🦴 Updated on November 11th, 2024
Are you paying enough attention to these common health issues? If you truly want to keep your furry friend around and healthy for a long time, it’s time to start noticing what you might be missing.
1. Dental Problems
Think bad breath is just a harmless nuisance? Wrong. It’s often the first warning sign of dental disease, which can spiral into serious infections and tooth loss if ignored.
2. Obesity
Yes, chubby pets are cute, but that extra weight is doing more harm than good, setting them up for diabetes, joint pain, and heart disease.
3. Ear Infections
If your pet is scratching their ear or shaking their head more than usual, they could be dealing with an ear infection. Leaving this untreated can lead to chronic pain or hearing loss.
4. Parasites
Fleas, ticks, and worms aren’t just gross; they’re harmful. Parasites can lead to everything from itchy skin to life-threatening anaemia.
5. Urinary Tract Infections
Ignoring your pet’s straining or frequent urination could mean missing a urinary tract infection, which, if untreated, can lead to kidney damage.
6. Skin Allergies
Skin allergies in pets can cause incessant scratching, leading to skin infections. Don’t dismiss their discomfort as just a minor itch.
7. Arthritis
Your older pet slowing down might not just be “old age.” Arthritis can cause significant pain, and ignoring it doesn’t make you any less responsible.
8. Obesity-Related Diabetes
Feeding your pet like they’re a waste disposal doesn’t just make them fat—it can lead to diabetes. Time to rethink those extra treats and portions.
9. Eye Issues
Discharge, redness, or squinting? Eye issues can escalate quickly, potentially resulting in blindness if not addressed promptly.
10. Heart Disease
Ignoring coughing or breathing difficulties is a rookie mistake. These could be signs of heart disease, which can be fatal without proper management.
11. Gastrointestinal Blockages
Pets eat weird things. If they’re vomiting or constipated, they could have a blockage. This is an emergency, not an ‘I’ll wait and see’ situation.
12. Lumps and Bumps
Found a lump? Don’t just hope it’ll go away. Some can be cancerous, and early detection is key to successful treatment.
13. Thyroid Issues
Weight changes, energy loss, or coat problems could signal thyroid issues. These conditions are manageable, but only if you actually manage them.
14. Respiratory Infections
Laboured breathing or persistent coughing aren’t just cold symptoms; they could indicate a serious respiratory infection.
15. Liver Disease
Ignoring signs like jaundice or behavioural changes can mean missing liver disease. The liver is vital; don’t let your negligence be the reason it fails.
Wake Up and Smell the Veterinary Bills
Ignoring these issues doesn’t make you laid-back; it makes you negligent. It’s time to tune in to your pet’s health needs and act before minor issues become major crises.
The post 15 Common Pet Health Issues You’re Probably Ignoring first appeared on PawShore.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / RossHelen.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
