Related to: Canine Distemper

Dog

Hard pad disease

Thickening and hardening of footpads and nose leather in chronic cases.

Related to: Canine Distemper

Dog

Dry, hacking cough

Characteristic goose-honk cough, often triggered by excitement, exercise, or pressure on the trachea.

Dog

Gagging or retching

May cough up white foam or gag at the end of a coughing fit, often mistaken for choking.

Dog

Watery nasal discharge

Clear discharge from the nose in mild cases.

Dog

Lethargy

Guinea pig stops moving, sits hunched with ruffled fur.

Guinea Pig

Chronic cough

Often mistaken for hairball attempts — a dry, hacking cough with neck extended.

Cat

Wheezing

Audible whistling sound during breathing, especially on exhalation.

Cat

Exercise intolerance

Cat tires quickly during play or stops playing to cough.

Cat

Open-mouth breathing

Reptile breathes with mouth open — this is abnormal and significant.

Reptile

Cyanosis

Blue-tinged gums in severe attacks — a life-threatening emergency.

Cat

Coughing or asthma-like signs

Coughing, wheezing, dyspnea — often misdiagnosed as feline asthma.

Cat

Vomiting

Intermittent vomiting unrelated to eating.

Cat

Acute collapse

Sudden respiratory distress, collapse, or sudden death — may be the FIRST and only sign.

Cat

Weight loss and lethargy

Chronic, non-specific signs.

Cat

Sneezing

Frequent sneezing fits, often producing discharge.

Rabbit

Nasal and eye discharge

Thick white, yellow, or green discharge from the nose and crust around the eyes.

Guinea Pig

Conjunctivitis

Red, swollen eyes; squinting; ocular discharge. Especially prominent with herpesvirus.

Cat

Fever and lethargy

Especially in the first few days of infection.

Cat

Oral ulcers

Painful ulcers on the tongue, gums, or palate — classic for calicivirus.

Cat

Decreased appetite

Cats with congested noses cannot smell food and may stop eating.

Cat

Nasal discharge

Clear, cloudy, or crusted material around the nares (nostrils).

Related to: Avian Respiratory Infection

Bird

Matted front paws

Rabbit wipes its nose with front paws, leaving the inner forelegs crusted with dried discharge.

Rabbit

Difficulty breathing

Noisy breathing, open-mouth breathing in severe cases.

Rabbit

Eye discharge or conjunctivitis

Infection can spread to the eyes via the tear ducts.

Rabbit

Tail bobbing

Rhythmic up-and-down tail movement with each breath — a sign of respiratory effort.

Related to: Avian Respiratory Infection

Bird

Sneezing or coughing

Frequent sneezing; may produce discharge. A "click" sound when breathing.

Related to: Avian Respiratory Infection

Bird

Voice change

Hoarse, quieter, or lost voice — indicates involvement of the syrinx (voice box).

Related to: Avian Respiratory Infection

Bird

Sneezing and nasal discharge

Frequent sneezing; may have crusted discharge around the nose.

Hamster

Labored or noisy breathing

Audible wheezing, clicking, or rattling sounds when breathing.

Hamster

Lethargy and hunched posture

Hamster sits hunched, eyes partially closed.

Hamster

Loss of appetite

Stops eating and drinking — a critical sign in guinea pigs.

Guinea Pig

Ruffled, unkempt coat

Fur stands on end and looks greasy.

Hamster

Labored breathing

Visible chest effort, audible crackles or wheezing. Open-mouth breathing in severe cases.

Guinea Pig

Head tilt

If the infection spreads to the middle ear.

Guinea Pig

Bubbles or discharge from nose/mouth

Clear or thick discharge, sometimes forming bubbles at the nostrils.

Reptile

Wheezing or clicking sounds

Audible respiratory sounds — crackles, pops, or whistles when breathing.

Reptile

Lethargy and anorexia

Reptile is inactive, doesn't bask, and refuses food.

Reptile

Excess mucus in the mouth

Stringy, rope-like mucus visible when the mouth is opened.

Reptile

Skin & Coat

Intense itching (pruritus)

Persistent scratching, licking, chewing — especially paws, face, ears, armpits, and groin.

Dog

Red, inflamed skin

Erythema in classic distribution: paws, ventral abdomen, axillae, and around the mouth/eyes.

Dog

Recurrent ear infections

Chronic otitis externa is often the first sign of underlying atopy.

Dog

Hair loss

Patchy alopecia, typically starting on the back and rump.

Hamster

Skin darkening and thickening

Chronic inflammation leads to hyperpigmentation and lichenification (elephant skin).

Dog

Secondary skin infections

Staphylococcus (bacterial) and Malassezia (yeast) overgrowth in inflamed skin.

Dog

Non-seasonal itching

Unlike environmental allergies, food allergy itching is year-round and doesn't vary by season.

