How to Tell if your Dog or Cat is Sick
(From USA Weekend, June 2006 Edition with our additional comments)

Dogs AND Cats

A Major Change in your pet's behaviour  (examples: A vocal dog stops barking; a laid-back cat gets frenetic, etc.)
Drinks significantly more (or less) water
Turn us his nose at food he has always enjoyed or misses more than two meals
Stool appears different (in color and/or consistency or has blood in it)
Hides for more than a day and/or night.  Won't come out of doghouse or from under furniture
Persistantly throws up for more than one day, especially if throw-up is green, brown or bloody
Breathes heavily while resting (and heat is not a factor)
Has a significant change in sleep habits
A placid pet becomes suddenly aggressive with a family member or another pet
Sheds excessively and suddenly.  A sudden loss in hair.
Has new lumps appearing suddenly or a wound the isn't healing (Have all lumps checked by a vet)
Has difficulty going up and/or down stairs
Urinates frequently or dribbles
Has smellier breath and/or seems to have trouble chewing
Lacks stamina, acts tired or paces


Cats

Doesn't groom regularly; has unkempt appearance
Misses the litter box