Dog & Cat Symptom Checker | Adobe Vet Center | Tucson, AZ
Adobe Vet Center · Tucson, Arizona

Dog & Cat Symptom Checker

A vet-reviewed guide to the most common signs of illness in dogs and cats — what they usually mean, how urgent they are, and when to call Adobe Vet Center. Built for Tucson pet owners and the realities of life in the Sonoran Desert.

This is not a substitute for an exam. If your pet is unconscious, having trouble breathing, bleeding heavily, having seizures, has a bloated abdomen, or was bitten by a snake — call us immediately at (520) 546-8387 or go to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital.

How to use this symptom checker

Pets can't tell us how they feel, so owners often notice illness through behavior changes first. This page walks you through the symptoms we see most often at Adobe Vet Center in Tucson — what's usually behind them, how worried to be, and what to do next. Every symptom is rated on a simple severity scale:

Monitor at homeMild and short-lived. Watch closely for 24 hours.
Call the vet soonSchedule an appointment within 24–48 hours.
EmergencyGo in now — same day or after-hours.

Common dog and cat symptoms

1. Lethargy or low energy Call the vet soon

What it looks like: Sleeping more than usual, slow to greet you, reluctant to play or jump, dull eyes, hiding.

Common causes

Dogs
Infections, pain, valley fever, tick-borne disease, GI upset, heatstroke, heart disease, anemia.
Cats
Dehydration, kidney disease, dental pain, hyperthyroidism, urinary blockage (especially in male cats), upper respiratory infection.
When to call: If lethargy lasts more than 24 hours, comes with appetite loss, or your pet won't get up — call Adobe Vet Center. Sudden, severe lethargy is an emergency.

2. Loss of appetite (anorexia) Call the vet soon

What it looks like: Skipping meals, sniffing food and walking away, taking food into mouth then dropping it.

Common causes

Dogs
Nausea, dental pain, fever, foreign body, pancreatitis, kidney or liver disease, stress, recent vaccines.
Cats
Cats should never go more than 24–36 hours without eating — risk of hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver). Common triggers: dental disease, kidney issues, GI obstruction, stress.
When to call: Dogs not eating for 24+ hours. Cats not eating for 24 hours — especially overweight cats. Sooner if vomiting, lethargy, or weight loss is also present.

3. Vomiting Call the vet soon

What it looks like: Forceful expulsion of stomach contents (different from regurgitation, which is passive).

Common causes

Dogs
Dietary indiscretion, foreign bodies, pancreatitis, parasites, toxin exposure (chocolate, grapes, xylitol, Sonoran toad), bloat, kidney disease.
Cats
Hairballs (occasional is normal), food sensitivity, IBD, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, intestinal foreign body (string, hair ties).
When to call: More than 2 episodes in 12 hours, blood in vomit, vomiting plus a bloated belly, suspected toxin, or any cat vomiting more than once a week.

4. Diarrhea Call the vet soon

What it looks like: Loose, watery, or unusually frequent stool. May contain mucus or blood.

Common causes

Dogs
Diet change, garbage gut, intestinal parasites (giardia, hookworms), stress, infection (parvo in puppies), IBD.
Cats
Parasites, dietary intolerance, IBD, infection, stress (new home, new pet).
When to call: Diarrhea more than 48 hours, blood or black tarry stool, diarrhea with vomiting, puppies/kittens (dehydrate fast), or any sign of weakness.

5. Limping or lameness Call the vet soon

What it looks like: Favoring a leg, head bob when walking, stiffness, reluctance to jump on furniture (cats) or use stairs (dogs).

Common causes

Dogs
Sprain, torn ACL/CCL, hip or elbow dysplasia, arthritis, fractured nail, cactus or foxtail in paw, Lyme or other tick-borne disease.
Cats
Bite wounds (often abscess later), nail injury, arthritis (very under-diagnosed in cats), spinal disease, blood clot (saddle thrombus — emergency).
When to call: Non-weight-bearing lameness, lameness lasting more than 24 hours, visible swelling or wound, or a cat that suddenly can't use its back legs (emergency — possible blood clot).

