CHENNAI : As a pet parent, it is important to recognise the signs and symptoms of common illnesses so that we can seek help and solutions at the very beginning. Allergies are very common, and can be caused by grass, pollen, dust and other environmental factors, or even food. Signs include itching, flaky or red skin, licking and chewing on paws, hair loss and skin infection. Cats can experience allergies just like dogs, and may experience itchy, red skin, sneezing, watery eyes, raspy breathing and scratching on the face.
Otitis, or ear infections, are often caused by a fungal overgrowth, but may also be caused by bacteria such as Staph. Most pets will scratch at the ears, shake their heads or tilt one ear to the side. Brown wax or yellow crusty debris, in addition to a foul odour, coming from the ears are main indications of an ear infection.Natural aging, obesity, daily wear-and-tear on the joints as well as traumatic joint injuries can contribute to osteoarthritis. Proper nutrition and keeping your pet at a healthy weight along with hydrotherapy and laser therapy can help in pain management. Cruciate ligament injury will make your pet often limp on the affected hind limb and sit with the knee and foot out to the side.
Diabetes in cats tends to involve Type 2
insulin resistance. This is often due to obesity, similar to humans. You may notice increased drinking of water, frequent urination in larger amounts and weight loss. Diabetic pets may need daily insulin injections. Inflammatory bowel disease leads to chronic diarrhea and weight loss, and is a worrisome ailment for the pet and pet parents. Diarrhea is very common, largely because it can be brought about by a number of reasons. Sometimes, it will just be caused by bad food or an allergic reaction, but in other cases, it can be more serious.
Immediate vet attention is advised, as it can even be an indication of a bigger problem.
Kennel cough is very common among pets who have been at an animal shelter or in a pet accommodation. Dogs and cats can suffer from common colds just as people do. The symptoms are the same in both cats and dogs - fever,lethargy, discharge from nose and eyes, coughing and sneezing. Fleas and ticks are unavoidable, but can be fatal if left untreated. Regular grooming and early treatment of your pet are the only solutions.
Obesity is a silent killer in pets, just like in humans. If your dog is obese, then they risk developing all sorts of conditions, such as heart disease, kidney disease, arthritis and more. Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that can produce a life-threatening illness. The general symptoms of parvovirus are lethargy, severe vomiting, loss of appetite, bloody, foul-smelling diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. Puppies, adolescent dogs and canines who are not vaccinated are most susceptible to the virus.
Distemper is another illness to keep in check. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on its
vaccinations. Rabies is a viral disease that may affect the brain and spinal cord of all
mammals, including cats, dogs and humans. Rabies can infect just about any mammal. Just coming into contact with the saliva of a rabid animal could be enough to transmit the disease if the contact is through an open wound or mucosa. Vaccination again, is the key.
Another most common problem owners of both cats and dogs face is the transmission of worms. The larvae of intestinal worms such as hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms and whipworms are found in the feces. Ringworm can even spread from one pet to the other through direct contact. The spores can also live on bedding, carpeting and grooming tools, and can be spread through contact with these items as well.
Old age brings with it many ailments. Cancer in dogs is extremely common as they age. Fatty tumours known as lipomas can develop, and though most of them are benign, some can be malignant too. These masses may be present in the spleen, liver, lungs, heart and elsewhere inside the body. Kidney failure is a very common disease seen in older pets. They may experience weight loss, increased water drinking and recurrent urinary tract infections.
Also, it is important to have your senior pet’s thyroid checked annually. Hyperthyroidism may be due to a malignant cancer or a benign thyroid issue. Elevated thyroid hormone leads to weight loss, altered behaviour (including increased vocalisation) and poor-quality fur coat. Untreated thyroid disease can lead to irreversible heart and kidney disease. Cataract is not only caused due to old age, but can be brought about because of trauma or disease.