Many of the same health problems that affect humans affect pets. Depending on the severity and possibility of recurrence, a vet needs to treat each case. When unsure, get care from an animal clinic and ensure the necessary measures are taken to obtain the medical help your pet needs.
Top 6 Pet Health Concerns
While the changing seasons bring with them numerous possible risks, there are six health problems that every pet owner should understand. Here’s what they are, how to recognize them, treat them, and what owners can possibly do to help prevent the problem.
Ear Infections
Moisture and debris can get stuck in the ear canal, creating the best environment for growing bacterial and yeast infections. The majority of infections start in the outer ear, causing itching, irritation, and pain. More severe central and inner ear infections can develop if left unattended, causing balance issues, facial paralysis, and deafness.
Worms
Roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms are examples of digestive worms that can affect both dogs and cats. These worms could have been transferred from your pet’s mom, from the environment, or taken in through fleas (which have tapeworm eggs). Heartworms, which are spread by mosquitoes, are also a problem.
Vomiting
Vomiting can be caused by intestinal issues (bacterial or viral infections, unexpected dietary changes, pancreatitis, ingestion of foreign things, ulcers, food allergies, toxicity, bloat) or issues affecting other body systems, like liver, kidney, endocrine, or neurological disease, cancer, systemic infections, or negative medication effects.
Weight Problems
To express love, many pet owners overfeed their pets. They don’t see weight problems for what it is: a dangerous condition that puts them at risk for various diseases and health problems. According to a study, at least half of these dog owners underestimate their obese dogs’ weight. Weight problems are connected to heart, liver, urinary tract disorders, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, cruciate ligament rupture, a higher surgical threat, a shorter lifespan, and lower quality of life. Check out the top notch veterinary services here and learn more about pet care.
Dental Problems
Tartar is formed when bacteria, debris, and plaque accumulate on the teeth of canines and cats, resulting in gingivitis and tooth decay in serious cases. Gum disease is a common condition in older dogs and felines that causes progressive damage to the gums, teeth, and the tissues that hold teeth in place. Bacteria going into the bloodstream through inflamed and weakened tissues can cause harm to vital organs in advanced cases. Find out more about dog dental care right here.
Skin Issues
Skin problems are common in both canines and cats, and they can cause pain, discomfort, itching, and frustration for their owners. Constant biting, licking, or scratching, hair loss, bald patches, red and swollen skin, thickened skin, strange sores of various sizes and colors, lumps or swelling, sores, ulcers, dry or crusty skin, bad odor, or visible parasites are some of the signs of skin problems.
Spay or Neuter
If you’re a responsible pet owner, spaying or neutering your pet is a great idea for their health and the future of animals in general. The method for spaying and neutering is essentially the same. The first applies to females, whereas the second only applies to males. Both are intended to prevent pregnancies or the potential to become pregnant. The uterus and ovaries are often taken out in females, whereas the testes are removed in males. Learn more about cat surgical sterilization here.
Conclusion
Having a pet can be a truly satisfying experience; however, it also comes with many responsibilities. Keeping your pets in top form with a regular pet care routine helps ensure a healthy and satisfying experience for you and your four-legged companions. Animals, like people, require medical care, so if you have any doubts about your pet’s health, bring it to the vet for a test.