6. Coughing Call the vet soon

What it looks like: Honking, hacking, or wet cough. Sometimes ends in gagging or foamy spit-up.

Common causes

Dogs
Kennel cough, valley fever, heartworm, tracheal collapse (small breeds), heart disease, foreign body inhalation, pneumonia.
Cats
Feline asthma (often mistaken for hairball attempts), upper respiratory infection, heartworm-associated respiratory disease.
When to call: Coughing longer than a few days, coughing with labored breathing, blue/gray gums, or any cough in a cat. Cats rarely cough — it almost always means something is wrong.

7. Difficulty breathing Emergency

What it looks like: Open-mouth breathing in cats, rapid shallow breathing at rest, extended neck and elbows out, blue or pale gums, abdominal effort.

Common causes

Dogs
Heart failure, pneumonia, heatstroke, laryngeal paralysis (older labs), anaphylaxis, bloat, lung tumor.
Cats
Asthma, heart disease (often previously unknown), fluid around lungs, upper airway obstruction.
When to call: Immediately. Cats panting or breathing with their mouth open is almost always an emergency.

8. Increased thirst & urination Call the vet soon

What it looks like: Refilling the water bowl more often, larger urine clumps in the litter box, accidents in the house, drinking from unusual places.

Common causes

Dogs
Diabetes, Cushing's disease, kidney disease, urinary infection, certain medications (steroids).
Cats
Kidney disease (very common in older cats), diabetes, hyperthyroidism.
When to call: If you notice the change for more than a few days. These are early warning signs of treatable chronic disease — earlier is better.

9. Straining to urinate / no urine produced Emergency

What it looks like: Repeated trips to the litter box or yard, posturing but producing little or nothing, vocalizing, licking genital area, blood in urine.

Common causes

Dogs
Urinary tract infection, bladder stones, prostate issues in unneutered males.
Cats
Urinary blockage in male cats is a true emergency — can be fatal within 24–48 hours. Also: FLUTD, crystals, stones.
When to call: Same day for dogs. Immediately for any male cat straining without producing urine.

10. Weight loss Call the vet soon

What it looks like: Ribs and spine more visible, loose skin, "bony" feel, even with normal eating.

Common causes

Dogs
Dental disease, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, intestinal disease, parasites.
Cats
Hyperthyroidism (very common in cats over 10), kidney disease, diabetes, GI lymphoma, IBD, dental pain.
When to call: Any unexplained weight loss of 5–10% of body weight, especially in senior pets. Bring a recent food log if possible.

11. Itching, scratching, or hair loss Monitor / book soon

What it looks like: Persistent scratching, chewing paws, licking belly bald, scabs, red skin, hot spots, smelly skin.

Common causes

Dogs
Flea allergy, environmental allergies (very common in Tucson — mesquite, palo verde, dust), food allergy, yeast or bacterial skin infection.
Cats
Fleas, food allergy, overgrooming from stress or pain, ringworm.
When to call: If scratching is interrupting sleep, causing wounds or hair loss, or has lasted more than a week. Skin infections won't clear without treatment.

12. Ear scratching, head shaking, head tilt Call the vet soon

What it looks like: Pawing at ears, head tilted to one side, smell from the ears, dark or yellow discharge, loss of balance.

Common causes

Dogs
Ear infection (yeast or bacterial), allergies, foxtails or grass awns in the ear canal, ear mites (puppies), polyps.
Cats
Ear mites, polyps, infection, vestibular disease (sudden head tilt + stumbling — needs evaluation).
When to call: Within 1–2 days. Foxtails buried in the ear canal need to be removed quickly to prevent damage to the eardrum.

13. Eye redness, squinting, or discharge Call the vet soon

What it looks like: Pawing at the eye, holding eye shut, cloudiness, green/yellow discharge, third eyelid showing.

