A VET has shared three "minor" common conditions you should never dismiss in your pet - or it could be fatal.

       Dr Matt Spiegle urged Brits against "pet-diagnosing" at home, despite how informative the internet can be, as it leads to serious issues.

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       A vet has shared three 'minor' common conditions you should never dismiss in your pet - or it could be fatal Credit: Getty

       The Medical Director at Vetster, a 24/7 online vet service, issued the stern warning to owners.

       He said: “Animals cannot communicate how they are feeling to their pet parents and this can often result in confusion, missed signs, and misinterpreting what their pets are trying to tell them.

       "Not addressing your animal’s needs or misdiagnosing the issue can potentially lead to worsening their discomfort and more serious issues.

       "For example, many human medications are toxic to our pets, must be given in different doses or are used in different circumstances, so self-prescribing at home can also very dangerous.”

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       These are the most commonly at-home "pet-diagnosed" problems that should be looked at by a professional.

       Gastrointestinal Upset

       If your animal is sick, has diarrhoea, or lack of appetite it can be easy to dismiss, especially if they have eaten something outside, or feel warmer in the heat.

       But, there could be underlying causes such as parasites, dietary concerns, infections, or more serious health conditions.

       These issues need to be looked at by a medical professional.

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       Skin Irritations

       Issues such as itching, redness, or rashes as allergies, fleas, or dry skin are commonly diagnosed and treated by owners at home.

       But Dr Matt warned Brits to be careful what products they use.

       He added that skin problems can often be caused by more serious problems such as infections or autoimmune disorders.

       These health issues require treatment plans and continuous care, so it is best to see a vet.

       Respiratory Problems

       It's normal for your pet to cough and sneeze, even sound a bit wheezy sometimes after a long walk or play.

       Some owners will attribute it to allergies.

       But, there could be underlying health problems such as pneumonia, heart disease, or asthma, which need long-term treatment plans.

       Joint and Mobility Issues

       Many owners believe their pet's difficulty moving is down to a pulled muscle or arthritis - especially is it is an older animal.

       It is usually the case, however Dr Matt urged Brits to double check with a vet.

       There could be more serious injuries including torn ligaments.

       The expert even explained it could be a symptom of a neurological disorder.

       Dr Matt reminded owners to take their animals to a professional if their animal is experiencing any pain.

       Urinary Problems

       It is common to see some blood in your pet's urine and blame it on a simple urinary tract infection.

       Usually these clear up on their own after a few days.

       However, Dr Matt explained if these infections are left untreated they can go on to cause more painful and harder-to-treat problems.

       Blood in the urine can also indicate bladder stones, kidney disease or metabolic conditions like diabetes or Cushing’s disease.

       The expert warned it is especially important to take males cats who are struggling to urinate to the vet.

       It can be a medical emergency if they have a blockage in their urethra.

       ADVICE

       Dr Matt advises: "As soon as your pet shows any signs of illness or discomfort or any changes in their normal routine or behaviour, including changes in energy, appetite, social behaviours or bathroom habits, speak to a vet.

       "Your vet will quickly be able to advise you on whether or not your animal’s condition is potentially serious and help advise you on the next steps.

       "For peace of mind and to avoid making the situation worse, always consult a vet before treating the issue yourself."

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       "There is a common misconception that contacting a vet will result in a difficult trip to a clinic or expensive bills, meaning that owners usually only visit their veterinarian for big incidents," he added.

       "However, with online platforms like Vetster, you can speak with a vet from the comfort of your own home to run through your pet’s symptoms and ascertain suitable next steps, preventing a problem from becoming more serious.”