Common diseases in dogs and cats you should know about
When you own a pet, you may have to deal with pet illness from time to time. Knowledge of what to expect and how to deal with it are essential to avoid complications when your pet becomes ill. Here is an account of a few common medical conditions in cats and dogs that you need to be aware of.
Diabetes and dental disease
Diabetes and dental problems are common conditions, which are easily avoidable if you take the right measures. If you notice bad breath, difficulty in chewing, reduced appetite in your pets, sudden changes in food preferences, or high amounts of salivation, you should consult a vet immediately to find the underlying causes and seek treatment.
Bi-annual dental exams and frequent dental cleaning sessions for your pet should help you avoid these problems. Try to maintain proper oral hygiene and keep your pet’s teeth clean and free from any food remains to lower the chances of dental diseases. To control diabetes, try to reduce the amount of sugar content in your pet’s food to the bare minimum and skimp out on those sugary treats.
Insulin-dependent diabetes is usually seen in older pets, and it is unlikely for younger pets to develop it. However, non-insulin based diabetes can happen to any pet, especially if they are obese or overweight.
Ear inflammation and infection
Ear infections are common in pets with large ears, and they can cause severe discomfort in both cats and dogs. Inflammation is usually caused by allergies, mites, or irritants from plants or trees. These infections are more commonly seen in dogs than cats and can become lifelong problems if not treated on time. If you notice any odor, discharge, or redness near the ears, you should consult a vet immediately. Other hard-to-tell signs include irritable behavior, vigorous shaking of the head or heightened sensitivity and panic when touched. Regular exams for infections can avoid the specific pet illnesses and help your pet lead a healthy and long life.
Intestinal parasites
Worms such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms in your pet’s intestines are more common than you might think. The associated pet illness symptoms can range from being mild to fatal. These worms attach to the small intestine and cause symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, severe cases of dehydration, or anemia. Keeping your pet off potentially contaminated areas and keeping your pet clean at all times can help prevent such scenarios from popping up.
Whatever be the type of pet illness, it can be prevented if you are aware of it. Apart from providing your pet with clean and hygienic living conditions, ensuring that your cat or dog has a healthy and balanced diet can help a lot in preventing common diseases that are seen in pets.
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