Pet Health: The Biggest Health Concerns for Dogs and Cats

Many of the same health problems that affect people affect animals. Depending upon the seriousness and chance of recurrence, a vet needs to deal with each case. When in doubt, get care from an animal hospital and ensure the important steps are completed to get your pet’s medical help.

Top 6 Pet Health Concerns

While the changing seasons bring many possible risks, there are 6 health problems that every pet owner must understand. Here’s what they are, how to recognize them, treat them, and what owners can possibly do to help avoid the issue.

Ear Infections

Moisture and particles can get stuck in the ear canal, creating the perfect environment for bacterial and yeast infections to prosper. The majority of infections start in the outer ear, causing itching, inflammation, and pain. More severe inner and middle ear infections can develop if left unattended, causing balance problems, facial paralysis, and deafness.

Worms

Roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms are examples of intestinal worms that can affect both canines and felines. These worms could have been transferred from your pet’s mom, picked up from the environment, or absorbed through fleas (tapeworm eggs). Heartworms, which are spread out by mosquitoes, are also a concern.

Vomiting

Vomiting might be caused by gastrointestinal 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 illness, cancer, systemic infections, or negative medication effects.

Weight Problems

To show love, many pet owners overfeed their pets. They don’t see obesity as a dangerous condition that puts them at risk for various diseases and health problems. According to research, at least half of these pet owners underestimate their obese dogs’ weight. Obesity is linked to heart, liver, urinary system conditions, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, cruciate ligament rupture, a higher surgical threat, a shorter lifespan, and a lower lifestyle.

Dental Problems

Tartar is formed when germs, debris, and plaque build up on the teeth of dogs and cats, resulting in gingivitis and, in serious cases, tooth decay. Gum disease is a common condition in older canines and cats that triggers progressive damage to the gums, teeth, and the tissues that hold teeth in place. Germs entering the bloodstream through inflamed and weakened tissues can cause damage to important organs in advanced cases. Check out the pet dental care in Benton for more information.

Skin Issues

Skin problems are common in both dogs and felines, and they can trigger pain, discomfort, itching, and irritation for their owners. Continuous biting, licking, or scratching, hair loss, bald spots, red and irritated skin, thickened skin, unusual sores of various sizes and colors, lumps or swelling, sores, ulcers, dry or crusty skin, bad odor, or noticeable parasites are some of the indications of skin problems. Seek help from the best reliable veterinarians in case your pet is having skin problems.

Spay or Neuter

If you’re a responsible pet owner, spaying or neutering your pet is a good idea for their health and the future of animals generally. The method for spaying and neutering is basically 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 taken out in females, whereas the testes are taken out in males. Search for “spay and neuter clinic near me” to find the best clinic.

Final Thoughts

Having a pet can be a satisfying experience, but it also includes many responsibilities. Keeping your pets in the best form with a regular pet care routine helps ensure a healthy and pleasant 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.

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