6 Top Health Conditions Found in Cats and Dogs

Like humans, cats and dogs can fall victim to various medical issues, from skin allergies to more life-threatening conditions such as kidney disease. Some diseases affecting pets can have sudden symptoms and be expensive to treat. In the United States, pet owners spend more than 150 million dollars for routine pet check-ups and treatment. Let’s explore the top six diseases affecting cats and dogs, their symptoms, and how to prevent them:

1. Heartworm

Heartworm is a severe medical condition primarily caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a parasitic worm that enters a pet’s body via a mosquito bite. If left untreated, heartworm can lead to heart failure and lung damage. Appetite loss, persistent cough, fatigue, and lack of activity are common symptoms of the disease. You can prevent the disease by giving your pets FDA-approved preventive medications.

2. Ear infection

Otitis externa and media are dogs’ most widespread ear canal infections and may occur due to bacterial or yeast infections. Dog breeds with floppy ears are at the highest risk of ear complications. Otitis externa arises due to the inflammation of cells lining the outer ear canal. Dogs’ most common signs of ear infection are head shaking, whining, excessive scratching, and swelling of the ear canals. Working with vets is crucial in preventing ear infections that arise from allergies. When bathing your pets, it’s essential to keep water out of their ear canals.

3. Bladder or urinary tract disease

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can affect both dogs and cats. Pets with UTI complications tend to have poor bladder control and urinate more frequently than healthy pets. In severe cases, blood stains may appear in urine, and your pet may whine or cry while urinating. Poor diet, obesity, and stress are common causes of pets’ bladder issues. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory antibiotics will help clear up mild infections. Be sure to call your vet whenever you notice severe symptoms of UTI in your pets.

4. Periodontitis or dental disease

Periodontitis or tooth infections affect millions of cats and dogs worldwide. The condition arises due to the build-up of plaque on a pet’s teeth. Over time the plaque hardens into deposits commonly known as tartar. Periodontitis, especially in its early stages, is hard to detect. Bad breath and pain or hesitancy when eating are clear signs that all is not well. Taking your pets for a routine dental check-up is the best way to detect and prevent dental diseases in your pets.

5. Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease is a potentially life-threatening condition that mainly affects cats but can manifest in dogs too. It is one of the leading causes of death in old dogs and cats. Cats and dogs with this condition tend to exhibit appetite loss, excessive urination, weight loss, diarrhea, pale gums and chalky colored stools.

6. Skin allergies

Skin allergies are the major health condition affecting dogs, with more than 100,000 cases reported yearly. They arise when dogs and cats inhale or consume substances that are sensitive to their bodies. Fur loss, swelling, and itchiness in the groin, armpits, feet, and under the ear are common symptoms detected in dogs. The best way to prevent skin problems is to keep your home free of pollen, dust, and other airborne pollutants. Lastly, it helps to follow veterinary tips on feeding for your pets to prevent diet-related skin problems.

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