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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Skin allergies in pets can cause incessant scratching, leading to skin infections. Don’t dismiss their discomfort as just a minor itch.
7. Arthritis
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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
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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
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Discharge, redness, or squinting? Eye issues can escalate quickly, potentially resulting in blindness if not addressed promptly.
10. Heart Disease
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Laboured breathing or persistent coughing aren’t just cold symptoms; they could indicate a serious respiratory infection.
15. Liver Disease
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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
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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.