As a pet owner, your top priority is to keep your furry friend healthy and safe. This can be simple and easy when your pet has no major health issues, but when your beloved companion falls ill, things can quickly become complicated.
There are lots of different chronic and acute health conditions that pets can face, some of which are more common than others. While some of these conditions are preventable, others are out of your control.
Being aware of the most common pet health conditions enables you to prepare for the worst-case scenario. You’ll know the key signs and symptoms to look out for, and you’ll be able to take action as quickly as possible if needed.
Here are some most common health issues to be aware of as a pet owner.
Fleas
Dogs can pick up fleas up when they’re outside or near other pets. If your dog or cat has tiny brown spots on their fur, it could be a sign of fleas. You might also spot your dog or cat itching behind the ears or rubbing against furnitures, leading to redness on the skin and baldness.
If your pet has fleas, you’ll need to buy a flea-killing product to get rid of them. It’s a good idea to thoroughly clean your carpets as well to get rid of fleas and eggs on your floors.
You might become confused between fleas and mites; the latter is much smaller and can affect many types of pets, such as jumping spiders.
Dandruff
Dandruff is a common skin condition that can impact most common household pets. It is often caused by an underlying health condition or infection.
Dandruff can be difficult to spot, but if you take a close look at your pet’s fur, you’ll notice small, white flakes of dry skin. Your pet’s skin might also look red and itchy, and they might be excessively scratching.
To reduce the risk of dandruff, make sure to feel your pet a diet that is packed full of protein and unsaturated fatty acids. You can get dog facial wash and moisturizing cream from your vet if your pet’s dandruff is particularly bad.
Cataracts
As your pet ages, their eyesight can worsen, and cloudiness can develop across the lens of the eyes. This reduces their ability to see clearly and may start to affect their quality of life.
If left untreated, cataracts can lead to blindness, which is why it’s so important to know the key signs of this condition. The main signs of cataracts include greyness in the center of the eyes and behavioral changes that indicate that your pet is unable to see properly.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that impacts a lot of older pets. It is caused by inflammation in the joints that leads to swelling and pain, and usually affects the knees, hips, and shoulders.
You might notice that your pet starts to move slower than they once did. They might also look as though they are in pain or appear stiff when walking.
If your pet is suffering from arthritis, they might need anti-inflammatory injections. Weight management is also vital for managing and preventing arthritis in your pet, so you might need to make some dietary and lifestyle changes.