Dog

Itching focused on ears and rear

Ear infections, anal gland issues, and perianal itching are characteristic.

Dog

Chronic ear infections

Recurrent otitis that returns quickly after treatment, often yeast overgrowth.

Dog

GI signs

Soft stool, increased frequency of defecation, vomiting, or flatulence in 30-50% of food-allergic dogs.

Dog

Skin lesions

Hot spots, papules, and secondary infections from scratching.

Dog

Weight gain without increased appetite

Dog gains weight despite eating the same or less — classic metabolic slowdown.

Related to: Hypothyroidism in Dogs

Dog

Lethargy and mental dullness

Dog sleeps more, is less responsive, and seems "depressed."

Related to: Hypothyroidism in Dogs

Dog

Hair coat changes

Dry, brittle coat; symmetrical hair loss on the flanks and tail ("rat tail"); hyperpigmentation.

Related to: Hypothyroidism in Dogs

Dog

Cold intolerance

Seeks heat — lies near radiators or under blankets, reluctant to go out in cold weather.

Related to: Hypothyroidism in Dogs

Dog

Recurrent skin and ear infections

Impaired skin barrier and immune function from low thyroid.

Related to: Hypothyroidism in Dogs

Dog

Slow heart rate

Bradycardia on physical examination.

Related to: Hypothyroidism in Dogs

Dog

Abnormal feather development

Feathers grow in abnormally — misshapen, clubbed, retained sheaths, or fractured.

Bird

Progressive feather loss

Symmetric or patchy feather loss that worsens over time.

Bird

Beak abnormalities

Beak becomes soft, elongated, cracked, or discolored in chronic cases.

Bird

Secondary infections

Immunosuppression leads to frequent bacterial and fungal infections.

Bird

Weight loss

Chronic wasting despite eating.

Bird

White spots on body and fins

Salt grain-sized white spots (trophonts) scattered across the skin, fins, and gills.

Fish

Flashing / rubbing

Fish rubs against decorations, gravel, or tank walls — "flashing" behavior.

Fish

Rapid gill movement

Labored breathing if gills are affected.

Fish

Clamped fins

Fins held close to the body — a sign of general illness and stress.

Fish

Lethargy and appetite loss

Fish becomes less active and may stop eating in advanced stages.

Fish

Ragged, frayed, or disintegrating fins

Fin edges become uneven, white, or appear to be dissolving away.

Related to: Fin Rot in Fish

Fish

White or red edges on fins

Inflammation at the leading edge of fin erosion.

Related to: Fin Rot in Fish

Fish

Fins becoming shorter

Progressive shortening of affected fins over days.

Related to: Fin Rot in Fish

Fish

Lethargy

Fish stops swimming actively and may rest on the bottom.

Fish

Progressive hair loss

Symmetric hair loss starting at the tail and rump, progressing up the body. Often seasonal initially.

Related to: Adrenal Disease in Ferrets

Ferret

Enlarged vulva

Swollen vulva in spayed females — a hallmark sign.

Related to: Adrenal Disease in Ferrets

Ferret

Itching (pruritus)

Frequent scratching, even where fur is still present.

Related to: Adrenal Disease in Ferrets

Ferret

Return of sexual behavior

Mounting, neck-gripping, increased musk odor.

Related to: Adrenal Disease in Ferrets

Ferret

Prostate enlargement

In males — leads to difficulty urinating (stranguria), which can become an emergency.

Related to: Adrenal Disease in Ferrets

Ferret

Lethargy and muscle wasting

Seen in advanced, long-standing cases.

Related to: Adrenal Disease in Ferrets

Ferret

Maggots visible on the skin

Small white worms (maggots) crawling on the rabbit's skin, usually around the rear end, genitals, or any wound.

Rabbit

Foul odor

Distinctive, unpleasant rotting smell.

Rabbit

Lethargy and collapse

Rabbit is extremely weak, may be in shock.

Rabbit

Skin damage

Redness, scratches, or even deep wounds from excessive chewing.

Bird

Feather damage or loss

Chewed, frayed, or plucked feathers. Typically affects the chest, legs, and under wings — areas the bird can reach with its beak. Head feathers are usually intact (unless another bird is plucking them).

Bird

Bald patches

Areas of complete feather loss, often with down feathers remaining.

Bird

Retained patches of old skin

Dull, stuck pieces of shed — especially on the toes, tail tip, and around the eyes (retained eye caps/spectacles).

Reptile

Constricted toes or tail tip

Multiple layers of retained shed can act as a tourniquet, cutting off blood flow and causing necrosis.

Reptile

Eye caps retained

Cloudy or wrinkled eye surface (retained spectacles in snakes).

Reptile

Cotton-like growths

White, gray, or yellowish cottony patches on the mouth, fins, or body — often with a reddish ulcer underneath.

