March 29, 2024

Many of the same health problems that affect humans affect pets as well. Depending on the severity and chance of recurrence, a veterinarian must treat each case. When in doubt, get care from an animal hospital and ensure the necessary measures are completed to acquire the medical help your pet needs.

Top 6 Health Concerns

While the changing seasons bring with them plenty of possible risks, there are six health problems that every pet owner should be aware of. Here’s what they are, how to recognize them, treat them, and what owners can do to help prevent the problem.

Ear Infections

What exactly is it? Moisture and debris can get stuck in the ear canal, creating the perfect environment for bacterial and yeast infections to thrive. The majority of infections start in the outer ear, causing itching, irritation, and pain. More serious infections in the middle and inner ear can develop if left untreated, causing balance issues, facial paralysis, and deafness.

Worms

What exactly is it? Roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms are examples of intestinal worms that can affect both dogs and cats. These worms could have been transmitted from your pet’s mother, picked up from the environment, or absorbed through fleas (which contain tapeworm eggs). Heartworms, which are spread by mosquitoes, are also a concern.

Vomiting

Vomiting can be caused by gastrointestinal issues (bacterial or viral infections, unexpected dietary changes, pancreatitis, ingestion of foreign objects, ulcers, food allergies, toxicity, bloat) or issues affecting other body systems, such as liver, kidney, endocrine, or neurological disease, cancer, systemic infections, or medication side effects.

Obesity

To express love, many pet owners overfeed their pets. They don’t see obesity for what it is: a dangerous condition that puts them at risk for various diseases and health issues. According to research, at least half of these dog owners misjudge their obese dogs’ weight. Obesity is linked to heart, liver, urinary tract disorders, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, cruciate ligament rupture, a higher surgical risk, a shorter lifespan, and lower quality of life. Visit Saline County veterinary clinic to learn more details about pet care.

Dental Problems

Tartar is developed when bacteria, debris, and plaque build-up on the teeth of dogs and cats, resulting in gingivitis and, in severe cases, tooth decay. Periodontal disease is a common condition in older dogs and cats that causes progressive deterioration of the gums, teeth, and the tissues that hold teeth in place. Bacteria entering the bloodstream through inflamed and weakened tissues can cause harm to important organs in advanced cases. Find out more about routine pet dental care here.

Skin Issues

Skin problems are common in both dogs 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 inflamed skin, thickened skin, strange lesions of various sizes and colors, lumps or swelling, sores, ulceration, dry or crusty skin, bad odor, or visible parasites are some of the signs of skin disorders.

Spay or Neuter

If you’re a responsible dog owner, spaying or neutering your pet is a good idea for their health and the future of animals in general. The method for neuter and spay surgery 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 usually removed in females, whereas the testes are removed in males.

In Conclusion

Having a pet can be a really gratifying experience, but it also comes with many responsibilities. Keeping your pets in top form with a regular pet care routine helps ensure a healthy and enjoyable experience for you and your four-legged companions. Animals, like humans, require clinical care, so if you have any doubts about your pet’s health, bring it to the clinic for an examination.