Pets get many health issues just like humans. Every issue should be addressed. They should be taken to a vet as soon as it is noticed. Whenever any health issue arises, it is better to take your pet to an animal hospital for treatment.
Obesity
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Obesity is one of the most common issues in pets. Pets tend to gain weight. This happens due to not getting proper exercise and eating too much food. Pets should get a proper feeding routine. A vet can better decide the diet plan for your pet. He also helps decide if your pet needs any specialty food because of any health issue. A good way to keep your pet away from obesity is to take him to walk regularly. You can get him toys so that he remains active.
Allergies
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Pets also get allergic to certain things. Pet allergies occur because of the food they are given. They also occur because of the atmosphere in which they are kept or how they are treated when the weather changes. Allergies like vomiting, rashes, and change in behavior occur in many pets. So, when these things happen, then it is advisable that you should take your pet to the vet.
Dental issues
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It is also important to keep the dental needs of your pet in check. Oral health is very important. If dental needs are not taken care of, then infections can occur. These can lead to further illnesses. Dental care should be taken care of. There can be gum diseases if not done so. The pet may need dental surgery in extreme cases.
Vomiting and diarrhea
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These symptoms indicate that something is serious. They can be a sign of poisoning and illness. Vomiting is a kind of allergic reaction. Diarrhea occurs because of a change in diet or a sensitive stomach. Dehydration can also occur. This can lead to weakness, collapse, and seizures. The pet should be taken to a vet in these cases. You should also give your pet rest and a good diet.
Trauma
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Pets get physical trauma from road accidents, falls, and animal attacks. It can as severe as gunshot wounds. You should never try dealing with trauma at home as the severity is high. Keeping the pet still is important and he should be transported as quickly as possible to the hospital.
Collapse
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If your pet falls down and collapses and can’t get back, it is an indicator of a serious issue. Collapse can be because of respiratory problems, heart disease, poisoning, or brain trauma. You should not delay in this case.
Breathing problems
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There can be breathing problems. These can happen because of a foreign object in the throat. Or an allergic reaction, or heart disease.
Cataract
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This is a health issue in older dogs. A cataract is a cloudiness of the eye lens that leads to visual impairment. Cataracts can happen in one or both eyes and it can lead to even blindness. Signs of cataracts are a whitish, blue, or grey areas in the center of the eye. It can lead to behavioral changes in relation to decreased vision. Dogs can use their other senses like hearing and smell when this happens, so it can be difficult to detect cataracts. Cataracts can happen after the eye has gone through a trauma. It can even be present when the dog is firstborn.
Arthritis
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It means any abnormal change in a joint. It is common in older dogs. Arthritis can cause chronic pain and can result in permanent joint damage. The knees, shoulders, and elbows are the most affected joints in dogs. The signs of arthritis are that your dog will be slower to stand up and become less active. It is painful for the dog. Dogs are able to hide their pain also in the initial stages. Exercise, weight control, and the necessary medicines can help get rid of arthritis.
Ear infections
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Ear infections are common in those dogs which are long-eared. This is also with those dogs who spend a lot of time outside. Dirt, dust, and any foreign object can get into the dog’s ears. It can cause irritation. This leads to infection. The signs of this are that the dog frequently paws at their ears and shakes his head. Infected ears can become red or dusty. There can be any discharge also. Ear drops prescribed by the doctor can help get rid of ear infection.
Kennel cough
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Kennel cough is a condition that occurs when the dog is kept in a crowded space like an animal shelter or pet accommodation. It is a contagious disease. It spreads easily between animals. It can also be spread by contact with a contaminated surface. It is like the common cold. It is not very serious. If your pet gets this, you should keep him at rest and give him good food and water. You can also give antibiotics prescribed by a vet if the case is severe.
Fleas and ticks
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Fleas are common parasites. Every dog gets it. Fleas change hosts and the dog can get it by coming in contact with an infected animal. Fleas infection leads to itching. The dog does scratching and pawing to get rid of itching. The right medication can remove fleas.
Ticks are a serious condition. The paralysis tick is the most common. It can cause poisoning of the blood and even death. Dogs get paralysis ticks if they get outdoors more often and get into grasses. Tick control is done to protect against ticks.
Heartworm
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Heartworms are parasitic worms that get into a pet’s heart and lungs. They grow in great lengths. They are life-threatening. You should consult a vet in case it occurs.
Fractures
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Fractures can occur if there is any traumatic event that has occurred like any fall or injury. Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture. Some are easy to treat while some require surgeries.
By Bhawna