08/14/2026
ADR: Ain’t Doin’ Right
In veterinary medicine, we hear this one all the time:
“My dog is ADR.”
“My horse is just not acting right.”
“My cat is acting weird.”
And honestly? You know your animal better than anyone. Sometimes the first sign of illness is simply that they aren't acting like themselves.
Before you call the vet, take a few minutes to check these things:
- APPETITE
Are they eating normally? Any sudden decrease or complete refusal to eat? When was the last time they ate a proper meal?
- WATER INTAKE
Are they drinking more or less than usual? When was the last time you saw them take a drink?
- MANURE/STOOL
Is it normal in color, consistency, and frequency? Any diarrhea, constipation, or no manure at all? When was the last time you saw them go to the bathroom?
- URINATION
Are they urinating normally? Any increased frequency, straining, accidents, or inability to urinate?
- TEMPERATURE
If you have a thermometer and know how to safely take a temperature, check it and write down the number.
- HEART & BREATHING
Are they breathing faster or harder than normal? Any coughing, nasal discharge, or unusual effort?
- GUMS/MUCOUS MEMBRANES
Are they their normal healthy pink color? Are they pale, gray, blue, yellow, or unusually dark? Do they feel tacky or are they moist?
- BEHAVIOR
Are they lethargic, restless, depressed, painful, unusually quiet, or just…not themselves?
- MOVEMENT
Are they walking normally? Any lameness, stiffness, weakness, reluctance to move, or trouble getting up? Did you see them go through any trauma?
- TAKE A VIDEO
If something unusual is happening, a short video can be incredibly helpful to your veterinary team.
- WRITE IT DOWN
Note when you first noticed the change, what you've observed, what they've eaten or been given, and whether anything has changed recently.
And remember…
ADR isn't a diagnosis—but it IS information.
If your gut tells you something isn't right, don't ignore it. Animals can't tell us what's wrong, so sometimes a change in their normal behavior is the first clue we get.
When in doubt, give your veterinarian a call. We'd rather talk with you early than have you wait and hope things improve. We are always here for you.