When it comes to signs of distress in your pets, most people will look for big and obvious ones such as major bleeding or pets limping all over the place. While that definitely can be signs of problems that need medical attention, not every issue that arises will be so obvious. Many will have much subtler symptoms which you still need to be aware of. When it comes to your pet's eyes and mouth, they can give you a lot of clues to their condition if you know how to decode them. Here are three signs that you can garner from your pet's eyes and mouth that indicate they need to go to the nearest animal hospital.

Yellow In The Whites Of Your Dogs Eyes

It is not uncommon for owners to gaze fondly into their pets during one of their many sessions playing together or enjoying each other's company. Dogs and cats are, after all, very affectionate creatures when they want to be and can tell you a lot with non-verbal communication. When you do look at their eyes, look for discoloration of the whites of their eyes. If they look like a shade of any other color, particularly yellow, then make sure to take them in for tests as soon as possible as it could be a very serious disease called jaundice.

Bleeding Gums

It is so easy to forget that dogs and cats need dental treatment just like their human counterparts. Gingivitis can still be a major issue for dogs and cats if it is not addressed early on. Every couple of weeks you should try to have a little look in your pet's mouth for signs of bleeding or trauma. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, then an animal hospital is the best place to get dental issues treated as they are the most well-equipped.

Refusing To Eat

While this might be cheating a little bit, it is important to note what your pet does or does not eat. If they are not eating as much as they used to, this should always be a cause for concern. Internal issues with organs and bodily systems can cause pets to lose their appetite, along with a whole raft of other symptoms but this is often the most noticeable to eagle-eyed owners. If your pet does stop eating or eats less, do not wait for them to become emaciated before getting a medical check-up organized.   

For more information, contact a local clinic like Center-Sinai Animal Hospital.