Common causes

Dogs
Corneal ulcer, dry eye, conjunctivitis, glaucoma, foreign body, cactus spine.
Cats
Feline herpesvirus, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcer, uveitis (often linked to systemic illness).
When to call: Within 24 hours. Eye problems can progress quickly and threaten vision — don't wait it out.

14. Bad breath & dental issues Monitor / book soon

What it looks like: Foul breath, brown buildup on teeth, red gums, bleeding when chewing, dropping food, pawing at the mouth.

Common causes

Dogs
Periodontal disease (most common cause), broken tooth, oral tumor.
Cats
Periodontal disease, resorptive lesions (painful, very common), stomatitis, oral cancer (older cats).
When to call: Book a dental exam if breath is noticeably bad, if your pet is dropping food, or if you see red gums. Dental disease is one of the most under-treated causes of chronic discomfort.

15. Pale, blue, or yellow gums Emergency

What it looks like: Healthy gums are pink and moist. White or pale pink suggests anemia or shock. Blue or gray suggests oxygen deprivation. Yellow suggests jaundice (liver).

Common causes

Dogs
Internal bleeding, severe anemia, shock, toxin exposure, heart failure.
Cats
Anemia (often from kidney disease or FeLV), shock, severe respiratory disease, liver disease.
When to call: Immediately — go in or call ahead.

16. Seizures Emergency

What it looks like: Collapse with stiff or paddling legs, drooling, loss of bladder/bowel control, brief unresponsiveness, disorientation after.

Common causes

Dogs
Idiopathic epilepsy, toxin exposure (xylitol, marijuana, Sonoran toad, certain plants), liver disease, brain tumor.
Cats
Toxin exposure, hyperthyroidism, brain disease, FIP.
When to call: First-ever seizure — call same day. Seizure lasting more than 3–5 minutes, or clusters of seizures — go in immediately. Time the episode and record video if safe.

17. Bloated, distended abdomen Emergency

What it looks like: Swollen, drum-tight belly, unproductive retching, restlessness, drooling, weakness.

Common causes

Dogs
GDV / bloat (especially in large deep-chested breeds — Great Danes, German Shepherds, Standard Poodles), fluid in abdomen, mass.
Cats
Fluid accumulation (FIP, heart disease), mass, less commonly bloat.
When to call: Immediately. Bloat in dogs can be fatal within hours.

18. Behavior changes Call the vet soon

What it looks like: Hiding, aggression that's out of character, confusion, pacing, vocalizing at night, getting "stuck" in corners.

Common causes

Dogs
Pain, canine cognitive dysfunction (doggy dementia), hearing or vision loss, hypothyroidism, brain disease.
Cats
Pain, feline cognitive dysfunction, hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure (often causes blindness in older cats), urinary issues.
When to call: Any unexplained behavior change in an older pet warrants an exam. Many "behavior" problems are actually pain or medical issues.

Tucson & Sonoran Desert-specific concerns

Tucson dogs and cats face a few risks that pets in other parts of the country don't. If your pet has any of these signs after time outside, treat it as urgent and call Adobe Vet Center.

Heatstroke

Heavy panting, bright red gums, drooling, weakness, vomiting, collapse. Body temperature above 104°F is dangerous. Move to shade, wet with cool (not ice-cold) water, and come in immediately. Tucson summers regularly exceed 100°F — never leave a pet in a parked car, and walk dogs only before sunrise or after dusk.

Rattlesnake bite

Sudden swelling (often face or leg), puncture wounds, weakness, pale gums, drooling. Western diamondback bites are most common around Tucson. Do not use ice, tourniquets, or try to suck out venom. Keep the pet calm and come in fast — antivenom works best within hours. Ask us about rattlesnake vaccination and aversion training.