Fish

Eroded mouth and fins

"Cotton mouth" — the mouth area appears eaten away with white fuzz. Fin edges become ragged.

Fish

Patchy hair loss

Circular or irregular patches of hair loss, typically starting on the face, ears, and feet.

Guinea Pig

Crusty, scaly skin

Dry, flaky, crusty lesions in the bald patches — may be itchy.

Guinea Pig

Lesions spreading slowly

Patches enlarge and new lesions appear over weeks.

Guinea Pig

Dry, scaly skin

Flaky or crusty appearance in bald areas. Usually not intensely itchy (unlike sarcoptic mange).

Hamster

Thickened, rough skin

Skin becomes thickened and wrinkled in chronic cases.

Hamster

Musculoskeletal System

Hind limb lameness

Limping or favoring one or both back legs, often worse after exercise or first thing in the morning.

Related to: Canine Hip Dysplasia

Dog

Difficulty rising

Struggles to stand, especially on slippery surfaces.

Dog

Bunny hopping gait

Both hind legs move together when running instead of alternating.

Related to: Canine Hip Dysplasia

Dog

Muscle atrophy in hindquarters

Loss of muscle mass making hip bones appear more prominent.

Related to: Canine Hip Dysplasia

Dog

Reluctance to exercise

Dog shows decreased interest in walks, play, or climbing stairs.

Related to: Canine Hip Dysplasia

Dog

Stiffness after rest

Particularly noticeable in the morning or after long naps; improves with gentle movement.

Dog

Limping or lameness

May shift between legs and worsen after exercise or in cold weather.

Dog

Difficulty with stairs

Hesitation or refusal to climb stairs that were previously manageable.

Dog

Joint swelling

Visible or palpable thickening around affected joints.

Dog

Muscle loss

Noticeable thinning of muscles around arthritic joints.

Dog

Sudden hind limb lameness

Acute non-weight-bearing lameness after activity, or gradual progressive lameness over weeks.

Dog

Sitting abnormally

Affected leg sticks out to the side when sitting ("sit test" positive).

Dog

Knee swelling

Medial buttress — firm swelling on the inside of the knee from scar tissue in chronic tears.

Dog

Clicking sound

Audible click when walking — may indicate meniscal tear (present in 50% of CCL tears).

Dog

Skipping or hopping gait

Dog holds up the affected leg for a few steps, then puts it down and walks normally — the classic "skip and pop" sign.

Related to: Patellar Luxation in Dogs

Dog

Bow-legged or knock-kneed stance

Visible leg deformity, especially in chronic cases.

Related to: Patellar Luxation in Dogs

Dog

Stiffness or limping

Especially after rest or in higher-grade luxations.

Related to: Patellar Luxation in Dogs

Dog

Difficulty jumping

Reluctant to jump onto furniture or into the car.

Related to: Patellar Luxation in Dogs

Dog

Painful or stiff joints

Guinea pig walks stiffly, limps, or cries when moving. May be reluctant to move.

Guinea Pig

Swollen joints

Visible swelling around the knees, hocks, or other joints.

Guinea Pig

Rough, dull coat

Fur loses its shine and appears rough or stands on end.

Guinea Pig

Poor wound healing

Small cuts or scrapes take abnormally long to heal.

Guinea Pig

Bleeding gums

Red, swollen, or bleeding gums; teeth may loosen.

Guinea Pig

Weight loss

Pain makes eating difficult, leading to gradual weight loss.

Guinea Pig

Floating at the surface

Fish cannot descend and floats at the water surface, often on its side.

Fish

Sinking to the bottom

Fish cannot maintain buoyancy and sits on the bottom, struggling to rise.

Fish

Swimming at an angle

Fish swims with head up, head down, or tilted to one side.

Fish

Distended abdomen

Swollen belly may be visible (constipation or organ enlargement pressing on the swim bladder).

Fish

Soft, rubbery jaw

Lower jaw feels flexible and rubbery instead of firm — a classic early sign.

Reptile

Deformed limbs or spine

Bowed legs, curved spine, or lumpy bones. Shell deformities in turtles/tortoises.

Reptile

Tremors or twitching

Fine muscle tremors, especially in the toes and legs — due to low blood calcium.

Reptile

Difficulty walking or climbing

Weak limbs, dragging body, can't grip properly.

Reptile

Fractures from minimal trauma

Bones break from normal handling or small falls.

Reptile

Seizures

Advanced hypocalcemia causing neurological symptoms.

Reptile

Ears

Ear scratching

Persistent scratching at one or both ears, often intense.

Dog

Head shaking

Frequent, vigorous head shaking or head tilt to one side.

Dog

Ear discharge

Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge with an unpleasant odor.

Dog

Redness and swelling

Visible redness of the ear flap and ear canal opening.

Dog

Pain when ears touched

Dog yelps, pulls away, or becomes aggressive when ears are handled.

Dog