Keep Your Furry Friend Healthy: 10 Pet Problems You Can Dodge!

Whether we have a floppy eared dog, a sassy cat, or something different, our pets are much loved members of our families. They can’t tell us when something’s wrong, unless you count tail wag that isn’t a tail wag as vigorously or that slightly off meow. But cat health problems sneak up quicker than you can clap your pet up on a high shelf. Luckily, many things can be avoided, all with TLC, foresight, and good habits. Prepared to be the superhero that your pet already believes that you are? Read on, because your furry (or feathery, or scaly) friend will make you an extra snuggle or wag it.

1. Obesity: The Hidden Culprit Behind Many Issues

Pet obesity is a bigger problem than you believe. Yes, that plump little belly may look cute, but it can result in arthritis, diabetes and even heart disease.

How to Prevent It:

1. Portion sizes recommended by your vet are good to stick with.
2. Don’t overdo the treats, they’re not bribes!
3. Play time or walk each day. Even lazy cats can be gotten to chase a laser pointer.

Pro Tip: Invest in puzzle feeders. They can prove to be a game changer in keeping your pet busy which will reduce the chance of pet eating too much.

2. Dental Disease: More Than Just Smelly Kisses

Dog smelly kisses are not normal — they may be a sign of gum disease or tooth decay. Pet dental issues cause pain, infections and can even affect pets’ organ systems.

How to Prevent It:

1. Yes, really — brush their teeth (really!) with pet-safe toothpaste.
2. Dental treats or toys that are supposed to be used to clean the teeth.
3. See a dentist regularly.

Fun Fact: In fact, some cats will even put up with dental wipes. A miracle? Right.

3. Parasites: The Unseen Enemy

Oh, and fleas, ticks and worms. But parasites can ruin your pet’s health, causing anaemia, skin issues, gastrointestinal ailments.

How to Prevent It:

1. Year round use vet recommended parasite prevention treatments.
2. Vacuum their living spaces regularly, and keep them clean.
3. Check things out after your adventures outside.

Warning: Of course, indoor pets aren’t immune either. But those creepy crawlers have a way of hitching a ride on your shoes or clothing.

4. Ear Infections: A Silent Annoyance

Ear infections are common in dogs with floppy ears and in long haired cats. Head shaking, scratching and a yeasty smell are symptoms.

How to Prevent It:

1. Gently clean their ears with a vet approved solution.
2. After swimming or baths, keep ears dry.
3. If recommended, trim hair around the ears.

5. Obstruction by Foreign Objects

Curiosity is a pet thing, and pets need to investigate with their mouths. It goes in if it fits, whether in the socks, or the toys. Unfortunately, however, this curiosity can lead to gastrointestinal blockages.

How to Prevent It:

1. Keep out of reach of hazardous items.
2. Supervise playtime with toys.
3. Reduce risk by choosing sturdy, pet safe toys.

Pro Tip: It is recommended to visit your pet's vet as soon as possible if your pet is in discomfort and show signs such as: vomiting, lethargy or lack of appetite.

6. Skin Allergies: The Itch That Won’t Go

Allergies cause scratching more than usual or bald patches on the skin. Typically, triggers are food, pollen or even cleaning products.

How to Prevent It:

1. Supplant hypoallergenic pet products.
2. If food is suspected, talk to your vet about diet changes.
3. Truly, they have to try and keep their environment as clean of dust as possible.

7. Urinary Tract Infections: (UTI) A Painful Issue For Pets Too.

UTIs definitely aren’t just a human problem. Frequent urination or accidental urination can be quite painful to pets, especially cats.

How to Prevent It:

1. Keep your pets hydrated.
2. Clean litter boxes and lower their cat’s stress.
3. Get your pet used to the vet by having regular vet check ups and monitoring on urinary health there.

8. Heatstroke: A Summer Danger

Dogs are especially vulnerable to heat, and hot days can be deadly. Symptoms associated with heatstroke include rapid panting, drooling and death can start to happen quickly.

How to Prevent It:

• Even if only left in the car for a moment or two, never leave pets in parked cars.
• Plenty of water, and shaded areas.
• Limit outdoor activity during the hours of greatest heat.

9. Behavioural Health: The Overlooked Factor

But did you know that mental health matters to pets, as well? Most of that boring stuff causes anxiety, depression and bad behaviour: being bored or being socially isolated.

How to Prevent It:

1. Engage in interactive play.
2. Reach for new toys and new activities on a regular basis.
3. If it’s severe, consider professional training or behaviourists.

Pro Tip: Vertical spaces, or puzzle games too, are environmental enrichment that cats enjoy.

10. Vaccination and Preventative Care Neglect

Not vaccinating or checking in with the vet on a regular basis exposes your furry friend to some pretty serious diseases: distemper, parvovirus or rabies.

How to Prevent It:

1. Get vaccinated.
2. Get annual wellness exams scheduled.
3. You will be asked to follow your vet’s advice on additional preventative care such as blood work or X Rays.

Overall Pet Wellness Bonus Tips

Hydration Is Key: Buying a pet water fountain will encourage them to drink.

Quality Diet: Go with high quality food, approved by veterinarians.

Microchipping: And it's a simple way to protect against losing your pet.

Conclusion

But all of that responsibility that comes with pet parenthood is all worth it for the infinite number of loves they’ll give you unconditionally. You can keep your furry friend living a long, happy and healthy life if you remain informed and proactive. Did you have a tip or tale about your pet’s health journey? Let us know in the comments below—we’d love to hear what you think!

FAQs

1. What are the common health issues for dogs?

A: The list for dogs is obesity, dental problems and to top them off parasites. You need to go for regular check ups and prevention.

2. Can you tell if your pet is sick?

A: Search for behavioral, eating or bathroom routines changes. Red flags are lethargy, vomiting or unusual aggression.

3. Should you give parasite prevention to your indoor pets?

A: Absolutely. You can easily get fleas and ticks into your home via people or other animals.

4. When should I bring my pet to the vet?

A: A minimum of annual checkups. There are far too many reasons to take your senior pet or even any pet for regular checkups.

5. How can I clean a pet’s ears?

A: Always use a vet approved ear cleaner, don’t put anything deep into the ear canal. Wipe the areas you can see gently.

6. Can I use human toothpaste for my pet?

A: Human toothpaste does contain things like fluoride, which is toxic to pets. In fact, use pet specific toothpaste always.