Valley fever (coccidioidomycosis)

A fungal infection from spores in Sonoran Desert soil. Common signs in dogs: chronic cough, lameness that shifts legs, weight loss, lethargy, fever. Cats can get it too. Bloodwork (cocci titer) confirms it. Treatment is long-term antifungals. Up to 70% of Tucson dogs are exposed in their lifetime.

Sonoran Desert toad poisoning

Active during monsoon season (July–September). Signs after mouthing a toad: heavy drooling, pawing at the mouth, red gums, stumbling, seizures, collapse. Rinse the mouth out from side to side (not toward the throat) with a hose for 10 minutes and come in immediately — this can be fatal.

Cholla & cactus injuries

Jumping cholla joints embed easily in paws, mouths, and bellies. Use a wide-toothed comb or pliers to flick the joint off — never grab with bare hands. If spines remain in paws, mouth, or eyes, come in for removal and pain control.

Foxtails & grass awns

These barbed seed heads dry out in late spring and migrate under skin, into ears, noses, and between toes. Signs: violent head shaking, sneezing fits, swollen paw with a draining tract. They don't dissolve — they have to be removed surgically the longer they're in.

Scorpion & bee stings

Bark scorpion stings cause yelping, paw chewing, and sometimes tremors in small pets. Africanized bee stings can cause swelling and allergic reactions. Watch for facial swelling, hives, vomiting, weakness — those need same-day care.

Kissing bugs (Chagas risk)

Present in southern Arizona. Bites can transmit Chagas disease, which causes heart problems in dogs months to years later. If you find one in the home and your dog was bitten, mention it at your next visit.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my dog or cat needs to be seen right away?

Same-day or emergency care is needed for: difficulty breathing, blue or gray gums, repeated unproductive vomiting with a bloated belly, seizures, suspected toxin ingestion, snake bite, heatstroke, severe bleeding, suspected urinary blockage in a male cat, inability to stand, or a hit-by-car situation. When in doubt, call us at (520) 555-0100 — a quick phone triage costs nothing.

My pet seems "off" but I can't pinpoint why. Should I still call?

Yes. Owners are usually right — you know your pet's baseline better than anyone. Subtle changes (hiding, sleeping more, eating slower, drinking more) are often the earliest signs of treatable disease. We'd rather see a "false alarm" than catch something late.

How long can a cat go without eating before it's a problem?

About 24–36 hours. Cats — especially overweight cats — can develop hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) very quickly when they stop eating. If your cat has skipped more than 2 meals in a row, call us.

Is my dog's cough just kennel cough or something worse in Tucson?

A persistent cough in a Tucson dog should always be evaluated for valley fever, which is endemic here. Other possibilities include kennel cough (usually resolves in 1–2 weeks), tracheal collapse, heartworm, or pneumonia. Coughing with labored breathing or lethargy is not "just kennel cough."

How fast does a Sonoran Desert toad need treatment?

Within minutes. Toxin from Incilius alvarius is absorbed through the gums and can cause seizures, irregular heart rhythms, and death. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with running water (head pointed down so water flows out the sides of the mouth, not into the throat) and drive in immediately.

Should I induce vomiting at home?

Only if Pet Poison Helpline or your veterinarian tells you to. Inducing vomiting is dangerous for some toxins (corrosives, hydrocarbons) and for pets that are already symptomatic. Call before you act.

My older cat is drinking and peeing more — is that just aging?

No. Increased thirst and urination in an older cat is almost always a sign of kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism. All three are very treatable when caught early. A senior bloodwork panel takes the guesswork out — we recommend annually for cats over 8.

When in doubt, call Adobe Vet Center

A 5-minute phone call costs nothing and can save a life. Our Tucson team is here for routine, urgent, and emergency care for dogs and cats.

Call (520) 546-8387 Request an appointment

About this guide: Reviewed by the medical team at Adobe Vet Center, Tucson, AZ. Last updated May 2026. This page is educational and does not replace an exam. If you're worried about your pet, please call us.