5 Most Common Pet Health Issues

Our pets mean a lot to us and their wellbeing a great concern. Pets are susceptible to many of the same health issues that we are, so it is imperative we are always conscientious of the many signs that signify an unhealthy pet.

Some of these indicators may include:

• Coughing, sneezing, or heavy breathing
• Dry or itchy skin
• Sores or lumps on the body
• A noticeable change in bowel movements/ digestive problems
• Cloudy or red eyes
• Bad breath or drooling
• Immoderate drinking or urination
• A drastic change in appetite which may result in weight loss or gain
• A noticeable change in energy levels
• Stiffness or difficulty in movement
• Drowsiness/sleeping more than usual

If you notice any of the above, it is vital that you take your pet to the veterinary clinic, so as to avoid serious issues developing in future. With that in mind, let’s look at 5 of the most common pet health issues that many cats and dogs develop unfortunately develop:

Joint injuries

Just like humans, joint issues are not uncommon in pets, be it cats or dogs. Knee ligament issues usually affect dogs, but degenerative joint issues like the splitting of cartilage layers or hip dysplasia affect both species. Some of the causes include:

• Weight on the joints
• Aging
• Trauma to the joints
• Stress on the joints
• Patella luxation
• Chronic subluxation
• Slipped epiphysis
• Osteochondritis dissecans
• Aseptic necrosis

Chicken feet, beef tracheas contain Glucosamine which is great for preventing Arthritis and may even help with other common injuries.

Urinary tract infection

Like their human counterparts, pets also experience a wide array of urological problems. These include:

• bladder stones
• bacterial infections
• chronic kidney disease

These infections are usually caused by bacteria in the intestines that enter the urethra, they then multiply in the urinary bladder. This usually leads to difficulty urinating, or even blood in the animal’s urine. If you notice blood in your pet’s urine, it’s important you take them straight to the vet. Some people may not like us referring to their pet as it.

Intestinal problems

Intestinal problems in pets are quite a frequent occurrence. These may indicate a host of issues for your pet which may include:

• Ulcers
• Parasites
• Kidney issues
• Constipation
• Pancreatitis
• Dietary indiscretion
• parvovirus or coronavirus

These acute digestive disorders can be caused by many things. From eating garbage, exposure to faeces from another infected animal and food poisoning, to inflamed digestive glands and negative reactions to certain medication. Again, professional help is highly recommended.

Allergies

Whether it’s allergies from food or the environment (seasonal allergies), they are common in both dogs and cats. The symptoms of which include loss of hair, itchiness as well as skin and ear infections. According to Dr Patrick Mahaney, a holistic veterinarian, an indicator of allergies may be the location of the skin problems. “If you notice lesions all over your dog’s body, on the flanks, ribs, hips or knees there’s a big chance it’s an allergy.” Other symptoms include vomiting.

If you find your cat or dog scratching and biting itself, chances are it has an allergy. Another sign can be excessive shedding, licking of its paws and respiratory problems.  There are supplements one can give their pets, but it’s advisable to seek professional advice as to which would be best for your specific breed.

Dehydration

Just like us, our pets too can experience dehydration. It is just as serious, but quite easily avoidable. Some of the primary signs of dehydration include the following:

For Dogs:

• Dry mouth
• Loss of skin elasticity
• Noticeable fatigue or weakness
• If your dog shakes or trembles erratically
• Deeply recessed eyes

For Cats:

• Loss of skin elasticity
• Thick saliva
• Sudden fatigue
• A Sudden increase in heart rate while at the same time, appearing very week
• Deeply recessed eyes

Causes of dehydration include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Heatstroke
• Kidney problems
• Lack of water

To prevent dehydration, one must ensure that there is always a bowl of fresh, clean water, indie and outside of your pets living environment. A lot of the time, animals may not drink their water as it isn’t fresh. Even though it may look fresh to us, by regularly replacing your pets water, it will be encouraged to drink it. For people who go out for most of the day, a solution for this would be the Torus bowl.

It is an ergonomically designed, fully portable water bowl for cats and dogs that provides fresh, carbon-filtered water as often as your pet desires. It stores up to 2 litres and keeps the water cool. Get one online today!